Page 1 of 1 At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Touring Superleggera showed a modern interpretation of the coupe version of the legendary Alfa Romeo Disco Volante created 60 years earlier by the Italian carrozzeria. Designed to be draped over an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis, the car on display in 2012 was a non functional, full-scale model. Potential customers were invited to supply an 8C for the six-month conversion.
At least one customer stepped forward and at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the first complete car was shown. At the time, it was still referred to as a Touring Disco Volante but, no doubt helped by the universal praise the car received, Alfa Romeo officially sanctioned the Disco Volante a few weeks later. A year later, a third example was shown in Geneva and Touring Superleggera, the production run would eventually consist of eight Disco Volantes.
The 4,000 man hour process starts with one of the 500 Alfa Romeo 8C Competiziones built, which is stripped inside and out, while the actual chassis and running gear are left untouched. That means the Disco Volante boasts a 450 hp V8, mated to a paddle operated six-speed gearbox. The 8C rolling chassis is clothed in a body that is a mix of carbon-fibre composite and aluminium panels. As in the old days, the panels are mounted on a frame, which in this case is constructed from carbon-fibre as well.
Penned by chief designer Louis de Fabrideckers, the lines of the Disco Volante are clearly derived from the 1952 original. The barrel-shaped flanks, that earned it the flying saucer nickname are further accentuated by a separate trim strip, finished in a different colour than the car itself. The flying saucer theme is also carried over to the bespoke interior, which features LED light profiles and also many unique parts inspired by aeronautics.
At the time of writing, Touring Superleggera have completed three examples; one in red, one in silver and the third in green with gold accents. Page 1 of 1
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Disco Volante by Touring
At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Touring Superleggera showed a modern interpretation of the coupe version of the legendary Alfa Romeo Disco Volante created 60 years earlier by the Italian carrozzeria. Designed to be draped over an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis, the car on display in 2012 was a non functional, full-scale model. Potential customers were invited to supply an 8C for the six-month conversion.