The finalised version of the attractive and exclusive Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione limited edition debuted the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Alfa Romeo themselves, the model is an evolution of the concept car that attracted huge interest at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003, and is the result of the best industrial and technical skill and knowledge that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Center has on offer. This close co-operation between the two manufacturers existed to ensure perfect harmony between the Maserati production team and the Alfa Romeo design departments.
Styling and Exterior Design
The Alfa-designed shape of the 8c Competizione, with its dual bucket seats, means that the model is unique among the Gran Turismo scene, and plenty of work was put in behind the scenes to ensure that the vehicle’s performance and aerodynamic requirements did not take the end result too far away from the original concept.
However, it is not only the shape of the 8C that allows it to achieve exceptional levels of aerodynamic efficiency. In addition to the vehicle’s unbroken contours, all pillar and glass surfaces have been optimised through mathematical calculations, as have the shape and position of the wing mirrors. The result was then put through rigorous wind tunnel testing. Engineers paid careful attention to the 8C’s ground effect, producing a negative lift coefficient that makes the car more stable at high speeds, and is normally found on track racing cars.
The Engine
The 8C Competizione is fitted with a brand new, 90° V8 powerplant with a capacity of 4691cc. This engine was designed with one specific aim: to provide outstanding performance with a smooth, adaptable drive. The result is a vehicle that can be used in all circumstances, be it on the race track or in urban traffic. The specific performance figures are impressive: maximum power of 450 bhp at 7,000rpm, with torque peaking at 347 lb/ft at 4,750rpm. Maximum rotation speed is 7,500 rpm.
The vehicle is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, featuring computerised speed selection technology via levers behind the steering wheel. This guarantees slick shifting between gears, and is available in Manual-Normal, Automatic-Normal, Manual-Sport, Automatic-Sport and Ice modes.
Inside the 8C Competizione
The unique look of the car is a result of the wide use of composite materials on both the facia and interior panelling. As well as being a technical-based decision, this feature also provides the 8C Competizione with its distinctive personality and spirit. The same concept is behind the use of anatomical seating made from carbon fibre. These seats can be customised and adjusted in line with the physical makeup of the driver – a luxury that is usually the sole reserve of racing vehicles.
Behind every design choice lies the ultimate aim of user-friendliness for both driver and passenger, from the comfortable driving position and ever-visible instruments, to the computerised gear levers on the steering column, which can be operated without requiring the driver’s hands to be moved from the steering wheel.
Styling and Exterior Design
The Alfa-designed shape of the 8c Competizione, with its dual bucket seats, means that the model is unique among the Gran Turismo scene, and plenty of work was put in behind the scenes to ensure that the vehicle’s performance and aerodynamic requirements did not take the end result too far away from the original concept.
However, it is not only the shape of the 8C that allows it to achieve exceptional levels of aerodynamic efficiency. In addition to the vehicle’s unbroken contours, all pillar and glass surfaces have been optimised through mathematical calculations, as have the shape and position of the wing mirrors. The result was then put through rigorous wind tunnel testing. Engineers paid careful attention to the 8C’s ground effect, producing a negative lift coefficient that makes the car more stable at high speeds, and is normally found on track racing cars.
The Engine
The 8C Competizione is fitted with a brand new, 90° V8 powerplant with a capacity of 4691cc. This engine was designed with one specific aim: to provide outstanding performance with a smooth, adaptable drive. The result is a vehicle that can be used in all circumstances, be it on the race track or in urban traffic. The specific performance figures are impressive: maximum power of 450 bhp at 7,000rpm, with torque peaking at 347 lb/ft at 4,750rpm. Maximum rotation speed is 7,500 rpm.
The vehicle is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, featuring computerised speed selection technology via levers behind the steering wheel. This guarantees slick shifting between gears, and is available in Manual-Normal, Automatic-Normal, Manual-Sport, Automatic-Sport and Ice modes.
Inside the 8C Competizione
The unique look of the car is a result of the wide use of composite materials on both the facia and interior panelling. As well as being a technical-based decision, this feature also provides the 8C Competizione with its distinctive personality and spirit. The same concept is behind the use of anatomical seating made from carbon fibre. These seats can be customised and adjusted in line with the physical makeup of the driver – a luxury that is usually the sole reserve of racing vehicles.
Behind every design choice lies the ultimate aim of user-friendliness for both driver and passenger, from the comfortable driving position and ever-visible instruments, to the computerised gear levers on the steering column, which can be operated without requiring the driver’s hands to be moved from the steering wheel.
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