Do you remember the great Alfa Romeo sports cars of the '30s and '40s that were equipped with the revolutionary eight cylinder engine produced
by the famous designer Vittorio Jano? The gorgeous 8C Competizione, the latest addition to the Alfa Romeo lineup, will certainly refresh your memory.
Launched this week at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, this exclusive Gran Turismo model is actually based on the concept car that amazed visitors at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Centre can offer. Alfa Romeo was responsible for the design, while Maserati is in charge of production (in limited numbers).
The very first thing you notice about the 8C Competizione is the incredibly sleek and clean styling that screams performance. All the aerodynamics have been optimized by mathematical modelling and also by wind tunnel
testing. The car sports big 20-inch wheels and muscular shoulders that emphasize its personality and strength without detracting from the smooth flowing lines.
Under the hood is a brand new all-aluminum 4.7-litre V8 engine with variable valve timing that was designed with one goal in mind: to ensure extraordinary performance while still offering a smooth drive and being usable in all circumstances, on the track and in city traffic. It generates 450 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 347 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm through a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. As with other Alfa Romeos, the 8C Competizione uses a transaxle architecture with gearbox at the rear, a layout that allows outstanding dynamic performance and active safety.
Other components worth mentioning include a double wishbone suspension, perforated and ventilated disc brakes as well as an advanced stability and traction control system. The car also benefits from a rigid,
light structure made up of a compact steel frame and a carbon fibre body. The result is a reduced weight and a lower centre of gravity for better handling on demanding roads.
Inside, the car's distinctive look comes from extensive use of composite materials on the dashboard and interior panels. The two anatomical bucket seats made out of carbon fibre can be adjusted to the owner's physical characteristics. Different interior environments are also available to customize the car.
Too bad Alfa Romeo hasn't made its return on North American shores.
 |
| (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
Launched this week at the 2006 Paris Auto Show, this exclusive Gran Turismo model is actually based on the concept car that amazed visitors at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. It has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Centre can offer. Alfa Romeo was responsible for the design, while Maserati is in charge of production (in limited numbers).
The very first thing you notice about the 8C Competizione is the incredibly sleek and clean styling that screams performance. All the aerodynamics have been optimized by mathematical modelling and also by wind tunnel
 |
| (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
Under the hood is a brand new all-aluminum 4.7-litre V8 engine with variable valve timing that was designed with one goal in mind: to ensure extraordinary performance while still offering a smooth drive and being usable in all circumstances, on the track and in city traffic. It generates 450 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 347 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm through a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. As with other Alfa Romeos, the 8C Competizione uses a transaxle architecture with gearbox at the rear, a layout that allows outstanding dynamic performance and active safety.
Other components worth mentioning include a double wishbone suspension, perforated and ventilated disc brakes as well as an advanced stability and traction control system. The car also benefits from a rigid,
 |
| (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
Inside, the car's distinctive look comes from extensive use of composite materials on the dashboard and interior panels. The two anatomical bucket seats made out of carbon fibre can be adjusted to the owner's physical characteristics. Different interior environments are also available to customize the car.
Too bad Alfa Romeo hasn't made its return on North American shores.
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