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At the 81st Geneva International Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept will make its debut, a compact "supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car, according to the brand's values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety.



The new concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions which serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.



On the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept technology and materials derived from the 8C Competizione find a home - carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technology derived from Alfa Romeo models currently on sale: the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.

Quite simply, this vehicle screams Alfa. Its sports car soul creates a unique driving sensation, both on the road and when racing, where its velocity and transverse acceleration become even more demanding.



Born from the experience acquired through the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, the new concept car shares its rear-wheel drive with the exclusive supercars as well as its philosophy based on achieving maximum driving pleasure and the proverbial Alfa Romeo road handling. This is an objective which the 8C Competizione and the 8C Spider pursue mainly through their increased power, while the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept follows the route of limited weight, made possible by extensive use of carbon, which also plays a structural role and guarantees exceptional agility with a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively. The final result is a significant reduction in weight, limited to less than 850 kg, as well as the optimisation of the vehicle's centre of gravity, which gives the advantage of increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.



The name "4C Concept" is suggestive of the sports driving pleasure which only the spectacular "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine which offers over 200 HP can bring. Already featured on a number of models in production, for example the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the engine boasts cutting-edge technical solutions such as direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag.



Located centrally in the rear of the vehicle, the engine in the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept ensures performance which matches or exceeds that of a 3 litre engine whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder engine. Coupled with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, launched only a few months ago on the MiTo and which will soon be available on the Giulietta, the powerful 1750 Turbo petrol engine allows the 4C Concept to reach a top speed of over 250 km/h and to accelerate from 0 to 100km in under 5 seconds. The vehicle integrates its Alfa DNA technology perfectly, a true philosophy which brings together all of the on-board technology, making it enjoyable and customisable for the driver and further accentuating the "competitive" nature of the Concept compared to other vehicles currently on sale.



The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight/power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). The Concept takes up the Brand's sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.

This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth.

Derived from Giorgetto Giugiaro's multiple award-winning Alfa Romeo Brera design, the new Alfa Romeo Spider was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile. Winner of the Cabrio of the Year award at the 2006 Geneva Motorshow, the new Alfa Romeo Spider combines superlative engineering with outstanding performance and handling characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world's most famous sporting marques. Four versions of the new Alfa Romeo Spider UK Version, priced from £25,995 on-the-road, are available from launch, with a choice of two petrol powerplants: a 2.2 litre 185 bhp 4-cylinder unit, and a 3.2 litre 260 bhp V6; together with Alfa Romeo's widely acclaimed 2.4 litre 20v 200 bhp MultiJet (JTDM) turbodiesel. The 2.2 JTS powerplant is mated to an M32.6 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst 3.2 JTS and 2.4 JTDM engines are equipped with the F40 6-speed manual transmission. Completing the launch range, the 3.2 JTS V6 unit may be ordered with Alfa Romeo's QTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual sequential-shift override facility, and optional gearshift 'paddles'. With specific power outputs of over 80 bhp/litre, and almost 90% of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both the advanced JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) petrol units feature direct injection and continuously variable valve timing governing both inlet and exhaust camshafts. They offer outstanding performance, yet provide significant fuel savings and readily comply with stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits. Continuing the company's on-going pre-eminence in the field of diesel engines, the latest example of Alfa Romeo's renowned JTD MultiJet (JTDM) common rail direct injection diesel engine technology joins the UK range. This version's 2.4 litre 20-valve 200 bhp 5-cylinder powerplant, features variable geometry turbocharging and incorporates a 'for life', maintenance-free particulate trap (DPF) in anticipation of Euro 5 emissions regulations. The 3.2 JTS Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped, as standard, with Alfa Romeo's Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system. Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking Torsen C unit at the centre of the system which divides drive torque by a ratio of 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front. Torque split between front and rear axles is constantly modulated by the central Torsen differential on the basis of available grip, with a bias towards the rear axle promoting handling characteristics appropriate to a sporting Alfa Romeo. Sharing platform and components with the Alfa Brera, on an identical 2528 mm wheelbase, the suspension of the new Alfa Romeo Spider combines a proven high double wishbone system at the front, with a sophisticated multilink rear configuration. The combination promotes smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and controllability - even when close to adhesion limits - and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions. The 2.2 JTS Alfa Romeo Spider's braking system comprises powerful, 305 mm ventilated front discs and 278 mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330 mm ventilated discs and Brembo four piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292 mm ventilated discs at the rear. The Alfa Romeo Spider offers direct, lively and responsive speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 2.25 turns lock-to-lock; the most direct steering in its class. The turning circle is just 10.7 m between kerbs. Both passive and active safety features are comprehensively represented in the new Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition to up to six airbags, five of which are fitted as standard, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a fully integrated Fire Prevention System, the new car comes with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems fitted as standard. ABS anti-lock braking is combined with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, and a sophisticated, switchable Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears, and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts. The Alfa Romeo Spider is fitted with a fully automatic, double-layer fabric roof which may be retracted via a single dashboard mounted control switch in less than 25 seconds. A separate dedicated roof storage compartment ensures that the Alfa Romeo Spider's generous stowage capacity is not compromised. The luggage compartment offers a 200 litre capacity - 36% more than the previous Alfa Romeo Spider - even with the roof folded away. The storage compartment is concealed beneath a flush-fitting body panel incorporating aerodynamic blisters which adopt the profile of individual, driver and passenger roll-over bars. A transparent wind break installed between the roll-over bars significantly reduces air turbulence within the passenger compartment during high speed driving. As with all Alfa Romeo models, driver orientated ergonomics, superior passenger comfort and lavish standard equipment levels are fundamental to the interior design of the new convertible. The Alfa Romeo Spider offers one, extremely generous standard equipment specification across the model range, including many features only available as expensive options on rival models, including automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, 'Follow-Me-Home' headlights, rear parking sensors, a multi-function display and trip computer, fog lights, 17" spoked alloy wheels and an RDS 6-speaker stereo radio with CD player. A leather interior is standard on 3.2 V6 versions. Optional equipment includes xenon headlights, satellite navigation, electrically adjustable front seats, a Bose® sound system, Blue&Me™ hands-free mobile phone connectivity and 18" alloy wheels.

