Alfa US-bound with 8C

Set to be produced in a limited run of just 500 units, Alfa Romeo's new flagship 8C Competizione will spearhead the marque's return to the USA.

The stunning full-size two-door was shown in concept guise at the Paris Motor Show and locally last year. It will be used as a 'halo' car for the marque's return to the USA next year. The 'rub off' from the car will ease the way for Alfa's more mainstream 159 and 147 to debut in the world's biggest new car marketplace, sources say.

Meantime, the curvaceous 8C showcar (also pictured) is now a true prototype and has been snapped testing at the Nurburgring by the Carsales Network's spymeisters, Carparazzi, ahead of it commencing production mid-year.

The photos of the pre-production version of the 8C hereabouts reveal some of the many modifications that will turn the show-stunner into a road-legal production car. These include production-ready bumpers with side repeaters/reflectors, reshaped air intakes, softer edges, wider A-pillars and many more detailed changes.

The rear shot shows there's still work to be done on the undercar diffuser. Note too what looks like a glass section to the rear 'Camm' tail of the car.

European sources confirm the car will be powered by an "all-new" 4.6-litre V8 engine, the maximum power of which will peak at around 320kW. Max torque is claimed to be around 470Nm. The engine's redline will be an impressive 7500rpm. Just how much is "all-new" and how much is actually Ferrari or Maserati based remains to be seen.

The 8C will also get a Ferrari/Maser-style six-speed computer-controlled semi-auto gearbox with the requisite steering wheel paddles. The five-mode box will give the drive the choice Manual-Regular, Manual-Sporty, Automatic-Regular, Automatic-Sporty and Ice.

Those expecting a stripped-down race-style Coupe will be disappointed though. The 8C will be very much the luxury performance coupe. Safety will also be a high priority and as the marque's new flagship it will feature Alfa Romeo's latest VDC technology (advanced stability and traction control systems).

The 500 8Cs will be built in Maserati's factory in Modena. Deliveries will commence with the official handover of car number one at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

-- with Carparazzi

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