New Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale supercar unveiled with V6 and pure-electric power
Alfa Romeo’s says “courage and madness” has helped create its new 207mph 33 Stradale supercar
No other car brand conjures up emotion quite like Alfa Romeo and before the Italian firm offers a fully-electric model range by 2027, it’s giving itself an internal-combustion engine present in the form of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.
As the name suggests, it’s a tribute to the 33 Stradale built between 1967 and 1969. While only 18 of the original cars were built, the new 33 Stradale’s production will extend to 33 units. The 33 Stradale will bridge the gap between Alfa Romeo’s ICE past and its EV future however, being offered with the two powertrains.
It’s clear the new 33 Stradale has been influenced by the old model in its design. There are rounded headlights, a low grille opening with a small and modern interpretation of Alfa Romeo’s Scudetto shield, and a front clamshell bonnet that opens just like the original’s. The butterfly doors with overhanging glass are also a throwback design, as is the rear clamshell cover for the engine. To the rear there are circular lights and a black piece of trim that mimics the meshed venting of the old car. 20-inch alloy wheels, finished in black, gold or silver, fill the arches.
The cabin is like no other Alfa Romeo. It’s a fairly minimalistic approach, with a small touchscreen located low on the dash for a more driver-focused layout. Even the steering wheel is devoid of any buttons so the driver isn’t distracted. The driver’s instruments are quite conventional, with a screen with two dedicated dials for the tachometer and speedometer.
Overhead there are a few toggle switches inspired by an aeroplane’s cockpit and the centre console houses aluminium switches for various driving modes, and the gear selector. Driving modes include ‘Strada’ (Road), which is the softest setting, and ‘Pista’ (Track) which ensures the powertrain is at peak output and responsiveness. Elsewhere there’s a hydraulic nose lift switch that can raise the front by 50mm at speeds of under 25mph.
Two interior designs are offered with the 33 Stradale. ‘Tributo’ utilises leather and aluminium where ‘Alfa Corse’ replaces that with Alcantara and carbon fibre. The bucket seats are designed to combine comfort with ergonomics and in a nod to the minimalist cabin design, there are no door handles, just a leather strap.
While Alfa Romeo hasn’t specifically said the 33 Stradale uses the same platform as the MC20 from Stellantis stablemate Maserati, it seems likely, with the Alfa Romeo using a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine – similar to the MC20’s ‘Nettuno’.
Alfa Romeo says the 33 Stradale boasts over 620bhp with the V6, but there’s also a pure-electric configuration with over 750bhp. Alfa claims a maximum range of 280 miles for the EV. There’s a claimed top speed of 207mph and 0-62mph time of under three seconds. With the differences in weight between the two powertrains, we expect Alfa Romeo to tweak the two cars’ chassis individually, which feature a double-arm suspension with active shock absorbers and carbon-ceramic brakes.
Mated to the V6 engine version is an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels through an electronic differential. The body of the 33 Stradale is formed from an aluminium H-frame and carbon fibre monocoque for rigidity and lightness.
TrustpilotAlfa Romeo promises the 33 Stradale offers “outstanding performance on the track”, with “no compromises in everyday use”. For the track part of that claim, Alfa brought in its Formula One driver Valterri Bottas to hone the car around the legendary Balocco test track.
Pricing for the 33 Stradale hasn’t been revealed and Alfa Romeo has already found 33 customers for each one, so we may never find out.
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