Autoblog

Click above to view more high-res shots of the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider.

Let's be honest here. There are some cars on which we report because they're new and that's what we do. But some are just pure pleasure. Now try to figure out into which category the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider falls.

Although we've already seen plenty of the Alfa 8C in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, we can never get quite enough, and at this year' Geneva show, Alfa will finally be showing the production version of the 8C Spider. Technical details carry over from the luscious fixed-roof 8C Competizione, and little is expected to have changed from the concept spider unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2005 to the production version being unveiled now. As with the initial run of the coupe, only 500 spiders will be produced, so this could be our best chance to get up close and personal with the hottest model this side of Scarlett Johansson.

To whet our appetites, Alfa Romeo has dropped three dreamy photos of the production 8C Spider – check them out by clicking on the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

PRESS RELEASE

Alfa Romeo at Geneva's 78th International Car Show

Alfa Romeo once again unveils its new models onto the world market at the Geneva event. Indeed, following on from the Alfa 159 and Brera in 2005, the 159 Sportwagon and Spider in 2006, and its Personalisation Programme going by the name of "Alfa Unica" in 2007, it is now the turn of the alluring Alfa 8C Spider.
Undisputed centre stage on the stand, this new car inherits its coupe sibling's winning formula that shook the motoring world. Put together by Alfa's Centro Stile and production limited to 500 cars, this new open top immediately entices with that unmistakable "Italian elegance", a unique and inimitable style that hints at its typically sporty Alfa handling.
Under the bonnet is a powerful 8 cylinder 4.7 litre engine producing 450 HP, matched to a 6 speed robotic gearbox, the new Alfa 8C Spider is truly beautiful, powerful and rock solid, where its gracious lines and dimensions gel perfectly with typical Alfa Romeo engineering and drive-ability. Needless to say, alongside this attractive Spider is the Alfa 8C Competizione, the epitome of Alfa Romeo's innovation in the fields of engines and engineering, heightened competitiveness and continuous technological research.
Another star attraction is the new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse with its powerful 170 HP 1.9 JTDM engine and "Q2" system. Produced as a limited edition, the Special Series was born from the successful collaboration of two of Italy's great marques, renowned the world over. This very car carries forward the partnership set up in 2006 between Alfa Romeo and Ducati Corse, a winning combination that exemplifies Italy's world famous motoring style and heritage. Just think back to last season's excitement in the "SBK Superbike World Championship®" and, above all, to the 2007 MotoGP that saw young Casey Stoner lifting the crown. Furthermore, next season too will see the Australian champion endorsing the brand.
Returning to Geneva is also the 159 model – berlina and Sportwagon – with some new features in terms of style, design and performance. Two the displays on show: the 159 MY 08 with a powerful 3.2 V6 260 CV engine (for the first time with "front-wheel traction") and the Alfa 159 Sportwagon MY 08 fitted with 2.4 JTDM 20v 200 CV and Q-Tronic gearshift. In the Swiss showroom the 2008 Brera and Spider range are also debuting. Renewed aesthetically and in the specifications, the two vehicles represent the "natural evolution" of the coupè and spider in the new Alfa generation. In Geneva the public can admire an Alfa Spider MY 08 fitted with the brilliant 2.4 JTDM 200 CV and powerful automatic Q-Tronic gears. Also on display the Alfa Brera MY 08 – with front-wheel traction – blessed with a powerful 3.2 V6 with 24 valves and 6-speed gears. Both the cars are distinguishable by a red chassis and black upholstery on the dashboard and seats.
It is worth underlining that with these models - Alfa 159 MY 08 (Berlina and Sportwagon), Brera MY 08 and Spider MY 08 – debuts the new Electronic Q2 system. The Q2 has all the merits of front-wheel and 4x4 traction which noticeably raises road handling, traction, stability issue, and at the same time diminishing the understeer and steering-wheel displacement.
Concluding the selection is the GT Alfa in the Black Line III range. Fitted for the first time with a powerful 1.9 JTDM 170 CV that allows a top speed of 216km/h and a 0 to 100km/h in 8,2 seconds. Available as of next July, the powerful motor con be combined with a particulate trap (DPF). Furthermore, the vehicle uses the Torsen® self-blocking differential (called Q2) which has all the advantages of front-wheel traction, a solution offering greatly increased traction and driving pleasure, guaranteeing advantages typical of an integrated traction.
Alfa Romeo returns to Geneva's International Showroom with many automotive changes, for which it has chosen a stand with high visual impact. Made with special and innovative materials, the exposition area is distinguished by the refined contrast between smooth and opaque surfaces, as well as the alternating red, black and steel. The whole, united with the rigour and essentialness of the project, help create a refined atmosphere which accurately represents Italian technology and elegance.
With the distribution of informational material, and the setting-up of several totems on the stand, the public can discover the Fiat Group Automobiles Financial Services products. A "captive" financial company born a year ago in the equal joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole. The company goes side to side with the Fiat Group Automobiles brand, in Italy and Europe, with a sole mission: back the sales of motor-vehicles with the brands Fiat, Alfa, Lancia, Fiat Professional and Abarth, via financial products which are innovative and complete with services of high added value, dedicated to the network of car dealerships, private clients and firms.