We weren't going to publish an article on the new Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, a drop-top version of the gorgeous 8C Competizione which took home Car Design of the Year prize in our 2006 Competition, but we had a change of heart.

There is no special news to report, other than the fact that a dashboard-mounted button now effectively transforms the carbon fiber cockpit of the Alfa 8C into an open top GT cruiser. The new top is built using two layers of fabric to create a weatherproof, acoustically comfortable passenger environment, and it can also be personalized in various colors to match or contrast the car's body color.

Mechanically identical to its coupe sibling, the 8C Spider employs a 4.7-liter V8 engine - producing 450bhp - and a six-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to transfer power to the rear wheels. So while there is no real reason, it's still a good excuse to ogle at a car that will likely sell faster than its hardtop sibling. Especially since production is again restricted to 500.

Related Articles:
Car Design of the Year Awards Presented in Geneva
Design Review: Alfa 8C Competizione
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