Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Alfa Romeo is planning to release a special version of its stunning 8C Competizione supercar next year to mark the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding in Milan, Italy. The new car will simply be called the 8C GTA and is expected to be unveiled on June 24, 2010.
It will be a lighter and more powerful version of the current 8C Competizione, and will be available in both coupe and convertible variants. GTA, which stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita (Italian for lighter grand tourer), is the name Alfa Romeo uses for its special edition performance models and is also scheduled to appear on a lightened version of the new MiTo hatch.
In addition to an almost certain power hike, expect a number of key changes to both the styling and dynamics of the car. To set it apart from the regular model, the 8C GTA will likely feature a vented bonnet, an aggressively styled front bumper and plenty of exposed carbon-fiber. A stripped-out cabin with sports bucket seats, as well as more carbon-fiber trim wherever possible, will help keep weight down.
Expect the 8C GTA to tip the scales at around 1,450kg – around 150kg less than the standard coupe and only 100kg heavier than its key rival, Ferrari’s hardcore F430 Scuderia. Other modifications should include a stiffer suspension set-up, carbon-ceramic brakes, and significantly wider rubber wrapped around lightweight forged alloy wheels.
Of course, this will be a very limited edition model, restricted to around 100 units and carrying the famed ‘GTA’ badging to display its extra potency.