8C Spider : The Alfa Romeo tradition
A car that will mark the year 2009. This Italian of explosive charm has everything it takes to seduce… 500 lucky owners. And not one more !
For Alfa Romeo has decided to produce just 500 models, as it did for the coupé version. The 8C Spider, also known as the exceptional new “fold-back”, will thus be available at the beginning of next year, but in a very limited edition. A rare pearl. Characterized by typically trans-Alpine elegance, showing total respect for the Alfa Romeo tradition and extraordinary driving experiences. For this model, the Alfa Romeo Style Centre has opted for the very best, in terms of both mechanics and motorisation. Just like the coupé, its predecessor, this strictly 2-seater model boasts a powerful V8 engine offering 450 hp capable of thrusting the car to a speed of close on 290 km/hr ; it comes with a robotized 6-ratio gearbox, with controls on the steering-wheel. Sleek and sculptural, the Alfa 8C Spider benefits from a rigid but light structure with a steel chassis and a carbon fibre body. A choice explained by the desire to reduce the vehicle’s weight and thus lower its centre of gravity to ensure improved on-road behaviour. In the same spirit, the designers have paid special attention to aerodynamism, so that the air envelops this super sports car by following a natural flow unencumbered by any obstacles. A challenge won hands down, as the car has a negative lift ratio which increases its stability at high speeds. Furthermore, the 8C Spider is endowed with the most advanced version of the VDC Alfa Romeo stability control system. Also worth knowing : its brakes are made of Brembo carbo-ceramic (CCM), with a front diameter of 380 mm and 360 mm at the rear. Driving with one’s hair in the wind and one’s head almost in the clouds is the stated aim when one takes one’s place aboard this latest offering from Alfa Romeo. No way you’ll drive with the roof on. The roof is in fact fitted with an electro-hydraulic system which is very ease to use : it is quite simply activated at the push of a button on the dashboard. Available in a choice of colours, the roof itself consists of two overlapping fabrics. The outer multi-layer fabric proves to be highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and all kinds of onslaughts, natural or otherwise. As for the inner layer, it ensures excellent insulation as well as total acoustic comfort in the passenger compartment. The car’s interior has an extremely sophisticated atmosphere thanks to composite and noble materials, especially for the dashboard and seats (in full-grain Frau leather). When you learn that this little gem has drop headlights, round LED rear lights and black wing mirrors, the Alfa 8C Spider will hold no further secrets for you. With this model, the road had better be on its best behaviour. N
8 C Spider in figures :
Length : 4381 mm
Widht : 1894 mm
Top speed : 290 km/h
From 0 to 100 km/h : 4,4 s
Price : 180.000 € HT
By Cécile Olivéro
