Alfa Romeo has unveiled its latest combustion-engine supercar, and it’s an absolute stunner. Called the 33 Stradale, the long-awaited two-door high-performance machine has been in development for the past two years and pays homage to the iconic cars of the Italian brand from the 1960s that share the same name. With prices starting in the region of £1.7 million, it won’t be cheap. In fact, it’s the most expensive Alfa Romeo ever. But that won’t matter to you or me, because we can’t have one.
Video: Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is its latest combustion supercar м>
This is because only 33 copies are being produced and they are already sold out.
The entire allocation has been promised to a carefully selected client who will respect “the history and iconicity of the car” – and has probably been tied to a contract that says they can’t sell them for a certain number of years for a quick profit.
All owners were identified a fortnight after last year’s Monza Grand Prix, where original sketches of the supercar were first shown to potential buyers.
But not all of the 33 Stradales built will use an internal combustion engine.
Alfa has offered its specially selected customers the choice of two powertrains.
The first is a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, an upgraded version of the 2.9-liter biturf unit used in the high-performance Giulia and Stelʋio Quadrifoglio models, developing 641 horsepower.
However, a second option offered to buyers was an all-electric drivetrain with 739 horsepower and an estimated range of 280 miles (450 kilometers) between charges.
Power in both versions is delivered to the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission; There is no option for a manual gearbox.
And performance is said to be “excellent” in both versions, with Alfa citing a top speed of 207 km/h (333 km/h) and a 0-62 km/h time of under three seconds.
Stopping power is equally impressive, with the combination of the brand’s in-house developed brake-by-wire system and BreмƄo carbon ceramic discs stopping the 33 Stradale from 62 km/h in less than 33 metres.
It should be a dream too, with the V6 version tipping the scales at around 1,500kg (about the same as a Ford Focus family hatch) and the use of double wishbone suspension, active dampers and four-wheel steering, with the rear axle also does some of the work in corners.
Weight has been kept to a minimum through the use of a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and aluminum body frame.
Even the window frames are fiberboard, while lightweight composite material is used for the hinges of the stunning butterfly doors.
And there are practical additions too, such as the front axle lift to ensure its underside doesn’t rub against speed increases.
The striking resemblance to the original 1967 33 Stradale cannot be denied, and a team of 49 engineers who developed the car are said to have attempted to match the proportions of the original as closely as possible.
In terms of carried over styling cues, the new model shares the familiar ‘V’ grille and an updated version of its headlight and brake light clusters to incorporate LEDs.
And not only do the doors open similarly to the 1960s model, but it also has the same clamshell hood and rear engine to add drama to the supercar.
Like the exterior, the vehicle is very minimalist (for example, there is not a single button or switch on the dashboard) and is a lightweight material, with all main touch points made of aluminum, cardboard or Alcantara.
The steering wheel also has no buttons, and the development team places many of the controls on a panel above the driver’s head on the roof to make it look like an airplane cockpit.
The seats are also inspired by the original 33 Stradale chairs.
“The 33 Stradale project arose as a result of the passion and dedication of a small team of designers and engineers at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile,” explains Alejandro Mesonero-Roмanos, head of design at Alfa Romeo.
‘The design is inspired by Franco Scaglione’s 1967 masterpiece, with a vintage look to the lines of future Alfa Romeo models.
‘The result is possible thanks to experience and the highest tradition of Italian design. A true manifesto of essential beauty: a limited number of lines, sensual and at the same time powerful, capable of awakening desire and strong emotions.’
Alfa Romeo will not produce the cars itself. Instead, it is outsourcing manufacturing to Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the Italian coach maker responsible for legendary classics like Aston Martin’s DB5 and Ferrari’s 166mm Barchetta.
Reports claim that of the 33 sold, 10 buyers have confirmed they want the petrol V6 and only two have placed orders for the EV option. The remaining 12 clients have yet to be decided.
Only two specifications have been made available to customers: TriƄuto and Alfa Corse, and the choice of only three colors: blue, red and a white and red to imitate that of the 33 Stradale Racer of the sixties, and the one that will probably triumph . more popular.
Commenting on the supercar, Jean-Philippe Iмparato, CEO of Alfa Romeo, said: “With the new 33 Stradale, we wanted to create something that lives up to our past, to serve the brand and make the Alfisti fandom proud.”
“This result could only have been achieved thanks to the experience, hard work and passion of our team, with the support of management who have a clear ambition to contribute to writing chapters in the future of the brand, fully respecting its unique history. . ‘
Having spent more than £1.7 million on its bespoke cars, with the first carefully selected customer taking delivery on December 17, 2024, Alfa Romeo has promised the 33 customers they will have the keys to its 33 Stradale at no later than 2026.
Original Alfa Roмeo 33 Stradale: a brief history
The original 33 Stradale arrived in 1967 and was derived directly from the Type 33, the company’s most prominent racing car of its time.
Such was its success that Alfa Romeo decided to produce the 33 in a “very limited edition” road model for individuals. It was created to combine the performance of the Type 33 racing car with the comfort and handling suitable for everyday use.
The design was penned by Franco Scaglione and is still recognized today as one of the most innovative and elegant models ever seen in a motor vehicle. Alfa Romeo says that “the quintessential beauty of the automobile is almost impossible to describe.”
Between 1967 and 1969, only 18 were produced, making it an extremely rare piece and highly coveted by collectors.
One of the cars is currently preserved in the Alfa museum in Arese, although many others were converted into prototypes.
“In short, the 33 Stradale is a legendary model that has marked not only the history of Alfa Romeo, but also that of Italian design,” the company states.
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