I'm in love, Love, LOVE!!!

It uses the Maserati's strongly built steel platform with a steel upper structure designed to achieve a very high torsional rigidity. It also forms the structural base for its carbon-fiber body, this combination having been chosen for its light weight, ensuring a low center of gravity. Its lines are smooth and elegant, the result of cooperation between stylists and aerodynamicists.

The all-aluminum 90-degree V-8 engine has twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, driven by a single space-saving chain, four valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication.

Although the powerplant is also a close relative of the Ferrari 430 engine, its 5-bearing crankshaft is of the conventional 90-degree type for complete balance of first- and second-order forces. All the pressurized oil passages are part of the cylinder block and head castings, with no external lines, while the dry-sump oil system — its tank has a capacity of 10.5 liters (2.77 gal.) — ensures efficient lubrication even under the highest cornering forces. Additionally, together with the small diameter of the low-inertia twin-disc clutch, the flat crankcase bottom has made it possible to place the engine very low in the chassis for a low overall center of gravity.

We clocked 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds and covered the quarter mile in 12.4 sec. at 115.4 mph. Driving for only a few hours, we got a rough idea about the 8C's fantastic balance and dynamic potential (it pulls 1.02g in lateral acceleration), and it is certainly among the best rear-wheel-drive cars we've ever tested.

As the 8C delivers what has been promised, we don't doubt the official Alfa figures except one — the top speed. It is listed at 181 mph, but this is probably false to keep a certain respectful distance from Ferrari. Off the record, we have been told the 8C gets close to 190 mph...

The Italians have created a legitimate sports coupe and a serious alternative to Aston Martins, BMWs and Porsches. It's a genuine GT with excellent comfort on the open road as well. Knowing that the Italian brand still resounds in the U.S., we sense there is certainly a lot of potential for Alfa Romeo's North American revival. Without a doubt, the 8C will prepare the public for other (less expensive) Alfa models to come. Alfa just announced it will build 500 versions of the 8C Spider in 2009.