Alfa Romeo 8C

The 8C Competizione makes its debut in Paris

She is the Queen of the Paris Motor Show: the new Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - a two-seater super sports car that embodies the quintessence of Italian racing cars, and will be produced as a limited edition. Derived from the prototype presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, it combines the very latest technologies with a body that offers a modern interpretation of the style of some of the most famous racing cars from the past, including, notably, the 33 Coupé Stradale and the Giulia TZ (Zagato tubular body) from the 1960s. Even the name itself - 8C Competizione – harks back to the Alfa Romeo greats of the Thirties, and will get the pulse of all true fans racing.
Conceived at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre in Arese and developed in collaboration with Maserati, the new saloon is an uncompromising sports car. Studied down to the smallest detail, to get the very best in terms of performance and driving pleasure, its light, strong structure features a steel chassis supporting a carbon fibre body.

The engine is an amazing new 4.7-litre, 8-cylinder 90°V unit, capable of delivering 450 horsepower. It comes with rear-wheel drive, and a 6-speed robotic gearbox placed in the rear train, in a single unit with the differential, for better weight distribution. It has the same layout as the legendary Alfetta single-seater, twice winner of the Formula One world title, in 1950 and 1951. The suspension system features deformable wishbones, like those found on racing cars. Even the tyres have been chosen to give the very best in terms of performance: ultra-low, they are mounted on 20” wheels and are wider at the rear (283/35 against 245/35). Helping to tame the 450 horsepower of the 8C Competizione is the car’s aerodynamics, giving a negative lift effect for increased grip and stability, and the use of the very latest version of the VDC electronic system. This system guarantees dynamic control of the car even in emergency situations, without penalising driving pleasure. The quest for on-the-road behaviour that can satisfy even the most demanding drivers is also behind the new Alfa Romeo 147 Q2, making its world premiers in Paris.

Fitted with the 1.9 JTDM 150 bhp turbodiesel and featuring exclusive sporting trim, this version uses a new self-blocking differential – called the Q2 – which increases the car’s ability to ‘discharge’ the engine torque, improving the ca’s dynamic control and driving pleasure. The 147 Q2 is easily recognisable for its low trim, rear spoiler and for the satin-finish steel elements (radiator grille, ‘whiskers’, and mirrors). On the inside, a host of details emphasise this version’s sporty personality, summed up by one detail in particular: the pierced aluminium pedals. Next to the Q2, the Alfa Romeo stand also features two special versions of the 147: the Black Line II and the Collezione II. Fitted respectively with the twin-shaft 1.6 Twin Spark 120 bhp petrol engine and the 1.9 JTDM 150 bhp turbodiesel unit, they are exclusive versions with a lowered trim, 17” alloy wheels, a particularly lavish range of equipment and a truly exclusive look. In particular, the Black Line II combines the Alfa Red body with the roof and certain other elements in gloss black, while the Collezione II is black with black and cream leather interiors.

Alongside these attractions, Alfa Romeo also has its most recent models on display in Paris: the 159 saloon and Sportwagon, the Spider, the 2+2 Brera and the Black Line version of the GT coupé. We think it safe to say that this year’s Alfa stand will be one of the most popular with the Paris public.