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Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the
fascinating '8c Competizione' concept car is destined to become the 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 prevalently carbon
fibre 2-seater, with its aggressive proportions: 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 front bumper. A stylistic balance that has its
maximum expression in the daring design of the rear window and the whole rear
mudguard.
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°) unit combined with a 6-speed manual rear
transmission, that 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, 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 driving control you would expect of rear-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. |
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