After a long hiatus, Alfa Romeo is returning to the world of supercars and “fuoriserie” (Italian for custom-built vehicles) with the retro-inspired 33 Stradale.
The new two-door is also the first electric vehicle (EV) from Italian marque.
True to its name, Alfa will only build 33 of the 33 Stradale for an unspecified price, although a report indicates prices start at €3 million ($5 million).
All 33 cars were sold out after the automaker showed prospective buyers sketches of the new car the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix. Vehicles will be made by Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera.
As with all high-priced, low-volume vehicles, the new 33 Stradale can be extensively customised, although customer requests need to be approved an Alfa-run committee to ensure the “car’s history and iconicity are respected”.
While the original 33 Stradale had a 2.0-litre V8, buyers of the new car can choose between an “evolution” of the twin-turbo V6 found in the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models or a pure electric drivetrain.
The twin-turbo V6 has been bored out to 3.0 litres. Mounted longitudinally and situated behind the driver and passenger, it delivers around 460kW to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential.
Alfa Romeo has provided fewer details about the pure electric drivetrain, but says it is rated at around 560kW and is paired with a battery pack capable of 450km of range under the WLTP standard.
For both drivetrains, Alfa Romeo is aiming for a top speed of 333km/h, and a 0-100km/h time under 3.0 seconds.
While the exterior is a “reinterpretation” of the 1967 33 Stradale, the car combines a modern carbon-fibre monocoque with an aluminium H-frame chassis for maximum rigidity and minimal weight.
The 33 Stradale rides on double-arm suspension with active shocks at both ends, and tuning for the car’s handling will be “supported” by Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas.
There are two drive modes: road-oriented Strada, and track-focussed Pista, which has firmer suspension, more sensitive controls, and faster gear shifts.
A brake-by-wire system featuring carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes with six-piston monobloc calipers up front, and four-pot units at the rear are responsible for bringing the 33 Stradale to a halt.
The classically styled minimalist interior is said to be inspired by airplane cockpits, and as such has a steering wheel without any buttons on the spokes, with most of the car’s controls positioned in the centre console or in the roof headlining.
Poltrona Frau leather is used for the car’s thin, wraparound seats, while much of the rest of the interior is clad in aluminium, carbon fibre, leather or faux suede. Tributo versions gravitate towards aluminium trim, while the sportier Alfa Corse spec has more carbon-fibre elements.
Although there’s no large touchscreen infotainment system, Alfa has fitted a seven-speaker sound system to the car.
To view the entire Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale gallery, click one of the photos above.
