Alfa Romeo unveiled an exhilarating new sports car concept, at the
Frankfurt Motor Show. It is called the 8c Competizione.
In the 1930s and 40s, the "8c" signature that returns here, identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano.
The term "Competizione" on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coupé driven by Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race in 1950. So "8c Competizione" is not a meaningless name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history.
This new Alfa two-seater is 1900 mm wide, 4278 mm long and 1250 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2595 mm. In addition to this, the large tyres (245/40 - R20 at the front and 275/35 - R20 at the rear) and the powerful, muscular rear wings accentuate the impression the model gives of a strong, forceful personality.
This does not detract in any way from the elegance of the lines that run smoothly from front to back, to the light clusters set into the integral bumpers. A stylistic balance that has its maximum expression in the daring design of the rear window that covers the rear and partially envelopes the rear pillars.
The front elements have been positioned as they were on the most important Alfa racing cars of the past - the "whiskers" and shield are aligned at the same height - a decision of historical and evolutionary significance.
Under the bonnet lurks a 4.2-litre V8 turbo engine. This powerful unit delivers over 400 bhp at 7 000 rpm and together with a 6-speed manual gearbox (and rear-wheel drive), takes the prototype to a claimed top speed of nearly 200 mph. The car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The car is beautiful, and the specs are mouth-watering, but I doubt there is room in the Fiat Group for a car that would effectively rival the Ferrari 360 and the Maserati 4200 GT. Though I would like to be proven wrong.
Wheels24 - 20 Sep 2003
