Brenda Priddy & Company reports:
We've seen two different concepts: one in 2003, and another in Paris in 2006, but here's the production version of Alfa's all-new 8C. This latest Alfa Romeo jewel, which will be produced in a limited edition of just 500, has been photographed while testing at the German Nürburgring.
As Alfa 8C Competizione takes on its role as a leading player, the combination of the exhilaration generated by its design and the pleasure of its drive clearly make Alfa Romeo stand out within its category. Comparing both, the concepts and the prototype shown here, we're able to reveal the many modifications that will turn the show-stunner into a road-legal production car: new air intakes, softer edges, wider A-pillars and many more.
The car will be powered by an unprecedented 4,591-cm, 90-degree eight-cylinder engine. Maximum engine performance is 450 bhp at 7000 rpm, with a peak torque of 470 Nm at 4,750 rpm and top speed capacity at 7,500 rpm.
With six gears and a computerized gearbox system situated behind the steering wheel, the new 8C offers pinpoint gear response and has been developed to be driven at manual-regular, manual-sporty, automatic-regular, automatic-sporty and ice modes.
The 8C's suspension and brake systems have been designed using racetrack engineering and developed technologies. The front and rear dual wishbone suspension and aluminum calipers ensure exceptional traction and braking performance. The 8C makes use of Alfa Romeo's latest VDC technology (advanced stability and traction-control systems) to offer the best driving performance in any situation, as well as guaranteed driving safety. And we're expecting the 8C Competizione to mark Alfa's re-entry into the U.S. market.
