And finally, particular care was dedicated to the definition and acoustic intonation of the intake and exhaust, to achieve a timbre that would point up the character of the car, and make it unmistakable. The result is a characteristic, full sound, emphasised by a very permeable intake system and an exhaust system with electronically controlled actuation valves, which enhance the sound of the car but respect homologation and environmental standards.


Transmission, robotised gearbox and self-locking differential

On Alfa 8C Competizione, the engineers propose a layout that Alfa has used on several previous occasions: a transaxle architecture with the gearbox on the rear axle. This achieves excellent dynamic performance, without detracting from Alfa Romeo's proverbial active safety.

The engine-transmission unit adopts the transaxle architecture, with a weight distribution that is very effective for the handling of the car. Thanks to the small axial measurements, and the fact that the chassis elements were incorporated from the first stages of its design, the entire power pack was housed far to the rear of the car, a position worthy of sporty credentials.

The 6-speed gearbox, with computerised gear selection by the levers behind the steering-wheel, was developed for very fast gear changes, and can be used in Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, Automatic-Normal, Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. And finally, the self-locking differential lets the driver control acceleration and stability in any situation with extraordinary efficiency.


Suspension, wheels and braking system

In the best Alfa Romeo tradition, the technical solutions on the car were borrowed directly from racing experience. The suspension system of the new model is no exception. This envisages a dual wishbone layout with hub carriers and arms made of forged aluminium, with a supplementary strut to control toe-in.

The braking system mounts perforated, ventilated discs with aluminium callipers to guarantee powerful, effective braking even with very intensive use. What is more, specially developed 20" tyres were chosen, because they could guarantee excellent performance, really 'gluing' the car to the road: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, mounted on rims of perforated special aluminium which are lighter and make brake ventilation more efficient.

And finally, to ensure that the car is entertaining and safe to drive in all conditions, Alfa 8C Competizione proposes the latest edition of the Alfa Romeo VDC system, an evolved stability and traction control system, which ensures that the driver and the car are always on the same wavelength.


A light, rigid structure

A structure that is light and rigid is essential when designing a good car with high performance. And it was certainly the inspiration for the Alfa 8C Competizione. The compact chassis is made of steel for maximum torsional rigidity, guaranteeing precise, safe steering at all times, while the bodyshell is made of carbon fibre. This choice was motivated by the need to keep weight to a minimum, but also to lower the car's centre of gravity, so as to enhance agility and driveability on more demanding routes.


Interior: personality and technology

Composite materials were used extensively in the interior, in particular for the facia and interior panelling. It was a technical decision but one that also underlines the spirit of the car and highlights its personality.

previous page | go to page 4