The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione has just made its UK public debut. Let us admire then the rather captivating lines that run smoothly from front to back and enjoy the abundance of classical references, a sharp reminder of Alfa's racing heritage.

Antonio Barrevalle, Alfa's new CEO, was not wrong when speaking of the new Alfa last year, "We have cut the budget for our advertising campaign and will do the 8C instead, it's the perfect way to promote the Alfa brand."

No longer just a tantalising fantasy, as was the case when the 8C concept made its debut at the Frankfurt show in 2003, the delightfully curvaceous Alfa 8C has arrived. The Competizione made its public debut at this year's Canary Wharf Motorexpo and also appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend.

Back in 2003, parent company Fiat was more concerned with survival than playing with toys. However, even as Fiat stepped back from the precipice, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, Alfa's previous CEO and supporter of the 8C project, struggled to gain the financial commitment to move things forward. Nevertheless, Barrevalle had the creative idea to use the 8C as a tool to boost Alfa's brand and therefore justify a reduction in their advertising budget. The president of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, was reported to have said, "If the figures add up, do it."

Alfa's new and exotic two-seater has a full carbon fibre body and is powered by a 4.7-litre 90-degree V8, which produces 450bhp at just over 7,000rpm and maximum torque of 348lb.ft at 4,750rpm. A six-speed paddle-shift transmission will point the power towards the rear axle. The light weight body is complemented by the alloy block and cylinder head; it seems that Alfa is promising to deliver deft dynamics in tandem with its usual forté of gorgeous looks.

We suspect that the performance of the 8C will be more comparable to a high-revving Ferrari than any previous Maserati, which are the more laid back cousins. However, Maserati's new coupe will share the 8C's basic platform and engine, and will be a 'cheaper' alternative for those that have missed out on the 500 8Cs to be built. Only 42 of those are destined for the UK.

Priced at just under £110,000, the 8C will no doubt be compared to similarly priced metal, so lets hope it handles as delightfully as it looks; then surely it will deliver on Mr Barrevalle's promise to advance Alfa's brand.

Richard Tanner - 25 Jun 2007