2012 Alfa Romeo 8C Review - The Alfa Romeo 8C name was used on road, race and sports cars of the 1930s. The 8C means 8 cylinders, and originally referred to a straight 8-cylinder engine. The Vittorio Jano designed 8C was Alfa Romeo's primary racing engine from its introduction in 1931 to its retirement in 1939. In addition to the two seater sports cars it was used in the world's first genuine single-seat Grand Prix racing car, the Monoposto 'Tipo B' - P3 from 1932 onwards. In its later development it powered such vehicles as the twin engined 1935 6.3 litre Bimotore, the 1935 3.8 litre Monoposto 8C 35 Type C, and the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Mille Miglia Roadster. It also powered top of the range coach-built production models. In 2004 Alfa Romeo revived the 8C name for a V8-engined concept car which has made it into production for 2007.
LFA Romeo stunned everyone with the amazing 8C Competizione concept. The car was considered by many one of the most beautiful designs ever. Due to the enthusiastic public reaction, Alfa has decided to produce the 8C as a limited edition. And this brings us to the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the event to host the launch of the production Alfa supercar.
We’re used to Italian exotics from Ferrari and Lamborghini, but Alfa now plans to push upmarket – and it’s created this stunning machine to spearhead the exclusive assault.
The 8C Competizione is a sports coupé with searing performance, sensational styling... and a £100,000 price tag. Originally debuting in concept form at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car is ready to order for delivery in a year’s time. And to see what those lucky buyers can expect, Auto Express was first to get behind the wheel.
When Alfa took the wraps off the 8C, few people thought it would make production unchanged. But, as you can see here – and as visitors discovered at last week’s Paris Motor Show – it retains all the concept’s amazing details.
