Welcome Back! Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Launches in America

Back in 1995, with sales dwindling and its reputation in tatters due to poor build quality, Alfa Romeo left the U.S. market to nurse itself back to health. This followed the departure of Alfa's parent company, Fiat, 11 years earlier, and since then most fans of Italian cars have been forced to buy used vehicles or admire supercars made by Ferrari, Lamborghini, or (since 2002) Maserati from afar.

Yet, in recent months Fiat has been planning a grand return to American soil, going so far as to discuss deals to use manufacturing plants owned by Chrysler and sell cars through Mini's dealer network. But while the Italian automaker doesn't expect to have cars in showrooms until at least 2010, it turns out American Alfisti can take home an example of their favorite ride right now -- Alfa Romeo's Ferrari and Maserati-derived supercar, the 8C Competizione, has officially started selling through the U.S. Maserati dealer network this month.

Powered by a retuned version of the 4.7L V-8 found in the Maserati Granturismo, the 8C Competizione's 450-hp and 354 lb-ft of torque help rocket it from 0to 62 mph in just 4.2 sec. Featuring classically sensuous Italian styling (penned by current Audi designer Wolfgang Egger), a luxurious cabin, and a high-tech carbon body, Alfa's new supercar provides a high-profile halo vehicle for the brand. Though at a cost of approximately $240,000 and with just 84 examples destined to cross the Atlantic, one that will be an extremely rare sight on American roads.

If you've been saving up for a new Mercedes CL65 AMG but want something with a bit more Mediterranean flair,you may be out of luck.Even before it reaches U.S. dealers the "Quadrifoglio" brand's two-seater has already sold out. Alfa is bringing more examples of its supercar stateside, in addition to a rear-drive sedan and BMW X3-sized crossover (among others), in the form of a drop-top 8C Competizione Spider -- but those who want one will have to wait until 2010.

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription required)