This is the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, a jaw-dropping new supercar from the Italian manufacturer that harks back to one of its glorious earlier models while also offering cutting-edge modern technology.
Design-wise, the sleek and curvaceous model is very reminiscent of the wonderful 33 Stradale that appeared in 1967 (surely one of the most beautiful cars ever conceived) but what lies beneath that slinky exterior is totally different.
For a start, the new 33 Stradale – of which just 33 units are to be made – will be available with either a twin-turbo V6 with eight-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel drive and electronic limited-slip differential churning our 462kW; or a battery-electric set-up delivering 560kW. There aren’t so many details around that battery-electric system, although the company does say range will be 450km.
Performance is predictably outstanding for both variants. Alfa Romeo says both can hit 333km/h and accelerate to 100km/h in under three seconds.
The new 33 Stradale is built on an H-frame made of aluminium with a monocoque made of carbon fibre. The roof structure has been engineered in carbon fibre and aluminium with specially developed hinges for the butterfly doors. Window frames are also carbon fibre.
The 33 Stradale adopts a dual-arm suspension with active shock absorbers and semi-virtual steering on both the front and rear axles. Alfa Romeo says this tech provides optimum control of the steering wheel and the highest degree of steering precision, while also delivering great handling in all driving conditions.
A front axle lift enables the lifting of the front when passing obstacles to avoid damage to the bodywork. This can be activated via the central console when driving under 40km/h and sees the hydraulic system raise the front axle by 50cm.
Drive modes include ‘Pista’ mode – which acts on the gearbox, traction control and power to maximise acceleration by avoiding wheel slippage – and ‘Strada’ mode, which is more road-focused. Braking comes via a brake-by-wire system with carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo. There’s a six-piston caliper set-up in the front, with a four-piston set-up at the rear.
Interiors are, Alfa Romeo says, minimalistic and designed for the greatest possible engagement in the driving experience. Directly ahead of the driver is a display while the steering wheel is devoid of all its usual buttons. Controls are instead located at different levels in the low centre console and in the central lining on the inside of the roof.
The aviation-inspired dashboard and central tunnel use materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara. The wraparound seats are upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather.
As with many low-production, highly valued supercars, the 33 Stradale can be customised, and therefore each will be unique. What those customisation choices will be for each of those units is, presumably, already decided as all of them have been bought. No word on what the 33 Stradale cost, but one can assume it would make even the fattest wallet considerably slimmer. And that seems fair enough for such a beauty.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2023)
13 September 2023
