Autoblog

Did someone really order this Alfa Romeo 8C with a General Lee paint scheme?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style, Luxury

Yup. Someone has apparently taken it upon themselves to slather the slinkiest of Alfa Romeo models with the bright orange paint and stars and bars of the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard. Why? Because if you have enough cash to park an 8C Competizione in your expansive garage, you can paint it in whatever livery you damn well please. Details are scarce, but our source says the coupe is real, and it rocks the appropriate "01" numbering on each door. We're hoping there's a horn capable of whistling Dixie under the hood as well, and we'll award bonus points if the doors are welded shut and there's a cage inside.

We'd love to know who ordered up this particular color combination. Our source, John S., says this photo was clicked near Balocco in Northern Italy (presumably adjacent to Alfa's test track facility there), but for now, we'll just content ourselves by wondering how you say "Daisy Duke" in Italian.

Did someone really order this Alfa Romeo 8C with a General Lee paint scheme? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sexy, 600-horsepower monster

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Kompressor by Novitec - Click above for high-res image gallery

Beautiful as it is, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is widely regarded as a miserable handler. That could be chalked up to the 1990s-era Maserati platform on which it was built, but one way or another, the very thought of giving such such an archaic chassis more power to contend with could be the worst idea since New Coke. But that's not about to stop the boffins over at Novitec.

The German tuning firm has a penchant for tuning Italy's finest, and have this time turned their attention to the 8C Spider. Bolting on the same supercharger and intercooler as it did with the Maserati GranCabrio, Novitec has cranked output from the 4.7-liter V8 up from 450 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque stock to a certifiable 600 hp and 434 lb-ft, figures which Novitec pegs as good for a 0-62 sprint in 3.9 seconds (down from the stock model's 4.2).

The modifications applied to the sexy Spider also include a remapped engine control module and a variable stainless steel exhaust. No word on a brake upgrade, but you'd have to be even crazier to dial in that much muscle without the shoes to keep it in check. Thankfully, however, Novitec has tinkered with the suspension, fitting new coils and adjustable dampers along with Pirelli-coated modular wheels (21 inches up front, 22 in the rear) in silver on the port side and black on starboard. With all that power on tap, we can only hope the modifications to the suspension prove enough to handle it all.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Kompressor by Novitec

Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sexy, 600-horsepower monster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben "The Stig" Collins names the five worst cars he's ever driven

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The five worst cars Ben Collins has ever driven - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the course of his years donning the white suit and helmet for Top Gear, pro driver Ben Collins has had the chance to drive an enviably wide array of cars. Their track times all went up on the power lap board, but there are better ways of evaluating how a car handles under pressure - like asking the guy who drove them. That's what Australian car site Drive did, and got the former Stig to jot down some notes. They weren't in Morse Code, but while his list of the worst five cars he'd ever driven includes some obvious choices, a couple may surprise.

First up on Ben's hit list: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. When we drove it, we found its dynamics were lightyears behind its looks, and His (deposed) Stiginess apparently agrees. At the end of Collins' list is another supercar - the TVR Sagaris - which he feels was horribly emblematic of the company that produced it, while pointing to the fact that Jeremy Clarkson loved it as evidence enough of its dubious distinction.

In between these two European supercars on Collins' list comes the Fiat Multipla, whose horrid styling was surpassed only by its dismal performance, and the Cadillac Escalade, which the Englishman found to be all show and no go - particularly off road. Finally, the previous-generation Dodge Charger drew the Stig's ire for its gross weight and lamentable slushbox. If for America's sake alone, we can only hope that, heavier still though it is, Collins might take a crack at the new model.

Gallery: Ben Collin's Five Worst Cars

Ben "The Stig" Collins names the five worst cars he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the next Dodge Viper really just a reskinned Alfa 8C?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Snakes are known to regularly shed their skin to reveal a shimmering new coat underneath. Doing it the other way around would be a unique trick, but if the latest reports are to be believed, that might be what we're looking at.

Last week at a dealers' conference, Fiat/Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne reportedly pulled the covers off a new-generation Dodge Viper. With the current model having already been axed, our interest was, to say the least, piqued by this development. New reports emanating from the exclusive preview have given us cause for a little more consternation, however.

According to AutoWeek, the new Viper - expected to arrive sometime late next year as a 2012 model - looked eerily like an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione with a more Dodge-like front end. That would be a shame, since the Alfa's styling is its biggest asset; its chassis and performance dynamics, less so. Giving the 8C - based, as it is, on age-old Maserati architecture - a new shell and calling it a Viper strikes us as all kinds of wrong. Then again, like a great many rumors in the autosphere, this could all be mere conjecture.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

[Source: AutoWeek]

Is the next Dodge Viper really just a reskinned Alfa 8C? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Playstation3 gamers: If you were disappointed that only XBox 360 players got the Ferrari DLC package for Need for Speed SHIFT, take heart, because the next one's got your name on it, too. The Exotic Racing Series pack is being released by EA for both platforms (though not for PC, PSP or mobile platforms) on March 18, with some of the most alluring machinery this side of Maranello.

