13 Nov 03
One of the unquestionable stars at the 2003 Frankfurt motorshow was Alfa Romeo's stunning 8C Competizione. The compact carbon-fibre bodied two-seater concept borrows classical style elements from Alfa's racing sports coupes of the 1950s, famously driven by the likes of Juan Manuel Fangio in the legendary Mille Miglia race.
The compact coupe features a 2595mm wheelbase and short overhangs, which combine with voluptuously curved bodywork to provide a hugely muscular stance. The car is at once pretty and menacing, especially as it sits on mammoth 20 wheels. And the rear lights are neatly evocative of Giulia TZ, while the nose recalls the sensational 33 Coupe Stradale.
The 8C is powered by a Ferrari-developed Maserati 4.2-litre V8 with a volumetric compressor producing some 420bhp, which it directs to the rear wheels via a six speed manual transmission. In theory, this gives the Alfa concept a top speed of 180mph and a 0-60mph sprint in under five seconds. With dual wishbones at either end, the 8C should also be capable of typical Alfa handling; entertaining, involving and balanced.
The 8C is meant as a celebration of all the best elements of Alfa Romeo, from its racing heritage to the overtly sporting overtones of its road cars. And according to Italiaspeed - www.italiaspeed.com - Alfa Rome is planning to produce up to 1000 of the cars if they feel that the response is positive enough, priced at about 100,000 Euros. The production model will reportedly have Alfa Romeo's all new 4.3-litre V8, which produces a stunning 480bhp. The company is thinking about alternative names for the new Alfa, including candidates such as Targa Florio or Nuvola. Production could start next year.
