Alfa Romeo Spider 2006 Review

It's also the first all-wheel drive Alfa Spider. The generously sized two-seater (4396mm long x 1830mm wide x 1367mm high) is complemented by elongated rear lights and four exhaust pipes in keeping with its high-performance temperament.

Inside, the Alfa Spider features automatic dualzone climate control and steering wheel-mounted radio controls. There's switchable Vehicle Dynamic Control (Alfa Romeo's version of the electronic stability program) and cruise control.

Power is by either the 138kW 2.2-litre JTS engine or the more powerful 195kW 3.2-litre JTS. Just weeks after it was revealed at the Paris International Motor Show, Alfa Romeo's new 336 kW super car, the 8C Competizione will take centre stage on Alfa's stand at the 2006 Sydney International Motor Show.

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The limited edition left-hand-drive only coupe is based on the showcar first seen in 2003.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo's glorious past, beginning with the evocative name, which recalls the great sporting tradition of Alfa Romeo in the 1930s and 1940s.

Those cars were equipped with a revolutionary straight-eight cylinder engine and the new 8C is also an eight cylinder - in this case a 4.7 litre example in a more traditional "V" configuration producing more than 330 kW.