Alfa Romeo 8C Spider: the most expensive Alfa Romeo ever

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is highly beloved and almost universally admired. Now Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, the open-air version of the 8C Competizione, is coming. Set to begin deliveries by January in U.S. next year, the 8C Spider will be offered at a limited production, just 500 examples and only 35 are scheduled to arrive on American shores.

Undoubtedly, with that exclusive, only a handful of eligible parties will get one. It’s priced at $299,000 (including shipping), which means that the 8C Spider is the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history.

The 8C Spider shares the same 4.7 litre V8 engine as the coupe, which produces 450hp (335kW) at 7,000rpm. This engine has been matched to an automated 6-speed gearbox with computerized selection of the gears via levers behind the steering-wheel, and a self-blocking differential unit.

Controlling all that power is some of the best brakes in the business. Sitting inside the pretty 20in wheels are a set of carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes measuring 380mm up front and 360mm in the back. The 8C Spider also gets Alfa Romeo’s VDC traction and stability system to maximize safety. Both the coupe and the convertible are built in Modena, Italy and share mechanicals with the Maserati Granturismo.

With Alfa Romeo's centenary coming up next year, it’s said that an even more high-performance and exclusive ‘GTA’ version of the 8C Competizione will be launched. Only 100 units are expected to be built. An 8C Spider GTA may come as well.