Reviving the Italian Flying Saucer: Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder

Iconic Masterpiece - The world of supercars is a realm where art and engineering meet, and one of the key players in this space is Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, an iconic Italian coachbuilder with a rich history. Known for transforming standard vehicles into masterpieces, Touring Superleggera, and in 2016 stunned the automotive world with its creation of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder. This high-performance, two-door, roofless supercar is a modern tribute to the stunning design of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante 2012, which also came from the minds at Touring Superleggera.

The 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

The Disco Volante name itself has roots tracing back to the 1950s, when Alfa Romeo first introduced the 1900 C52, a car that immediately captured attention due to its futuristic design. The term "Disco Volante," meaning "flying saucer" in Italian, was inspired by the car's shape, which resembled the imagined flying saucers of that era. At a time when space exploration and moon landings were part of popular imagination, the Disco Volante became a symbol of innovation and forward-thinking.

Left side view of the 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

In creating the 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder, Touring Superleggera took the foundation of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Spyder and reimagined it entirely. The original car was stripped down to just the frame, engine, and transmission, allowing the coachbuilder to inject its own creativity into every detail. This level of customization and respect for Italian tradition was key to the design process, ensuring that the Spyder stood as a tribute to both the heritage and future of Italian automotive craftsmanship.

Instead of just using the fabric roof from the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, the Disco Volante Spyder has two lightweight carbon fiber roof panels that weigh about eight pounds each and can be manually stowed in the trunk. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

The team behind the Disco Volante Spyder sought to deliver a car that felt as though the driver was one with the road, with no roof to interrupt the experience. To achieve this, a low windshield with a thin, nearly invisible frame was integrated into the design, and the side windows were seamlessly blended with the front glass. According to Louis de Fabribeckers, the head of design, the goal was to create a dynamic and powerful car that retained elegance without appearing overly aggressive. The result was a sleek, yet aggressive supercar that perfectly balanced these elements.

Interior view of the 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

The 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder isn't just about looks. It was developed with cutting-edge technology to ensure both performance and safety. Advanced aerodynamics, structural analysis, and safety homologation were all considered during the design process. Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the Spyder achieves optimal air flow to reduce noise and maximize performance at high speeds. With the roof open, the car reaches speeds of up to 180 kph with minimal cabin noise, a feat few cars of its kind can match.

Rear side view of the 2016 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

At the heart of the Disco Volante Spyder lies a 4.7-liter Maserati V8 engine, producing an impressive 444 horsepower. Paired with an automatic transmission, this powerhouse drives the rear wheels, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.5 seconds. With a top speed of 291 kph, the Spyder combines raw power with precision engineering. Notably, only seven units of this exclusive supercar were ever produced, making it a rare gem for collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.

The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante Spyder is more than just a car; it's a celebration of innovation, tradition, and the pursuit of automotive perfection. It embodies the artistry of Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera and stands as a testament to Italy's legacy in car design. With its mix of futuristic styling, high performance, and limited production, the Disco Volante Spyder continues to capture the imagination of anyone who crosses its path. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZERIA TOURING SUPERLEGGERA | ROAD&TRACK | TOPGEAR ]

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