Thanks to the new concept's lightweight construction, the car can reportedly reach 100 km/h in a mere 4.5 seconds, finalizing at a top speed in excess of 300 km/h. As a reference, this compares to 4.9 seconds in the Maserati coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission, a much heavier car.
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| Alfa Romeo has switched back to rear-wheel drive for the 8C, hopefully pointing the sporting brand in a more positive direction. (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
When it comes to building a serious performance car there is simply no substitution for rear-wheel drive - OK, a few Lamborghinis, the Porsche Turbo and the new Bugatti seem to do pretty well with all-wheel drive. Alfa, on the other hand, made the switch to front-wheel drive long ago for reasons of practicality and economy, a decision that still doesn't rest well with loyal Alfisti. Rest assured that the 8C Competizione is rear-wheel drive, hopefully pointing the sporting brand in a more positive direction.
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| Alfa maintains that the 8C is exceptionally sporty while combining control and comfort with pinpoint responsiveness on all paved roads. (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
The 8C's engine connects power through to the road via a six-speed manual transmission, located in the rear of the car in traditional Alfa fashion. The odd placement optimizes balance resulting in a near equal weight distribution, the desired setup for high speed handling.
The latter is taken care of by double wishbones mounted at all four corners and specially tuned springs and dampers. With large 20-inch wheels all-round, wrapped in 245/40 ZR 20 tires pointing the way ahead and 275/35 ZR 20 rubber pushing from behind, Alfa maintains that the 8C is exceptionally sporty while combining control and comfort with pinpoint responsiveness on all paved roads.