Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

The waiting is finally over... Alfa Romeo's stunning concept car, the 8C Spider has passed from dream to become reality, and Auto Express is first behind the wheel.



Launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and star of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 8C Spider looks set to be one of this year’s most desirable cars.

Hot on the heels of the 8C coupé, which also inspired the Alfa MiTo, the newcomer offers stunning performance, sensational styling... and a not inconsiderable £120,000 price tag, the Spider offers drivers 450bhp from its Ferrari derived 4.7-litre V8 engine.



And to ensure that this model is every inch a match for its supercar rivals, all of that power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed paddle shift gearbox.



A dashboard-mounted button drops the twin-layered fabric roof, which once stowed blends effortlessly with the cars sculpted bodywork.



Up front there’s simply no mistaking this car’s rich Italian heritage. Wide air intakes and jewel like headlamps blend style and purpose in near perfect balance. The set up is matched at the rear, where the drama continues with quad exhaust pipes and simple, circular tail-lights.



But it’s this machine’s classic silhouette - with its long bonnet and stocky proportions - that separates it from its rivals.



It’s been made possible by a clever aerodynamic under tray which helps keep the model pinned to the road at speed, doing away with the need for ugly wings and spoilers.



But while the design might make the very most of Alfa’s rich heritage, the body itself represents the very latest technology. Comprised of carbon fibre it’s based on a steel spaceframe chassis which also offers incredible strength.



What’s more, the gearbox is mounted on the rear axle helping to give the 8C perfect weight distribution, while double wishbone suspension features front and rear. Huge vented disc brakes and 20-inch alloys provide awesome stopping power.



From behind the wheel, the cabin is classic Alfa, with carbon fibre trim adding a luxurious, sporting touch. Deep bucket seats offer the same luxurious leather used by Ferrari, and are hugely comfortable.



And with the V8 engine running, there’s no shortage of performance. Alfa says it’ll do 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 190mph. As it spins into life it's clear that the engine and exhaust note are at the very heart of the 8C experience. The sound is modelled on the Alfa's past racers, and while it is never rough, it's both distinctive and purposeful.



The 8C's neutral chassis balance rewards smooth driving, offering plenty of mid-corner grip. Turn in is crisp and the car tracks cleanly to the apex. Too much throttle on the way out, however, quickly introduces oversteer which is controled with a mix of sharp, responsive steering and the subtle yet reassuring intervention of the traction control.




The gearbox adds to the experience – switching to manual mode requres the driver to pull on one of the carbon shift levers, while a sport button mounted in the centre console offers swifter gearchanges and and extra revs at the redline.



Impressively, there's almost no shake in the chassis, and the car never feels overwhelmed by the huge amouts of lateral grip you can harness. Carbon ceramic brakes offer consistent stopping power from very high revs, yet the pedal needs to be pressed hard to feel their full effect.

And if all this sound too good to be true…that’s probably because it is.

With just a handful of models – all of which will be left hand drive – set to reach the UK, supply will be limited. Lottery winners and millionaire car fans are likely buyers, but we promise that if you have the kind of cash you’ll need to take delivery, we would advise you to head for the nearest Alfa showroom now! You won’t be disappointed.