The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

bitecars DCT gearbox, rear-wheel-drive and electronic limited-slip dif- ferential. The electric version is a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) configuration with more than 750 horsepower and an estimated range of up to 280 miles. The 33 Stradale accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3.0 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph. An evolution of the V6 fitted in Alfa Romeo’s past high-perfor- mance cars, the latest 33 Stradale’s internal combustion engine is longitudinally mounted in the centre. On the impressive cen- tral console, you’ll find two driving modes. Strada (Road) on the left is engaged when the car is started, delivering smooth power, usual pedal sensitivity, soft suspension, fluid transmission and active exhaust valves opening above 5,000 rpm. The Pista (Track) on the right provides an adrenaline-fuelled drive with power at its peak, more responsive pedals and a rig- id suspension. You can launch the Fast Start procedure here through the Quadrifoglio (Four-Leaf Clover) button. It projects the gearbox, traction control and power to maximise acceler- ation by avoiding wheel slippage. The driver can change the suspension settings in both drive modes using the Suspension selector, switching from soft to medium in Strada and rigid to medium in Pista. Alfa Romeo wanted to reduce weight as much as possible and optimise the car’s gravity centre to ensure agility and drivability on the most demanding routes. Thus, the H-frame is made from aluminium to obtain maximum torsional rigidity and guarantee a precise and safe ride, and the monocoque is made of carbon fibre. The roof structure is engineered in both materials with specially developed hinges for the butterfly doors. The window frames are also made from carbon fibre, and the rear window is polycarbonate. Inside the Cabin The minimalistic cockpit with Tributo or the sportier Alfa Corse trim choices is characterised by high-quality materials and design inspired by its 1967 forerunner and offers driving engagement. Its sports steering wheel and 3D telescope display emphasise the concept of driver orientation with a precise and direct driving feeling. The dashboard and central console fea- ture mechanical details inspired by aviation, while the envelop- ing seats and door panels create an exclusive and comfortable environment. Like an aeroplane cockpit, the controls are located at different levels, in the lower centre console and on a higher plane in the central lining on the inside of the roof. Traditional air vents are hidden in the dashboard, while a sizeable retractable display be- tween the dashboard and central console manages the settings of the Alfa Romeo special edition. Sound-wise, each model is equipped with a refined and powerful seven-speaker Premium auto system for total immersion in music. The comfortable and enveloping seats upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather with six-way electric controls and four lumbar po- sitions are a contemporary reinterpretation of the original. The exact materials and colours of the seats are used in the door pan- els, the dashboard, the cockpit and the central console, creating an exclusive environment. On the Outside With a more robust and muscular stance than the initial design, the new 33 Stradale has the iconic shield and complex ellipti- cal-base lighting as standout features. Its dynamic and slender profile highlights the ‘elytra’ door opening and two large air in- lets on the side. The body projects forward with surfaces mod- Images courtesy of Alfa Romeo