New cars: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Autoweek

Only 35 lucky U.S. buyers will be able to purchase this magnificent drop-top. They won’t be disappointed. Based on a Maserati platform, this “supercar among supercars” delivers the very highest level of automotive expertise, from dramatic styling to snug body panels to handsome leather interior to, of course, the 4.7-liter V8’s “ever-present growl.” Alfa Romeo is enjoying a robust resurgence.

Automobile

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The 8C “does look pretty sexy in its tight-fitting black top.” But the six-speed gearbox, borrowed from the Maserati Gran­Sport Coupe, seems to have been lubricated with grappa. First gear frequently sticks, and reverse is hard to find. The three-spoke steering wheel with squared-off bottom adjusts well, and aluminum pedals are well spaced, but “the clutch is too heavy.”

Car and Driver

This loud, lovely car will make you grin, even if you’re not driving it. The ferocious blare of the V8 makes you wonder how it got past European noise regulations. Handling is impeccable, “brakes are sensational,” and the manual gearshifts are “superfast.” This car is also a work of old-fashioned artisanship, worthy of the price.