This latest Alfa Romeo jewel, which will be produced in a limited edition of 500, had been shown in concept guise at last year’s Paris Auto Show. The real machine, designed by Alfa Romeo, has now been snapped testing at the German Nürburgring. As Alfa 8C Competizione takes on its role as a leading player, the combination of the exhilaration generated by its design and the pleasure of its drive clearly make Alfa Romeo stand out within its category. Comparing both, the concept and the prototype shown here, reveals the many modifications that will turn the show-stunner into a road-legal production car: new air-intakes, softer edges, wider A-pillars and many more.

The car will be powered by an unprecedented 4,591 cm3, 90° eight-cylinder engine. Maximum engine performance is 450 bhp at 7000 rpm, with a peak torque of 470 Nm at 4750 rpm and top speed capacity at 7500 rpm. With six gears and a computerized gearbox system situated behind the steering-wheel, the car offers pinpoint gear response and has been developed to be driven at Manual-Regular, Manual-Sporty, Automatic-Regular, Automatic-Sporty and Ice modes.

The 8C’s suspension and brake systems have been designed using racetrack engineering and developed technologies. The front and rear dual wishbone suspension and aluminium calipers ensure exceptional traction and braking performance. The 8C makes use of Alfa Romeo’s latest VDC technology (advanced stability and traction control systems) for best driving performance in any situation as well as guaranteed driving safety. The 8C Competizione will mark Alfa’s re-entry into the U.S.-market.