This is the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante (‘Flying Saucer’), built by Milanese coachbuilding firm Touring Superleggera.
Based on an Alfa Romeo 8C, it shares the same 437bhp 4.7-litre V8 but the handcrafted bodywork is all new. It was revealed at the Geneva motor show in 2012, and is inspired by the original Alfa Romeo Disco Volante from 1952 – an amazing lightweight and aerodynamic racing automobile from Alfa.
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This modern interpretation has aerodynamic properties as well, but the design also incorporates broad front winds that cover the wheels and a take on line that moves upwards into a pinched rear end. The telephone dial wheels and signature grille mark it out as a modern Alfa Romeo, too.
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It gets a stylish interior, with LED lighting, leather upholstery and a range of futuristic-looking dials and switches on the dashboard.
The engine and running gear are the same as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, with the 4.7-litre V8 delivering 437bhp and 480Nm of torque. The 8C was never revered for its driving dynamics but the pace is certainly impressive, with 0-62mph served up in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 181mph.
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It’s not the most efficient engine, though. It’s probably best not to pop to the shops in town as you can only expect about 12mpg, and emissions of 377g/km imply an annual tax bill of £1,065.
The bodywork uses aluminium and carbon fibre to keep weight down, mirroring the lightweight aluminium Disco Volante of the 1950s.
Each automobile is built to order, with the production process taking six months once the Alfa Romeo 8C is offered to the factory.
Top speed (est) 292kph / 181mph
Acceleration (est) 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 4.2seconds
Length4,620mm
Width 2,032mm
Height1,309mm
Wheelbase 2,640mm
Boot volume 142 litres
Fuel tank capacity 88 litres
Cylinders / typeV8
Cubic capacity4,691cm³
Nominal output 331kw/450HP@7,000rpm
Max torque480Nm@4750rpm
Emission levelEuro 5
ECONOMY
Urban 23.6l/100km (12mpg)
Extra-Urban 11.4l/100km (24.8mpg)
Combined 15.8l/100km (17.9mpg)
CO2 emissions377g/km (combined)
Transmission6-speed sequential automatic, rear-wheel drive
