Our love affair with Alfa Romeo's beautiful 8C Competizione continues with the announcement today that the even more stylish Spider convertible will be appearing at next month’s Geneva Motor Show in full production trim. Like the hardtop, Alfa will build just 500 examples of the stunning 8C Spider and the bulk of cars have already been earmarked for the U.S. and Germany.

As gorgeous as the new Spider is, it’s also set to be a stunning performer as our first drive of the 8C Competizione has shown. The new model features the familiar 4.7L Ferrari-built V8 engine and delivers the same 450hp peak output at 7,000rpm. This engine has been mated to a self-shifting 6-speed gearbox (with computerized selection of the gears via levers behind the steering-wheel), and a self-blocking differential unit.

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

Alfa Romeo has not revealed pricing for the 8C Spider, but initial estimates place it at close to €200,000, a massive €35,000 more than its coupe sibling.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spider
First drive: Alfa Romeo 8c