Disco Volante, if you’re wondering, is Italian for “Flying Saucer.” And who wouldn’t want to own a car called the Flying Saucer?
A highly select group of gearheads will soon have the opportunity to do just that, as the Disco Volante concept car is going into limited production.
Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the Disco Volante is an homage to the classic 1952 Alfa of the same name.
The original Disco Volante – also know as C52 – featured custom bodywork from Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera with an ultra low coefficient of drag. At just 0.25, the original Disco Volante than the Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, or Tesla Model S.
The new car is just as aerodynamic – and it has some serious running gear underneath its futuristic bodywork. That’s because it’s a re-bodied Alfa Romeo 8C, which, too, was a limited-run Alfa.
Thanks to its 8C underpinnings, the 21st century Disco Volante has a 4.7-liter Maserati V8 under the hood producing 444 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque. That’s a big upgrade from the original 1952 C52, which made due with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and 158 hp.
Coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters, the V8 hits the Disco Volante to 62 mph from naught in 4.2 seconds.
The Disco Volante isn’t as great as it seems. In order to put one in your driveway, you’ll have to supply a donor 8C for conversion by Touring, which takes around six months. Worried you’ll be sullying your 8C’s good name? Don’t. Alfa gives the conversion its full blessing.
The cost is an “If you have to ask…” situation, and Touring hasn’t said exactly how many examples it will build. Considering that only 500 8C Competizione coupes (and 500 Spyder convertibles) were made, the answer will probably be “not many.”
The Disco Volante is a great piece of eye candy. But we’re also excited for the compact, mid-engined 4C sports car and the reborn, Miata-based Alfa Romeo Spider.
What do you think of the Disco Volante? Tell us in the comments.
