In 1967, Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo launched its mid-engined, street-legal version of a racing car, 33 Stradale. Back then, it was the fastest commercially available car for the standing kilometer when introduced.
It was a limited-edition car; only 18 cars were built, and it is reputed by many to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The supercar is derived directly from the Tipo 33 racing car.
Recently, Alfa Romeo has announced the return of the legendary 33 Stradale. This supercar comes with two powertrain options that buyers can choose from; the first one is a refined pure-combustion engine with 620hp, 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, and the other one is a 750hp all electric motor.
The electric powertrain of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is equipped with a large battery that will provide a maximum range of 450km (280 miles) depending upon the different driving speeds and conditions. Additionally, the new 33 Stradale cabin will have its sound engineered.
Alfa Romeo’s new 33 Stradale boasts an updated 620hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 rear wheel drive engine that can reach the top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph) through its 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, with no manual offered.
According to Alfa Romeo’s VP product manager Daniel Guzzafame, with the combustion engine, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale can reach 0-100km/h (0-60 mph) in less than three seconds, and with EV, it can reach within 2.5 seconds.
The driver can select the drive mode from Strada (road) and Pista (track) driving mode. The Strada (Road) mode, engaged when the car is started, ensures comfort and driving pleasure by smooth power delivery, soft suspension, fluid transmission, and active exhaust valves open only above 5,000 rpm.
Moreover, In Pista (Track) mode is for an adrenaline-fueled drive. In this mode, the pedals are even more responsive and stiffen its front and rear double-wishbone suspension. When powered by the V6 twin-turbo engine, the Pista offers quick gearshifts and active exhaust valves that are always open. In this drive mode, the driver can choose to deactivate all traction control.
The new 33 Stradale is equipped with the Alfa Romeo Brake-By-Wire braking system; carbon-ceramic ventilated Brembo brakes guarantee high performance and ensure reactive braking with a reduced fading effect at high temperatures, offering both control of braking pressure and ensuring stability in the feeling of the pedal, depending on the driving mode.
The 33 Stradale’s monocoque chassis is made of carbon fibre, and its body is made from an aluminum H-frame. The window frames are also carbon-fiber, and the rear window is polycarbonate. The bodywork was made of fiberglass to limit the car’s total mass to a minimum regulatory weight of 600 kg. The hinges are specially developed for the attractive butterfly doors.
Now, coming to the supercar’s design, the new 33 Stradale is inspired by the historic 1967 model with elements from the new Alfa Romeo design language.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, Head of Alfa Romeo Design: “The 33 Stradale project has come about as a result of the passion and dedication of a small team of designers and engineers at the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile. The design is inspired by Franco Scaglione’s masterpiece of 1967, with a bold look to the lines of future Alfa Romeo models. The result is made possible by the expertise and the best tradition of Italian design. A true manifesto of essential beauty: a limited number of lines, sensual and at the same time powerful capable of arousing desire and strong emotions.”
In the front, it has a powerful and muscular volume, where the standout features are the iconic V-shaped grille called Scudetto shield and the lights with their complex form and elliptical base with an overall profile optimized for aerodynamics.
The Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale interior employs a minimalist look and lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber. At the same time, extensive use of Alcantara reinforces its supercar billing.
The cockpit was designed to minimize components that could distract the driver, as seen in the limited number of controls on the center console steering wheel without buttons and said to be a first-of-its-kind 3D head-up display, serving as the primary digital interface designed to distract the driver as little as possible.
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is a limited series of only 33 units as a “fuoriserie” (custom-built) car, all of which have sold already.
