Does it get any better?
Novitec Automobile, the Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Lancia arm of the Novitec brand, has just taken one of the most attractive automotive designs and made it even more provocative. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione coupe is arguably one of the most impressive automotive designs currently being produced. Although some enthusiasts believe convertible variants are oftentimes less appealing and attractive than their coupe counterparts, the new Novitec 8C Competizione Spyder makes a strong case against that belief.
The basis for the Alfa Romeo 8C was a modified Maserati GT platform. So Novitec called in their Maserati-specialist sister company, Novitec Tridente, to assist in the modification of the topless 8C. The 4.7-liter V-8 was fitted with a crankshaft-driven cogged-tooth belt supercharger producing a maximum 0.37 BAR (5.37 PSI) of boost pressure. The system is cooled by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator and is adapted to produce a broad band of power on the Novitec 8C, even at lower engine speeds. In addition to the supercharger, Novitec has also installed larger custom fuel injectors and recalibrated the ECU ignition and injection mapping. The seductive V-8 rumble can now be heard through an adjustable stainless-steel exhaust system. The system uses integrated flaps to adjust the exhaust note based on engine speed, varying from a sporty growl to a loud race-like roar.
The resulting power and performance makes the Novitec 8C Spyder the most powerful and fastest production Alfa Romeo in the world. With 600 horsepower at 7,300 RPM and 434 lb-ft. of torque at 5,400 RPM, the sprint to 62 mph takes the Novitec 8C Spyder a mere 3.9 seconds. Top speed is pushed even farther to 189 mph.
One of the biggest criticisms of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione has been its handling dynamics. To remedy this, Novitec has fitted an in-house threaded coil-over suspension with adjustable ride height and damper rates for a more precise and controllable ride.
Sometimes it’s best to leave a good design untouched, which is why Novitec has kept their hands off of the 8C Spyder’s exterior. The only aesthetic modification was a new set of three-piece NA3 wheels. The five double-spoke wheels are fitted in a staggered 9J x 21 front and 11.5J x 22 rear setup. In order to improve grip, Novitec has equipped the wheels in high-performance 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22 Pirelli rubber.
The Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spyder is currently available. Pricing for the supercharger conversion begins at € 19,900 (+/- 29,500 USD). Novitec can also customize the interior of the 8C to customer specification with a wide variety of high quality leather and alcantara.
Novitec 8C Competizione Spyder Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.7 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Supercharged
Maximum Boost Pressure: 0.37 BAR (5.37 PSI)
Maximum Horsepower: 600 (441 kW) at 7,300 RPM
Maximum Torque: 433.63 lb-ft. (588 Nm) at 5,400 RPM
-Cogged-tooth belt supercharger system
-Water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator
-Stainless-steel adjustable exhaust system
-Remapped ECU
-Custom fuel injectors
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed sequential manual
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.9 seconds
Top Speed: 189.52 mph (305 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: Three-piece NA3, five double-spoke in any color/finish
Front Wheels: 9J x 21
Rear Wheels: 11.5J x 22
Tires: Pirelli high-performance
Front Tires: 255/30 ZR 21
Rear Tires: 315/25 ZR 22
Suspension: Threaded coil-over with adjustable height and damper settings
Novitec 8C Competizione Spyder Gallery
[Source: Novitec Automobiles]
Would you pick the Novitec 8C Competizione Spyder over a base Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe? Leave a comment and let us know!