Included in the downloadable content package are the McLaren MP4-12C and SLR Stirling Moss, the Alfa 8C Competizione and Maserati GranTurismo S, BMW M1 Procar, Gumpert Apollo and Acura NSX. The DLC costs $10 (or equivalent points) on either XBox Live or PlayStation Network, and also includes an array of new events and track layouts. Video and press release after the jump, screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Andrey!

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT Exotic Racing Series DLC

[Source: EA via rpmgo.com]

Continue reading Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video]

Faster Downloads: Exotic Racing Series DLC coming to NFS Shift [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Alfa Romeo, UK

As far as Alfa Romeos go, the 8C Competizione is as exotic as they come. Still, some are looking for more. Originally, rumors surfaced that Alfa was working on a lightweight GTA version, but while we wait for that to pan out, Alfa tuner par excellence Autodelta is working on tuning the svelte supercar themselves.

Few details are known at this point, but a remapped ECU should squeeze out a modest 17 horsepower boost from the stock 444-hp, 4.7-liter Ferrari-developed V8. Autodelta is also working on fine-tuning the chassis, taking their 8C around some of the finest tracks in Europe to get it just right.

The result is slated to be unveiled at the Pistonheads Performance Car Show in Birmingham later this week, so stay tuned, and follow the jump for the press release in the meantime.

[Source: Autodelta]

Continue reading Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$300k Alfa 8C Spider the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Rome 8C Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're hoping to get your hands on an Alfa 8C Spider, well... take a number, because really - who doesn't? The open-air version of the highly coveted - and almost universally admired - 8C Competizione, the 8C Spider is a product of pure demand. But with only 500 examples set to be produced and just 35 of those destined for American shores, only a handful of eligible parties will get them. And those Yanks who are lucky enough to do so do will have to pay at least $299,000 for the privilege.

That list price alone - confirmed to Autoblog courtesy of Maserati North America (which is handling the model's distribution) - makes the 8C Spider the most expensive production Alfa ever. But with demand far outstripping supply, you can bet most of them will be trading hands at far higher prices than that - at least in the short term. That's is no mean feat considering present economic conditions.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

[Source: Maserati]

$300k Alfa 8C Spider the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Finds of the Day: Alfa 8C in triplicate

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Alfa Romeo

There are few things as tragic as a missed opportunity. So if you've been sitting at home crying over your chance gone by to grab one of the 84 examples of the simply stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to reach American shores, cheer up, because the miracle of eBay has come to save the day yet again. Not one, but three U.S.-spec 8Cs have popped up for sale on the auction site's automobile section.

Of course, this sort of design perfection doesn't come cheap. Not by any stretch of the imagination. One example in St. Louis is rolling off the block today with a starting bid of $243,900. A second one in Minneapolis is up for grabs with a starting bid of $305,800 and a Buy-It-Now price of $329,995. And a third example is available out of Houston with a Buy-It-Now price or Best Offer at $295k. They're all in red (naturally) and are far from priced to sell, but can you really put a price on beauty? Well, apparently you can, but that doesn't mean anyone's going to pay it.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione in the States

[Source: eBay Motors via Inside Line]

eBay Finds of the Day: Alfa 8C in triplicate originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa 8C Spider commands 40% premium over coupe

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Alfa Romeo

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Alfa 8C Spider

It's hard to follow up on such a lust-worthy supercar as the 8C Competizione, but that won't stop Alfa Romeo from trying. With the initial run of 500 coupes already hitting the roads and the U.S. allotment already sold out,Alfa is set to begin delivery of a second batch of roadsters, called the 8C Spider. Demand is high for the limited-production convertible, but those committed to getting their hands on one will have to pay a considerable premium. About 40% more over the six-figure price of the fixed-roof version, to be exact, with the Spider selling for 174,000 in the UK versus the 123,000 charged there for the 8C Competizione. No doubt they'll still sell out in a heartbeat, allowing Alfa to move on to producing the anticipated final iteration of the 8C: the lighter-weight, more powerful GTA, which will undoubtedly command an even higher premium. Beauty, as they say, has its price.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

[Source: evo]

Alfa 8C Spider commands 40% premium over coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 8C goes on sale now in U.S., already sold out

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

And with these words, the Alfisti shall rejoice: Alfa Romeo is finally back in the United States. While a full scale return by the Italian maker won't happen until 2009 or 2010, you can officially buy the Alfa 8C Competizione starting this month through one of the designated Maserati dealers tabbed to carry this rolling piece of automotive hotness. Check that, you can arrange delivery. Seems all of the 8Cs earmarked for the U.S. are already spoken for. So at least in theory, Alfa has returned. The 8C Spider open air version won't show up until 2010, but we really like the coupe enough not to be too distressed about the wait.