The Spider or convertible has an important place in Alfa Romeo tradition (starting with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider in the 1950s and going on to the Duetto and the Spider launched in the 1990s), because it has always embodied the 'free emotive' expression of the car. And the new model reiterates the same theme, a natural evolution of the convertibles created by Alfa Romeo in its long history, cars that have always produced strong emotions, guaranteeing extremely entertaining driving and combining superb styling with the performance of powerful, elastic engines. And the new Alfa Romeo Spider is no exception: it has the same 'essentially simple' character of a true sports car, combined with the technological superiority of the 'new Alfa breed.

The Alfa Romeo range line-up is completed by two cars with powerful sporting personalities equipped with lively four and six cylinder engines: the Alfa Romeo Spider and the Alfa Romeo GTV.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. Based on an Giulia 105 series chassis, the Alfa Romeo Spider was launched in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design of the body, as well as being involved in the manufacture of the vehicle's monocoque construction (designed with the relatively new principles of crumple zones incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin camshaft four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed transmission, disc brakes and independent front suspension, the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 lire.

The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. Based on an Giulia 105 series chassis, the Alfa Romeo Spider was launched in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design of the body, as well as being involved in the manufacture of the vehicle's monocoque construction (designed with the relatively new principles of crumple zones incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin camshaft four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed transmission, disc brakes and independent front suspension, the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 lire. The original Alfa Romeo Spider was only in production for a year, replaced in 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a 118 hp 1779cc engine. In Europe this was fitted with two twin carburettors, whereas models for the North American market had Spica mechanical fuel injection. Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrics and wheels and tyres though the car looked effectively the same. Visible differences were limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheelarches. The car's official title was 1750 Spider Veloce, the name Duetto being dropped from this point on. A new Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior, with a 1290cc engine producing 89 hp, was introduced in 1968. This lacked various features of the 1750, including the plastic headlight fairings, the brake servo, hubcaps and opening quarterlight. In 1970 the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail changed to a more conventional cut-off tail, called the Kamm tail, which arguably made the car look more modern, as well as improving the luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new doorhandles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim. 1971 saw the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce get a new, larger powerplant - a 1962cc, 132 hp unit - and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce. The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300. The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in 1974 and 1975 respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in 1977. The Alfa Romeo Spider underwent a major revamp in 1983 which saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small spoiler was added to the trunk lid. The change altered the exterior appearance of the car considerably and was not universally praised by enthusiasts. Various other minor mechanical and aesthetic modifications were also made, and the 1600 car dropped the "Junior" name. The Quadrifoglio Verde (Green Cloverleaf) model was introduced in 1986, with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, and optional removable hardtop. It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model (which many Alfa enthusiasts felt was better looking than the QV with all its external styling geegaws), with a 1962 cc double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine (twin two-barrel carburetors in Europe, electronic fuel injection in North America) and five-speed manual transmission. The interiors were also similar, with a high level of luxury available, including multi-speaker sound systems, electric window lifts and mirrors, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and leather seats. For the North American market a model dubbed the Graduate was added in tribute to the car's famous appearance in the 1967 film, The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman. The Graduate was intended as a less expensive "entry-level" Alfa. Thus, while it had the same engine and transmission as the QV and SV, it lacked the handsome alloy wheels and luxury options of the other two models. The Graduate model had manual windows, basic vinyl seats, a vinyl top, and steel wheels as standard. It first appeared in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990. The