Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
Based on the heavily praised 8C Coupe (R&T Road Test, January 2008), the Spider version of Alfa Romeo’s stunning sports car made its debut in Geneva. Technical specifications are largely similar.
Power comes from a 4.7-liter aluminum V-8, which produces 450 bhp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed paddle-shift, automatic-clutch manual driving the rear wheels. The Spider rides on 20-in. wheels and features 4-wheel disc brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers.
The Alfa 8C rides on a 104.5-in. wheelbase and measures 172 in. in overall length. The 2-seat Alfa 8C Spider, like the Coupe, is a well-balanced car thanks to the engine being mounted behind the centerline of the front axle. The suspension features aluminum double wishbones and aluminum hub carriers to reduce unsprung weight.
Expect the same high quality interior as in the coupe, a blend of leather, carbon-fiber and aluminum accents in a sporty and highly functional design.
If you happen to have $260,000 lying about, we recommend you order one of the limited run of 500 immediately before they sell out worldwide, as the coupe version did. Alfa Romeo is promising to send 100 of the Spiders to match the 100 Coupes already committed to America.
