Alfa Romeo, a name synonymous with Italian automotive excellence and sporting heritage, is making waves in the world of high-performance automobiles once again. After a brief hiatus from producing top-tier sports cars, the brand is staging a remarkable comeback with the revival of the iconic 33 Stradale.
This resurrection comes after a rollercoaster of anticipation and dashed hopes. Alfa Romeo enthusiasts had been tantalized by the prospect of a new flagship sports car when it was hinted at in a 2018 product roadmap. However, those dreams were crushed when parent company FCA decided to halt production on the promising 700-horsepower 8C coupe less than a year later. But now, in the year 2023, the wait is finally over.
The 33 Stradale, a spiritual successor to the legendary 1960s classic, stands as a testament to Alfa Romeo’s commitment to its heritage. Just like its predecessor, this modern-day marvel boasts a mid-engined layout, exuding timeless elegance and an aura of power. Notably, the car’s body will be meticulously handcrafted by the skilled artisans at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, an homage to the traditional craftsmanship that has defined Italian car design.
While the original 33 Stradale was exceedingly exclusive, with only 18 units ever created, the new iteration aims to be slightly more accessible, with plans to produce 33 units. However, don’t let the larger number fool you – each of these cars will be a unique masterpiece, painstakingly crafted by a dedicated team of artisans. The level of personalization is staggering, with owners even having the privilege of selecting a custom eight-digit VIN number, proudly displayed on the center tunnel.
The 33 Stradale is not only a work of art on the outside but also under its carbon fiber and aluminum skin. It features a carbon fiber monocoque, an aluminum H-frame, and a hybrid roof, showcasing Alfa Romeo’s commitment to lightweight construction. Even the window frames have been crafted from carbon fiber, and the rear glass has been replaced with polycarbonate to further reduce weight.
Inside, two distinct themes await prospective buyers: “Tributo,” which pays homage to the classic car’s interior, and “Alfa Corse,” a sportier option. The cockpit exudes a sense of purpose, with aluminum shift paddles behind a steering wheel that intentionally lacks extraneous controls, encouraging the driver to focus on the road ahead. The interior materials blend leather, carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara, all while staying true to the 1960s aesthetic.
Powering this Italian masterpiece is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering an impressive 620+ horsepower to the rear wheels. While the power output may remind some of Maserati’s Nettuno engine, it’s actually an evolution of Alfa Romeo’s own twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, as seen in the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models. Although torque figures are not disclosed, it’s worth noting that this V6 engine produces 443 pound-feet in the Quadrifoglio models, the Giulia GTA/GTAm, and the Giulia SWB Zagato.
In a nod to the future, Alfa Romeo also offers the 33 Stradale as a fully electric supercar, boasting over 750 horsepower – a figure reminiscent of the GranTurismo Folgore. This electric variant is claimed to have a range of 280 miles (450 kilometers) on the WLTP cycle, aligning it with Maserati’s electric offering. However, it’s worth noting that Alfa Romeo has not explicitly confirmed whether the 33 Stradale utilizes the same tri-motor setup as the Maserati.
Performance-wise, regardless of the powertrain choice, the 33 Stradale delivers exhilarating numbers. It sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than three seconds and reaches a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h). To ensure the car can handle such performance, it comes equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic discs, a brake-by-wire system, and a sophisticated double-arm suspension configuration with active dampers, along with a front-axle lift system for added practicality.
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has made a promising declaration, ensuring that the 33 Stradale is not the brand’s final foray into creating special, highly bespoke models. This rekindles the excitement for what’s to come from this storied Italian marque, reaffirming its commitment to crafting exceptional automobiles that capture the essence of speed, beauty, and passion.
