Alfa Romeo show off Alfa 8C Competizione

30 September 2006 0:21 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

We’ve got to admit it ... this is one of the best designed cars we’ve ever seen.

The amazing Alfa 8C Competizione, which will be produced in a limited edition for very lucky few people, has made its debut in Paris, and is the culmination of work from the most egg-shaped petrolheads at Alfa Romeo and Maserati.

Bearing a very close resemblance to the original concept, which first saw the light of car paperazzi’s flash guns back in 2003, the 8C has some of the most drool-splatteringly lines ever, mixing a rather masculine bravado with subtle curves that make this one appeal to both hicks and chicks alike.

Underneath, a new 90° 4.6 V8 trundles out 450bhp at 7000rpm. But special gubbins in the exhaust system and valve timing mean that even at just 2000rpm you get 80% of the total torque available. Loads of aluminium in the engine block, base assembly and even the cylinder heads keep weight down.

It’s mated to a six-speed gearbox with computerised speed selection, while brakes are snazzy perforated and ventilated discs with aluminium brake calipers.

And the inside oozes more style than a Milan Fashion Week after-party, with plenty of composite materials and even anatomically designed seats made from carbon fibre. Now that’s beyond cool.