Currently reading: Alfa's 8C Competizione breaks cover
Alfa's 8C Competizione breaks cover

This is the production version of Alfa Romeo’s beautiful 8C Competizione concept, proving that manufacturers can stick to the original designs when they want to.Due to be unveiled at the Paris motor show, the 8C features a new 4.7-litre V8 with 450bhp at a heady 7000rpm and 346lb ft of torque. Alfa says 80 per cent of the torque is available from 2000rpm, though, so the 8C shouldn’t be too highly-strung.

The engine is a sophisticated unit, with variable valve timing and much attention to the exhaust to produce an enticing sound. The engine block and base are made from aluminium. The body is also rarified territory for the Italian manufacturer. Made of carbonfibre, it has a touch of ground effect, with Alfa claiming negative lift at speed.

The interior features carbonfibre seats and paddles for the six-speed gearbox, which has sport settings in both manual and automatic forms.

The 8C sits on 20in wheels and will feature the latest version of Alfa’s VDC stability and traction control system.

The 8C moniker harks back to Alfa’s long track and road history with 8-cylinder cars. Fangio once described driving the 158 as ‘like holding the bow of a Stradivarius in your hands’. Whether the 8C can attain that level remains to be seen. And we’re also waiting on pricing and production numbers, too.

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