final major change to the Alfa Romeo Spider came in 1990. The primary mechnical change was that the European model was given the North American's Bosch electronic fuel injection. Externally, the Spider lost its front under-bumper spoiler and the rear trunk-lid spoiler and picked up Alfa Romeo 164-style rear lights stetching across the width of the car as well as plastic bumpers the same color as the car. There is debate among the marque's enthusiasts as to whether this last set of styling changes improved or detracted from the car's classic looks. In North America, these changes didn't appear until the 1991 model year. Power steering and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American Spiders. Production of the original Alfa Romeo Spider ended in 1993. An all-new Alfa Romeo Spider arrived one year later. A limited edition Alfa Romeo Spider Commemorative Edition was produced for the North American market in 1993 and was badged as a 1994 model. Each of the 190 Spider CEs imported to the United States had a small plaque affixed to the dashboard that identified which of the 190 cars it was. The CEs differed from previous Spiders in that they had a special badge on the nose, a "CE" script badge below the "Spider Veloce" badge on the tail, unique gold center caps on the "phonedial" 15" wheels, and burled wood interior trim. Each model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain, and documentation. The cars followed the VIN sequence 008276 to 008460, although there does not appear to be any systematic order numbering. It appears that all of the 1994 Spider Commemorative Editions were produced in May 1993

Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept not only oozes style, it also conveys a whole different approach to car construction. In fact the car is based on a load-bearing, mechanised chassis, as in the early days of car manufacture. This architecture allows different bodies to be built onto the same base in order to offer a wide-ranging response to users, who are increasingly attracted by niche models. The first styling idea has come from the Alfa Romeo Style Centre which proposes a car certain to stir the emotions. This is an extreme version of a coupé with two bucket seats, which is svelte and aggressive. The car measures 4286 mm in length and 1859 in width. The wheelbase is 2600 mm while the track is 1577 mm at the front and 1602 mm at the rear. The smooth body lines suggest tautly muscled, thoroughbred wings and side panels. Overall, the Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept displays a few pleasing retro touches (reminiscent of the 8c 2900, the 6c 2500 "Villa d'Este", the Giulietta Sprint Speciale and the 1900 Sprint) set against the backdrop of extremely up-to-date styling, honed to a perfect finish. The slender, horizontal tail-lights, for example, adopt state-of-the-art light-emitting diode technology. Big Michelin 235/40 ZR tyres are fitted on 18 inch wheels with a tread motif designed exclusively for Alfa Romeo. The bumpers are incorporated in the body (where they seem to vanish altogether) for a clutter-free line. The true appeal of this prototype lies in its return to the principle of a load-bearing chassis complete with mechanicals. Alfa Romeo could homologate its chassis in the future and make it available to body shops as a base for different bodies. These true custom-built or limited series cars satisfy the increasing demand for vehicle personalisation demonstrated by the success of niche models such as coupés, spiders, cabriolets, station wagons and MPVs. This configuration can be used as a foundation for a host of different shapes (coupés, 2+2 coupés, sport wagons, cabriolets, spiders and speedsters) and different materials can also be employed. Resulting vehicles would be easy to homologate because the chassis and mechanicals have already been guaranteed by the Manufacturer itself (in the past, homologation problems brought about the demise of the custom-built car market). Any interesting models deemed to be in keeping with the Alfa Romeo spirit could end up bearing an Alfa badge and be marketed through the sales network. A return to the past naturally does not mean a return to the classic chassis with rails and crossmembers. It means a return to the layout used on the very first cars but re-interpreted to allow for new technologies. The extremely sporty body proposed by Alfa Romeo Style Centredesigners conceals a computer-designed grid-shaped spaceframe chassis built by welding together high strength steel sections. The solution ensures great lightness, high torsional rigidity, excellent driving comfort and maximum protection for occupants in case of impact. This type of structure may be built using simple, inexpensive technologies such as spot welding and also lends itself to easy modification with little investment. The Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept is more than a mere concept car or styling exercise. It is an engineering model that can be used to examine the possibility of offering a quick, inexpensive response to changing market needs for new niche and off-road vehicles. It is the ideal forerunner of a new generation of limited series sports cars, which could differ greatly from one another. It is no mere chance that the model has been designed using the working and engineering methods employed when developing standard-production models.

Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept, a concept of high performance of the new Alfa Romeo Mito, makes his 2009 debut at the Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva. Designed using the experience with the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 8C Competizione and the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept shares for the exclusive "supercar" philosophy based on achieving the greatest driving pleasure, as a result of exceptional agility produced by a power -weight of a decent racing car. According to the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito a reduction of weight in Italian), the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA concept gives priority to reducing weight and achieving optimum power to weight ratio. Considerable work has been to lower the vehicle's center of gravity, so that certain components, such as the rear spoiler, roof fairings and mirror are in carbon fiber, while the aluminum is widely used in brakes, suspension, and in some parts of the chassis. Under the bonnet, a gasoline engine and new exciting, very much in line with the prerequisites of the reduction, environmental awareness, and offer high power and efficiency in exchange for light weight and improve packaging, Alfa Romeo Mito GTA powers Concept. Designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and exploitation of the vast experience in the production of dual spark and Alfa V6 engine and road race, the new compact gasoline engine uses advanced technical solutions for direct injection, dual variable valve timing, the state of the art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems to produce a remarkable 240bhp just 1742cc. Under-floor aerodynamics have been of particular concern, while the whole car has been reduced by some 20mm. Uses new front suspension geometry leader in aluminum arms, while the rear suspension has all new bushings, and comprehensively revised chassis has an "active" suspension system (shock of advanced control), which counteracts the charge transfer under acceleration, the rear end stiffness and maximize traction. Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept suspension system also interacts with the braking and steering to get the most efficient control of the dynamics of the vehicle, while a "sky-hook" function ensures an excellent level of passenger comfort in terms of daily use.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (series 750 and 101) was a subcompact automobile manufactured by the Italian car maker Alfa Romeo from 1954 to 1965. The first Giulietta model was a coupé, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, introduced in late 1954. This was followed by a sedan in spring 1955 and in mid 1955, the open two-seat Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, featuring convertible bodywork by Pininfarina. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta used an Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine of 1290 cc straight-4, with light alloy cylinder block and alloy cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts. The original Alfa Romeo Giulietta engine produced a power output of 53 bhp in the sedan and 80 bhp in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint. This was to be increased to 100 bhp in later sporting models such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ

The Alfa Romeo 2600 was Alfa Romeo´s six-cylinder flagship produced from 1961 to 1968, it was the successor to the Alfa Romeo 2000. It has become historically significant as the last Alfa Romeo to have been fitted with an inline six-cylinder engine having twin overhead camshafts which had been an Alfa Romeo tradition since the 1920's, but gave way to four-cylinder engines as the factory oriented its production towards more economical mass-produced car models after the Second World War.

First shown in 1957 on the Turin autosalon, the car was produced in two models, the Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina with 105 bhp (78 kW) and the Spider with 115 bhp (86 kW) since 1958. In 1960, the Sprint was added. The engine was an enlarged version of the Alfa Romeo 1900´s four-cylinder displacing 1975 cc. The cast-iron block and aluminum head engine using single downdraft Solex carburetor produced 105 horsepower (78 kW) at 5300 rpm in Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina and the version used in Sprint and Spider produced 115 bhp (86 kW) at 5900 rpm with two Solex sidedraft carburetors. The Alfa Romeo 2000 Berlina had gearbox operated via column mounted shifter making space for three people in front. In Spider version the gearchange was located in floor and until 1961 it was pure two seater when 2+2 seater came available

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Like the Alfa Romeo 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 Romeo 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 Romeo 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 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 . The hooded top of the Alfa Romeo 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 Romeo 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. 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 Romeo 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 Romeo 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 Romeo 8C Spider has a rigid and light structure . 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 Romeo 8C Spider adopts the new "8 cylinder mated to a 6-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 , and a self-blocking differential unit. As in the legendary Formula 1 vehicles from the 50's, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider sports the Transaxle design which guarantees the best equilibrium in the partioning 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 Romeo 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 Romeo 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 Romeo 8C Spider uses an evolved VDC Alfa Romeo traction and stability system, which ensures the driver feels at one with his car.