Jalopnik: 8c

First Alfa Romeo 8C Competitzione Sold In US Parked At New York Train Station?

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

Exactly a month after we told you 84 copies of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competitzione would be coming to US shores, reader KingRoyale spotted this one parked outside the Rye, NY train station. The lusty Italian coupe apparently wore a license plate reading "001 USA" leading us to wonder if this is in fact the first Alfa Romeo sold in the US since 1995. The Alfa certainly stands out like a sore thumb against the fall backdrop, doing its job of being obnoxiously beautiful. UPDATE: Word has it this Alfa belongs to James Glickenhaus, and is his current commuter to and from the train station.

Alfa Romeo Officially Returns To US Market This Month With 8C Competizione

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Alfa Romeo made it official a year ago when they announced plans to return to the US auto market after a 13-year cooling-off period. But now it's actually here, as the Italian automaker begins to rekindle its romance with the US auto market later this month, when they import 84 copies of its exclusive Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The lusty — and already spoken-for — sports cars will be made available through the existing Maserati dealer network, with another run of 8C Competizione Spyders and 8C Competizione GTAs planned as well. As we've already told you — this impromptu return may act as the lead for additional models to hit US shores in the late-2009/early-2010 time frame (right about when the DOW will hit 200 and gas will be hovering around $9 a gallon). So that'll work well.

[MotorAuthority]

Alfa Romeo 8C GTA Mule Spotted Near Nurburgring

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Rumor has it that Alfa Romeo will be building a special 8C supercar dubbed the GTA to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary, and one reports suggests that this lightly taped mule seen near the Nurburgring is that car. What makes this red 8C different from any other 8C? The exhaust note has been described as "darker," which would aptly describe the Ferrari California's 4.3-liter direct-injection V8 that reportedly powers the rumored 8C GTA. Whether or not the GTA actually sees the light of day, we'd love to see additional speculation just for an excuse to post more 8C pictures.

[Autogespot]

Alfa Romeo Could Californicate, Build 8C Replacement Off Ferrari California

Mark Arnold — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EDT

In a recent interview, Alfa Romeo's global marketing director, Sergio Cravero, expressed his desire to have an Alfa Romeo model based on the new 2009 Ferrari California. "It would be great if Ferrari let us do it... but they are very hard to convince." The potential model would be a replacement for Alfa's current dragon-bait halo cars, the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider. Of course, the 8C hasn't been a directly profitable model for Alfa, so we're thinking that they're hoping to actually make some money by mooching more from Ferrari for the next car. [autocar]

Alfa Romeo Mi.To Meets 8C Competizione In Photo Studio, Wants Some Attention Too

Wes Siler — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

This is what's known in the industry as the Halo effect. Believe it or not, Alfa Romeo aren't making the 8C Competizione because they lay awake at night dreaming about the color red combined with 450bhp V8s, but because their accountants spend all day figuring out what building such a vehicle will have on the sales of bread and butter models like the Mi.To hatch. We're pleasantly surprised to see so many design similarities between the Alfa we can afford and the one we can't, well, from the front and rear at least. Mi.To sales start in Europe this July with engines ranging from 95-155bhp. The 8C should be making it stateside later this year, heralding a return to the country for the brand, lets hope the Mi.To will follow. [via Autoblog.it]

Alfa Romeo Wants To Save US Automakers From Empty Assembly Lines

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EDT

We already knew Fiat's Alfa Romeo was bringing the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to the US and using the Maserati distribution network to do it. We'd also heard one option Fiat was discussing was creation of a new plant in Mexico to supply North America with volume models like the 159 sedan and upcoming Mi.To and 149 hatchbacks. But what we didn't know, if the coy allusions made in an article appearing in today's Financial Times are to be believed, is that Fiat CEO Sergio "March Madness" Marchionne may be looking at snatching up excess capacity at US automakers.

