This means that even with a price tag of $299,000 (including shipping), getting your hands on one will be tough. This level of pricing, incidentally, means that the 8C Spider is the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history, and it should remain that way for some time to come.

The cars are built in Modena, Italy, and share their mechanicals with the Maserati Granturismo. Power comes from a 4.7-liter V-8 engine with a peak output of 450 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. This engine has been matched to a self-shifting six-speed gearbox (with computerized selection of the gears or with manual control via levers behind the steering wheel), and a self-locking differential unit.

Controlling all that power is some of the best brakes in the business. Sitting inside the pretty 20-inch wheels are a set of carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes measuring 380 millimeters up front and 360 mm in the back. The 8C Spider also gets Alfa Romeo’s VDC traction and stability system to maximize safety.

Next year is Alfa Romeo’s centenary and to mark the event the automaker is expected to launch a high-performance ‘GTA’ version of the 8C hardtop. Only 100 units are expected to be built but there may be more built if Alfa Romeo decides to offer an 8C Spider GTA as well.

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