Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cars of all time, the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 and the road-going version, the 33 Stradale, have inspired Alfa Romeo’s newest supercar. Intended to offer drivers racecar performance on the road, the new-age 33 Stradale is available with either a twin-turbo V6 or an all-electric drivetrain.
Both will offer a top speed of 206 mph (333 km/h) and a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of less than three seconds, Alfa Romeo claims. Details remain scant on the electric model, but it will offer 750 hp (559 kW/760 PS) and a WLTP range of 280 miles (450 km).
Meanwhile, the twin-turbo V6 engine will deliver 620 hp (462 kW/629 PS)—just like the Maserati MC20 with which the Alfa shares most of its hardware including chassis components. That power will be routed to the wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential.
One way or another, the 2024 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale will feature a double-arm, active suspension that can lift the front end to get it over speed bumps. The suspension is attached to an H-frame and carbon fiber monocoque chassis that promises to deliver lightness and rigidity.
Higher up, a carbon fiber and aluminum roof help support the classic butterfly doors. To help keep weight as low as possible, the window frames are made of carbon fiber, and the body panels are made of polycarbonate.
Like the classics it seeks to replicate, the new 33 Stradale will have real motorsports bona fides. It is being developed at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Grounds in Italy, with the help of F1 driver Valtteri Bottas.
Two driving modes will ensure that the drivers can actually use the 33 Stradale. The first, Strada (Italian for street), makes the car as comfortable and smooth as possible, and keeps the exhaust quiet unless you rev it over 5,000 RPM.
In Pista (Track) mode, the exhaust valves open wide to provide drivers with unadulterated engine sound, the pedals become more sensitive, and the suspension firms up to prioritize handling over comfort.
At its most aggressive, the 33 Stradale’s Brembo brake-by-wire system can get it from 62 mph (100 km/h) to a halt in just 108 feet (33 meters). On the other end of the spectrum, launch control is available via the Quadrifoglio button, which is located on the center console.
Unlike in most modern cars, Alfa Romeo has decided not to place the Quadrifoglio button, nor indeed any other buttons on the steering wheel. Designed to do nothing but turn the car, the wheel is clean and simple.
To find places for the rest of the necessary buttons, Alfa Romeo leaned heavily on the center console and, taking inspiration from the aeronautical industry, on the Alcántara covered roof. It says the dash and central tunnel are also inspired by airplanes, and it has used aluminum, carbon, and leather throughout the cabin to give the 33 Stradale a purposeful, aggressive, but still luxurious feel.
Outside, the retro look is shaped to do more than just look good. The design has been modernized to help it achieve a coefficient of drag of 0.375 and downforce is provided without the aid of active aerodynamics.
Limited to just 33 examples, the 33 Stradale is available in Tributo and Alfa Corse trims, or rather was, because they’ve all been purchased. Buyers were given the opportunity to customize theirs down to the air intakes with Alfa Romeo’s new customer commissions team, “Bottega,” and that means that no two examples will be exactly identical
Interestingly, Alfa Romeo clarified that the availability of the 33 Stradale extended beyond Europe. Some examples were indeed sold in North America and other regions. However, specific customer numbers for each region have not been disclosed by the company.
Production of each example will be handled by the coach builders at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Alfa Romeo told us it isn’t sharing prices with media, but estimates suggest that each example costs more than $1 million
Text by: Carscoops