If you think about it, such a deal would be a marriage made in convenience heaven, especially given the current value of the US Dollar against the Euro. We're also fairly certain the US automakers would be eager to part ways with the cash black hole of unused auto plants. So putting the two together would be a profit-making proposal we could easily see happening. We're only hoping the UAW labor won't balk at the idea of having to meet those legendary high Italian quality levels. [FT.com]

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Rears Its Extremely Pretty Head

Travis Hudson — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:45:00 EST

It's not often that I quickly look past blonde and presumably Italian (or maybe Swiss) "booth professionals," but the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider has that affect on a man. Yes, friends, the highly anticipated Geneva debut of the Spider is finally here. This car has the same 450 HP 4.7-liter V8 as its brother, the 8C Competizione, which earned its own Very Special Jalopnik Day and still makes Ray twitch nervously. If you haven't already noticed, the Spider features a fully automatic electro-hydraulic convertible top that has been engineered with the same aerodynamic and performance precision as the rest of the ride. Much to the dismay of anyone with eyes and a pulse, only 500 of these will be manufactured. Pretty much ensures that you won't be getting one (Fiat scion, exec and world-class playboy/recovering 12-stepper Lapo Elkann, on the other hand...) It matters not. The live pictures of this Chariot of the Gods are here to be drooled over.

Alfa 8C Spider, a global preview
Debuting at Geneva showroom is the captivating Alfa 8C Spider. Like the Alfa 8C Competizione, the Gran Turismo which received resounding global praise; the new "discovery" 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 partitioning 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.

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Name the New Alfa

Wes Siler — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EDT

Alfa Romeo's run out of ideas for naming its next model - temporarily dubbed "Junior" - and wants you to help. The compact coupe will go on sale during the second quarter of 2008 and will feature the company's new 1.4-liter T-Jet engines, which make up to 200bhp. The contest is only open to residents of Europe and Japan, which either means the car won't go on sale stateside, or that Alfa doesn't want it named Cletus. Alfa Naming

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spider Set for 2009 Launch

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:17:43 EDT

Good news for the SPF-zero set. That concept version the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione sans top, shown at the Pebble Beach Concourse back in 2005, will debut in production for in 2009. That from Automotive News, which reported on a Wall Street preso in New York by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. The coupe, which went on sale in Europe earlier this month, will hit US shores in mid-2008. That, to coincide with Alfa's return to the states — where it's been absent since 1995. The spider convertible will meet the coupe in production volume — that is, 500 units. That's far too low to satisfy all the world's Alfisi. Expect unrest. [Automotive News via Motor Authority]

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Revs Engine A Bit, Gets Ready To Race Grandma

Ray Wert — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EDT

We know yesterday was Maximum Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Day, but we've got so much good content from our day at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance, we just had to show you. For instance — the above video we somehow managed to smuggle out of the glove-switching hands of the folks at Fast Lane Daily — it's the original video from yesterday's episode of the daily show that lives life in the fast lane. And although many Bothans may have died to bring you this, it was well worth it — just so you can hear the faint engine sounds of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as it revs its engine getting ready for a little race action versus grandma.

We Enjoyed The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione More Than Her Anyway

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EDT

While one of us was spending his time with a lady named Alfa at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance press preview — another publication was busy checking out some other ladies. We however, know the difference between high class and not-so-much — of course that may be because we once dated the one on the left. [Autoblog]

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Live From Meadowbrook, But Why Are We Crying?

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EDT

Although the video's really loud — the boys from the show that lives life in the FastLane so often it's Daily snagged some video of the new Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione from yesterday's US reveal. It looks so pretty when it's moving...and you can hear the engine...wait...it's moving and I can't hear the engine. I'm hearing something else instead. What is this noise I'm hearing instead? Wait, it's a silly man with a hand-changing glove. What is he doing — why is the silly man with the hand-changing glove flapping his gums? We want to hear the car — not him! Gah! Stop! Talking! Argh! Sacrilege! Double Gah!

