Alfa Romeo has officially endorsed the Alfa Disco Volante built by Milan-based coachbuilder Touring Superleggera with limited production planned.
First seen at the 2012 Geneva motor show, the freshly updated Alfa Disco Volante takes its inspiration from the 1952 Alfa Romeo 1900 C52 ‘Disco Volante’, a car dubbed the Flying Saucer due to its futuristic design.
Based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the 2013 Alfa Disco Volante is a bespoke two-seater featuring a hand-made carbonfibre and aluminium body and a 331kW/480Nm 4.7-litre V8.
With a six-speed paddle-shifted sequential transmission sending power to the rear wheels, the Touring Superleggera model claims 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, a top speed of 292km/h and combined fuel consumption of 15.8L/100km.
The Alfa Disco Volante measures 4620mm long, 2032mm wide and 1309mm high and rides on a 2640mm wheelbase – 239mm longer, 138mm wider and 1mm taller than the 8C Competizione with an identical wheelbase.
Though the door frames, roof frame and C-pillar have been modified to match the new car’s shape, the 8C’s engine bay, windscreen, A-pillar, dashboard, instruments, pedals, steering wheel and 20-inch aluminium forged wheels remain.
Highlighting the Disco Volante’s cabin are leather upholstery, black Alcantara trim, red LED light profiles, and aeronautical-inspired touches on the dashboard, instruments and controls.
Alfa Romeo says the limited production vehicle will be “built only to demand” – requiring 4000 hours and six months to complete – with prices dependant on requested specifications.
All Touring-built Alfa Disco Volantes are able to be serviced and repaired via qualified Alfa Romeo dealers.