When the full operation ramps up, we are expecting that someone strolling into an Alfa Romeo dealership will be able to purchase not only the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider, but hopefully the hotter 8C GTA, the Brera and 159 or their replacements, the MiTo and 149, and whisperings also suggest a large rear-drive car possibly based on a Jaguar platform, along with a BMW X3 rival. Sounds a bit like Heaven. As always, we'll keep you posted.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Alfa Romeo 8C goes on sale now in U.S., already sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Safety, Supercars, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

How do you improve on one of the most desirable sportscars in the world? By applying the magic formula, of course! That means less weight and more power, as Alfa Romeo is preparing to do to commemorate its 100th anniversary with the extremely limited edition 8C GTA.

Although we can't be 100% sure that this is indeed the GTA, we'd have to wonder why else Alfa would be testing an 8C after the development work on the existing model is already done. The prototype is also wearing protective strips along the front fascia and a different set of rims. With the centential celebrations less than two years away, we're looking forward to feasting our eyes (if not our hands) on the GTA, which is anticipated to loose about 300 lbs. and gain an 50 extra horsepower.

[Source: Autogespot via Euro Car Blog]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Several high-ranking executives from Alfa Romeo were keen to see how the launch of the new MiTo materialized. While they were there, we had the chance to talk with one of Alfa's top marketing officers over dinner and discuss the latest news churned out of the rumormill concerning upcoming products from Alfa and its sister-brand Abarth.

Read on to find out what's coming.

Continue reading Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth

Exclusive: What's next from Alfa Romeo and Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details surface on Alfa 8C GTA

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Click for hi-res gallery of the Alfa 8C Competizione

It'd be hard to ask for more than what the spectacular Alfa 8C Competizione already offers, but Alfa Romeo intends to do just that. So after announcing the initial run of 500 coupes, Alfa will begin production of 500 roadsters. But in case that weren't enough, reports have been circulating of two new 8Cs to follow. On the one hand we have the 8C's successor, which Alfa's PR people hope will be based on the Ferrari California. On the other we have the more focused GTA version of the current coupe.

While earlier reports suggested that the new second-generation Ferrari-based 8C could arrive in time for Alfa Romeo's 100 year anniversary in 2010, sources now suggest that it will be the 8C GTA that will arrive for the big celebration. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power, the GTA is tipped to shed some 150 kg (330 lbs), while power from the 4.7-liter V8 is anticipated to climb from its current 450hp to a nice round 500. (If you remember writing your SATs, think GTA is to 8C as Scuderia is to F430 and you're a shoe-in for your top choice.) Only 100 examples are reportedly on the table, and you can bet they'll sell out faster than a "waste management consultant" with priors.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

More details surface on Alfa 8C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo wants 2nd-gen 8C based on Ferrari California by 2010

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Alfa Romeo

Click for hi-res gallery of the Alfa 8C Competizione

When Alfa Romeo announced it was actually building the 8C Competizione, we had but to applaud. The automaker slashed its own marketing budget to finance the car's manufacturing, justifying that the halo supercar would do more for the brand's image than any television ad ever could. (Then they did it again with the Spider version.) Right they were, and we wish more automakers would think that way. The latest reports indicate that Alfa Romeo is following its own example, so while CEO Luca de Meo campaigns within the Fiat hierarchy for an even more hard-core version to wear the vaunted GTA badge, some of his subordinates are thinking a step ahead towards the 8C's successor.

The current 8C is based on an aging Maserati platform - not unlike the resuscitating Aston Martin DB7 that was based on old Jaguar underpinnings. However, strategists within Alfa Romeo want to see its successor based on the new Ferrari California, trading in the input of one sister company for another. While they realize it will be an uphill battle - one which could come down to Fiat chairman and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemelo's decision - to get Ferrari to agree to the proposal, Alfa Romeo is reportedly keen to get the project off the ground and get the second-generation sportscar ready within the next two years to celebrate Alfa's centennial in 2010.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

[Source: Autocar]

Alfa Romeo wants 2nd-gen 8C based on Ferrari California by 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 8C ready for production?

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Videos, Supercars

Italiaspeed reported Wednesday that Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione concept is being readied for production. The concept car (shown above) debuted in Frankfurt in 2003, and rumors of its possible production have run rampant ever since, and the latest tantalizing hint of 8C activity at Alfa Romeo is this new video. (Autoblog readers will recall that Alfa Romeo prepared a similar pre-launch video for the Alfa Brera.)

Italiaspeed reports that the production version of the 8C Competizione will debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and production will begin in 2007. The production 8C is said to be powered by Maserati's new 4.7-liter engine, rather than the supercharged 4.2-liter unit in the concept car. The new engine is expected to produce between 460 and 500 hp, good for 0-62 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

The new Alfa will be positioned opposite Ferrari's F430 coupe, avoiding competition with Maserati's less-expensive models.

More information on the evolution of the 8C Competizione is available from Alfa Romeo here.

Thanks for the tip, Noah!

Alfa Romeo 8C ready for production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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