Mama Mia! The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Is Beautiful Like-a The Nature

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:20:00 EDT

Ah, now this is more like it — the beauty of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione cannot be contained by a mere studio. No, it must be free. It must be out of doors. It must merge its beauty with the beauty of nature. Much like it's doing in these highly p-chopped press shots from Alfa Romeo. And fear not, lovers of the 8C Competizione, there is more coming — just keep your peepers peeled at our tag.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Gives Us A Fever Even In A Sterile Studio

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EDT

As Maximum Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Day continues, we're now onto the press photos released by the kind folks at the Italian automaker. For the first grouping, here are the on-set exterior press shots. They're nice, yes — but as I'm sure you can tell — if it weren't for the fact that it's the 8C Competizione, they'd be kinda plain. But because it's the Alfa Romeo phallic supercar — we're just gaga.

Hey, Grandma! I've Got Some Wheels, Wanna Race?

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:10:00 EDT

Don't think we didn't notice the obvious hilarity in this shot we took yesterday at the US reveal of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The best part — the driver of the $200,000-plus supercar was revving his engine. This "race" is kind of like our way of showing Maximum Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Day is totally in full gear — and don't worry — more is coming, just keep your eyes on the tag. Oh, and if you're looking for a High-Res shot of "the race" — we've got that too — right here.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Commercial Is So Beautiful It Makes Us Want To Cry

Ray Wert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:20:00 EDT

To start Maximum Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Day off, we've got some hot commercial action for you. The folks at Alfa have put together a promo video befitting of an Italian stallion supercar — filled with beautiful shots of the 8C powering through the hills, beautiful shots of CGI engines and powertrains and beautiful operatic voices. The only thing that could be added making this commercial more appropriate would be if Alfa Romeo flashed "Molto caldo!" across the screen every few moments

Get Thee Ready For Maximum Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Day

Ray Wert — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 23:30:00 EDT

Given the amount of interest generated in our first-glance at the stateside release of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, one of us is dedicating himself to providing an absolute heap of content tomorrow on the first Alfa Romeo for US streets since 1995. So yeah, there's a storm front coming kids, can ya feel that chill on the air? If you do — watch the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione tag all day tomorrow for all the sweet Italian action.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Stateside Debut

Ray Wert — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:20:00 EDT

We're out here on the rolling Rochester Hills at the site of this weekend's Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance for the US press reveal of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. But just as important as showing the 159,300 euro (Alfa folks claim the US price will be over $200K when it hits here late in 2008), 450 HP V8-powered supercar, for the Alfa Romeo folks this is the first event for a US-bound Alfa Romeo since the halcyon days of yesterday — and by yesterday we mean 1995. We'll stop talking and let you soak in the crimson-colored beauty of these shots.

Report: Alfa Coming to US in 2009, Bringing 8C, Brera, Spider

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:22:45 EDT

Oh good — Fiat's so flush, it's sending Alfa to the states earlier than expected. In fact, the UK's Just Auto says we'll start seeing launch activity by the end of 2008. The mag's also making with new details about the lineup. We already knew the 8C Competizione and its Spider sibling will be the halo cars — as if we could get our mitts on one (the first run of 500 each are reportedly accounted for). For us plebes, Alfa will bring the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider. And in 2010, the new 159 sedan will take on Audi and BMW. Look for the first rumblings midyear '08 as Maserati gears up to ride Alfa in on its back. – Mike Spinelli

Alfa Romeo's US relaunch pegged for spring 2009 [Motor Authority]

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione at the 'Ring

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 16 May 2007 12:42:06 EDT

Sure, we've seen Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione a few times up close, and had to cower like Quasimoto in its Esmeralda-like presence. Now it's out being flogged on Germany's Nürburgring, which is likely quite a vision. Say spies, this proto version offers a few mild changes, including air intakes, a softening around the edges and more substantial A pillars. Underhood is a 450-hp eight whose voice we're hearing in our mind's ear as a combination of The Magic Flute and a Ferrari F430. – Mike Spinelli

Alfa back to the U.S.A. [World Car Fans]

Related:
More on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione [internal]