Like the Alfa 8C Competizione, the Gran Turismo which received
resounding global praise, the 8C Spider will be produced in a limited
edition run of 500. Elaborated by the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the new
car re-affirms the brand's excellence in this sector, as shown by some
Spider's being regarded among the most beautiful cars in global
automotive history. Cars such as the Giulietta Spider from the 50's or
the legendary Duetto made famous by "The Graduate" from 1967 with a
young Dustin Hoffman. Today, it's the Alfa 8C Spider's turn to take
centre stage and project into the future the values of technology and
emotion which belong to the Alfa Romeo legacy.
Obviously, the new
vehicle inherits all the winning features of the Coupè version.
Starting with the two "sport seats" setup and the fascinating exterior
lines, which characterized by sculpted and finely designed bodywork,
"dress" the automotive and mechanical excellence of the model.
In
detail, the marked dynamics of the vehicle are highlighted by the
horizontal groove "built" into the bonnet at wheel level. The oversize
wheels and powerful "muscles" of the rear mudguard accentuate the
personality and force of the model, without diminishing the elegance of
those fluid lines. Instead they highlight the formal beauty of the
singular external features: the "teardrop" fog lights set like a
precious jewel in the front mudguard, the front Led lights, a synthesis
of technology and rationality, and the essential door handle.
Furthermore, in the front we can find the characteristic Alfa Romeo
stylings, with a new interpretaion of the "whiskers" and shield. Without
forgetting, that this innovative range anticipates the elements and
proportions of the future Alfa Romeo cars, always with complete respect
for the historical legacy of the brand.
It's worth underlining
that to reach these top levels of areo-dynamic efficiency, solutions
which don't limit themselves to the design of the form have been adopted
on the Alfa 8C Spider. All the surfaces and profiles of the uprights
and windows, together with the form and positioning of the rear-view
mirrors, have been optimized using computer models and tests in wind
tunnels and real-life environments. As a result, air flows round the
vehicle following it's natural path, unhampered by corners and
irregularities. The end result is a negative LC (lift coefficient) which
like competition vehicles, contributes to stability at high speeds.
But
the peculiarity of this vehicle, is the hooded top fitted with
electro-hydraulic automatic control (controllable via a button on the
dashboard). The hooded top of the Alfa 8C Spider is composed of two
overlapping sheets: the external one is made with a multi-thread textile
which can withstand the elements, whilst the interior has high
sound-proofing qualities. Furthermore, the hooded roof-top, available in
various colours, has been perfected aesthetically, aerodynamically and
for acoustic comfort. It has also been perfected from a functional point
of view, with specially developed film-reels to render more agile,
rapid and secure any explanations of the functioning.
In the
interior, the Alfa 8C Spider guarantees a sophisticated environment,
thanks to the vast use of composite materials in the dashboard and
internal panels, as well as the use of anatomical seats, produced in
carbon fibres, that can be adjusted according to the physical
characteristics of the driver (up to now, a feature only available to
racing cars). Furthermore, for maximum possible personalization of the
interior, the client can chose between different environments and
aesthetic solutions. All distinguishable by the particular attention to
detail and artisan workmanship: from the contrasting stitches, colour
tone and exclusive matchings. The bucket seats are upholstered in Frau
flower leather (an exclusive and innovative treatment of the weave, in
which the leather is bound to a natural fibre, creating a look of great
visual impact).
In analogous fashion to the interior, the same
care has been taken in realizing the exteriors: from the alloy wheels to
the brake calipers, every detail can be chosen to your particular
design, because every Alfa 8C Spider can only look similar to itself. An
unmistakable car made to measure for the owner's personality. The
unique and un-repeatable Alfa 8C Spider announces the pleasure of a
sporty drive with full respect for the brand's legacy.
Like in
the best Alfa Romeo tradition, hidden under this pretty "dress" is the
best of what's available in the field of mechanics and propulsions.
Firstly, the Alfa 8C Spider has a rigid and light structure (the compact
frame is made in steel for maximum torsion to guarantee a drive which
is always precise and sure, whilst the body is in carbon fibre). We are
dealing with a choice motivated by the need to reduce as much as
possible the weight but also to optimize the centre of gravity for
agility and drive-ability in the more demanding journeys.
Still
under the banner of sophisticated technology, the Alfa 8C Spider adopts
the new "8 cylinder mated to a 5-speed gearbox with 90°" and a capacity
of 4691 cm3 which has been designed with one specific aim: guarantee
extraordinary performances without relinquishing the fluidity of the
gearshift or the ease of use in any driving context. Like so, a powerful
and progressive propulsion is born with a top power of 450 CV at 7.000
rpm and a maximum torque of 7.500 rpm. This engine has been mated to a
self-shifting 6-speed gearshift (with computerized selection of the
gears via levers behind the steering-wheel), and a self-blocking
differential unit.
As in the legendary Formula 1 vehicles from
the 50's, the Alfa 8C Spider sports the Transaxle design which
guarantees the best equilibrium in the partioning of weight. The
propulsion is placed in the rear whilst the gearshift is placed behind
along the differential and hydraulic motor unit. The Transaxle design
foresees a tight connection between motor and gearshift, which is fitted
with a self-blocking differential. The two groups are linked by a
tubular element, at the interior of which rotates the transmission
driving shaft: in this manner the load is distributed in an optimal
manner between the front and rear suspension.
So much power can
only be entrusted to an excellent braking system: the Alfa 8C Spider is
fitted with carbo-ceramic Brembo (CCM), 380 mm in diameter on the
front-wheels and 360 mm on the back-wheels. This solution guarantees a
powerful brake action even in the most intense uses. The marked
reduction in weight, in comparison to a traditional set-up, reduces the
masses unsupported by the vehicle and so improves the dynamic
performance and driving comfort. Furthermore, the mono-block calipers
guarantee maximum rigidity and minimal deformation, given the high loads
generated by the pressure of the pistons on the brake-linings.
Therefore,
the Alfa 8C Spider "declares itself Alfa" all the way, confirming
control and driving pleasure with no compromises. Since always, gear
comfort and dynamic performance are qualities specific to Alfa Romeo
cars: in this case they have become veritable strong points. Thanks to
for example, the suspensions which foresee a high wishbone suspension
with brackets and uprights in forged aluminium, that act as a
supplementary strut for alignment control.
Contributing also to
the brilliant road control are specially developed 20" tyres to insure
excellent performance, the tyres have a: 245/35 front-suspension and a
rear-suspension of 285/35. Fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded
aluminium to ensure lightness and maximum brake ventilation efficiency.
Lastly, the Alfa 8C Spider uses an evolved VDC Alfa Romeo traction and
stability system, which ensures the driver feels at one with his car.
