Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Set For Production

The 8C Competizione, which made its worldwide debut back in 2005, has started selling in Europe for a staggering 165,000 euros ($270,000 AUD).

The convertible 8C Spider should make its worldwide sales debut early 2009 with an estimated starting price of 185,000 euros ($300,000 AUD).

All in total, 1000 units will be produced, 500 coupes and 500 convertibles.

So what warrants such a staggering price? We'll let the video do the talking:

Apart from the looks, the production version is powered by a Ferrari/Maserati derived 4.7-litre V8 with 331 kW (7000 rpm), and 470 Nm of torque (4750 rpm), with 80% of that available from just 2500 rpm.

The engine is mated to a six-speed auto-manual gearbox which has computerized gear selection using levers behind the steering wheel.

It can operate in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes.

It is unconfirmed if any of the original 500 8C Competiziones are destined for Australia. The USA was allocated 90, Italy 80, Germany 80, Japan 70, France 40, United Kingdom 40, Switzerland 35 and Australia, along with the rest of the world had to fight for the remaining 65.