Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale reaches 333 km/h on the test track in Nardò.
01-12-2024 15:41 - EVENTS
A prototype of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale (chassis number 00) completed extensive test drives in Nardò, southern Italy. On the circular track, famous for numerous world record drives, the engineering team validated the driving dynamics and performance of the limited-edition super sports car. The technicians paid particular attention to the aerodynamics, cooling system and sound insulation under extreme conditions. The first of just 33 customers will receive their Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale as planned at the end of December.
The Nardò Technical Center (NTC) in Apulia is one of the most modern test and research centers in the world for automobiles and motorcycles. Built by FIAT in 1975, the complex now covers an area of 700 hectares and has 20 different test tracks for all types of test drives. World speed records are also regularly set on the outer circular track, which has a diameter of four kilometers and a length of around 12.6 kilometers.
The Nardò Technical Center (NTC) in Apulia is one of the most modern test and research centers in the world for automobiles and motorcycles. Built by FIAT in 1975, the complex now covers an area of 700 hectares and has 20 different test tracks for all types of test drives. World speed records are also regularly set on the outer circular track, which has a diameter of four kilometers and a length of around 12.6 kilometers.
The high-speed testing in Nardò was followed by corresponding tests at medium speeds at the Alfa Romeo test center in Balocco, northern Italy. Here, the engineers concentrated on the chassis, braking system, steering and handling. Because the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale has an ambitious goal: to offer the best driving experience in this vehicle category.
The chassis of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is based on an H-shaped frame made of aluminum and a carbon fiber monocoque. The driving dynamics control offers two modes that are selected via a switch on the center tunnel.
The STRADA (road) mode is automatically activated when the engine is started and guarantees the optimal compromise between comfort and driving pleasure. STRADA stands for smooth power delivery and gear changes, normal pedal sensitivity, shock absorber characteristics suitable for everyday use and an exhaust system control that only intensifies the sound above 4,000 rpm.
The PISTA (race track) mode increases the adrenaline level. Maximum power is available, the pedals react even more sensitively, the suspension is tighter, gear changes are faster and the exhaust system produces a full sound regardless of the engine speed. There is also an automatic start function that is activated using the QUADRIFOGLIO button. The launch control allows the electronics to control all systems to ensure the most efficient acceleration from a standstill.
In addition, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale allows the traction control and the driving stability program to be deactivated (ESC OFF). But even in this mode, the Italian super sports car offers driving behavior that can be controlled even by non-professionals. The active, electronically controlled chassis plays a major role in this. The mechanical components consist of wheel suspensions with double wishbones all around and a semi-virtual steering axis. This configuration means that the very direct steering is effectively decoupled from suspension and drive influences.
The braking system of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is designed as a brake-by-wire system. The connection between the pedal and the brakes is generally purely electronic. The carbon fiber ceramic discs manufactured by Brembo® guarantee high deceleration performance, fast response and reduced fading even at high temperatures. The brake discs are internally ventilated and perforated at the front and rear. Monoblock brake calipers with six pistons grip the front axle, and four pistons are used on the rear axle.
It was on this very route that the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale confirmed its calculated performance. The two-seater coupe reached a top speed of 333 km/h and accelerated from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than three seconds ( video ). The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is powered by a V6 twin-turbo petrol engine positioned behind the cockpit, which produces more than 456 kW (620 hp) from a displacement of three liters. The engine is a further development of the engine used in Alfa Romeo's most powerful series vehicles. Its power is transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential.
The chassis of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is based on an H-shaped frame made of aluminum and a carbon fiber monocoque. The driving dynamics control offers two modes that are selected via a switch on the center tunnel.
The STRADA (road) mode is automatically activated when the engine is started and guarantees the optimal compromise between comfort and driving pleasure. STRADA stands for smooth power delivery and gear changes, normal pedal sensitivity, shock absorber characteristics suitable for everyday use and an exhaust system control that only intensifies the sound above 4,000 rpm.
The PISTA (race track) mode increases the adrenaline level. Maximum power is available, the pedals react even more sensitively, the suspension is tighter, gear changes are faster and the exhaust system produces a full sound regardless of the engine speed. There is also an automatic start function that is activated using the QUADRIFOGLIO button. The launch control allows the electronics to control all systems to ensure the most efficient acceleration from a standstill.
In addition, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale allows the traction control and the driving stability program to be deactivated (ESC OFF). But even in this mode, the Italian super sports car offers driving behavior that can be controlled even by non-professionals. The active, electronically controlled chassis plays a major role in this. The mechanical components consist of wheel suspensions with double wishbones all around and a semi-virtual steering axis. This configuration means that the very direct steering is effectively decoupled from suspension and drive influences.
The braking system of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is designed as a brake-by-wire system. The connection between the pedal and the brakes is generally purely electronic. The carbon fiber ceramic discs manufactured by Brembo® guarantee high deceleration performance, fast response and reduced fading even at high temperatures. The brake discs are internally ventilated and perforated at the front and rear. Monoblock brake calipers with six pistons grip the front axle, and four pistons are used on the rear axle.
It was on this very route that the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale confirmed its calculated performance. The two-seater coupe reached a top speed of 333 km/h and accelerated from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than three seconds ( video ). The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is powered by a V6 twin-turbo petrol engine positioned behind the cockpit, which produces more than 456 kW (620 hp) from a displacement of three liters. The engine is a further development of the engine used in Alfa Romeo's most powerful series vehicles. Its power is transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential.