The Australian International Motor Show (26 October – 4 November 2006) will see the return to Australian shores of an iconic automotive name, the Alfa Romeo Spider, with the launch of the all-new open-top model taking place just in time for the Spring.

Although the archetypal Alfa Romeo Spider is the 1960’s Duetto that entered the public consciousness when a Dustin Hoffman piloted a red – of course – Duetto Spider on his way to his fateful meeting with Mrs Robinson in the film ‘The Graduate’, the Spider has been has been at the heart of the company right back to its foundation. Although early models such as the 40-60hp and the RL were known generically as spiders, the first model to carry Spider as part of its name was the 8C 2300 Spider.“

Alfa Romeo’s core values are performance and style,” explains David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “The Spider is the embodiment of these values. Originally the quickest way to achieve performance was with a light, open top body that was sleek and aerodynamic to maximize the available potential from the engine and chassis, in other words, the original sports car. Today, the new Spider is the epitome of the Alfa Romeo, with performance, style and ability in depth. It remains the very definition of Alfa Romeo.”

Although the all-new Alfa Romeo Spider is based on the acclaimed Brera Coupe, it is much more than a roofless version of the Brera. The Spider is strictly a two seat sports car; it has been extensively styled at the rear to focus attention on its open top character, with pronounced rear wheel arches, a cover for the folded roof that is shaped to flow up towards the polished chrome roll bars in the form of a ‘speedster’ top.
 

Two versions of the new Alfa Spider, starting with a recommended retail price of AUS$76,950, will be available from launch, with a choice of engines, a 2.2 litre JTS 136 kW four cylinder unit, and a 3.2 litre JTS 191 kW V6.With specific power outputs of up to 62 kW/litre, and almost 90 per cent of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both petrol JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) units boast outstanding performance, yet offer significant fuel savings and readily comply with the stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is available for ordering now, with a recommended retail price for the Spider 2.2 JTS of AUS$76,950 and the Spider 3.2 JTS Q4 is priced at AUS$100,950. The Spider will be available with the new Q-Tronic six speed automatic gearbox early in 2007, when prices for this version will be announced. In addition, the Spider 3.2 JTS V6 is equipped with premium Pieno Fiore Sports Leather, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, Xenon headlights with headlight washers, Bose audio system and Bluetooth telephone connection system. The alloy wheels are also a different style for the V6. Options are metallic paint and for the 2.2 JTS Spider, the electrically adjustable seats and Bluetooth system.