(from Alfa Romeo Press Release) Daniele Bandiera, President of the Alfa
Romeo Business Unit, presented an exciting concept car to the
international press this morning. It is called the "8c Competizione" and
it joins the other important novelties displayed on the Alfa Romeo stand
at the 60th Frankfurt International Motor Show: the new Alfa 166 (also
having its world preview), the Alfa GT, the new 156 and Sportwagon, and
the GTV and Spider models with their recently revamped styling and
features.
Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, this prototype
will become a true brand icon, evoking a great sports car tradition of
which the name is part. In the Thirties and Forties, 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 an invented
name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history. And of course the
Alfa Romeo legend was created to a great extent by the victories its
cars achieved on race courses all around the world. There were so many
of them that alone they represent a long, fascinating chapter, made of
men and competitive spirit, engines and cutting edge technical ideas.
The protagonists of the inestimable human and technological heritage
that is responsible for today's beautiful cars, full of character and,
above all, capable of combining the beauty of the styling with the
pleasure of driving them.
Let us admire then the captivating, original lines of this carbon fibre
2-seater, and its extremely generous measurements: 1900 mm wide, 4278 mm
long and 1250 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2595 mm. The body is given
extra dynamism by the horizontal furrow cut into the side above the
front wheelarch.
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 envelops the rear pillars.
The front elements have been repositioned
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. But a rapid glance will reveal
that the styling of the whole exterior is full of classical references,
an ideal opportunity for a modern interpretation of traditional Alfa
stylistic cues. For example, the front end recalls the former 33 Coupé
Stradale, while the rear sports the characteristic round light clusters
of the Giulia TZ.
It is difficult to be indifferent to the '8c Competizione' concept car,
because it is the pure expression of Alfa Romeo's concept of the car.
And with this new model, Alfa's stylistic language takes a further step
forward. Compared to another concept car, the 'Nuvola', which also
featured the shapes and surface treatment of the new Alfa Romeo
aesthetics, the styling approach of the Alfa 8c Competizione enhances
the brand's DNA with a modern hi-tech interpretation of the most famous
designs in Alfa Romeo history.
Nor can we forget that the Alfa Romeo sports cars of past and present
all share a particular feature: the ability to thrill even the most
experienced drivers when they take the wheel. And the Alfa 8c
Competizione is no exception. Suffice it to say that under the bonnet
lurks a 4.2 litre V8 (90°) turbo engine with a volumetric compressor.
This powerful unit delivers over 400 bhp at 7000 rpm and together with a
6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed
above 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.5
seconds. This engine commands not only absolute performance and
outstanding peaks of power and torque (over 45 kgm at 4500 rpm), but
also smooth, effortless delivery even at low speeds. The result is a car
capable of exciting performance, that is perfectly at home on everyday
roads and not only on the racetrack.
The 8c Competizione combines this brilliant performance with
extraordinary roadholding and the handling of a true thoroughbred. The
merit goes to the dual wishbone suspension at front and rear, which
ensures extremely enjoyable handling, combining the control you would
expect of front-wheel drive with an exceptionally sporty drive and
pinpoint response, which are particularly important on mixed routes. We
must underline that Alfa Romeo chose rear-wheel drive on the 8c
Competizione to support the exuberant engine and to deliver truly
unbeatable emotions.
