2008 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Spider J6 3.2 C convertible sports car

2008 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Spider J6 3.2 C - Front View

The new Spider J6 3.2 C is Autodelta’s no-compromise interpretation of the stunning Alfa Spider, which collected the prestigious accolade of ‘Cabrio of the Year’ upon its launch at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It is Autodelta’s second bespoke model to be based on the exciting ‘new generation’ of Alfa Romeo models, and its market arrival follows the very successful launch of the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C just over a year ago.

The Autodelta Spider J6 3.2 C once again redefines the company’s pursuit of the maximum performance and driving pleasure to be drawn from Alfa Romeo’s production models, and is the culmination of more than a year’s intense research and development as well as engineering innovation. It evolves from the Brera J5 3.2 C programme, however, it offers new specification in areas pertaining to a convertible sports car as well as unique and individual styling cues.

In line with a new generation of model designations, introduced with the Brera J5, and created to classify bespoke Autodelta models in a logical and progressive manner, the new Spider project becomes the first bearer of the J6 code. The ‘C’ tag designates ‘Compressore’.

2008 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Spider J6 3.2 C - Front Side

Alfa Romeo models, and its market arrival follows the very successful launch of the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C just over a year ago.

The Autodelta Spider J6 3.2 C once again redefines the company’s pursuit of the maximum performance and driving pleasure to be drawn from Alfa Romeo’s production models, and is the culmination of more than a year’s intense research and development as well as engineering innovation. The Alfa Spider becomes the first model to be designated “J6”, following on from the Brera’s “J5” coding.

The programme was overseen by our head of R&D Sergio Truzzi; while testing was carried out in Greece where the correct climatic conditions prevail. One of our longest-established and most important global agents is Auto Corse, based in Athens, and they have facilities suited for this R&D programme.

“Athens makes an ideal base for our extreme climate testing programme,” says Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian, “as well as the state-of-the-art workshops available we see very hot weather conditions right throughout the summer and the rugged surface of the roads, plus incessant dust and larger inanimate objects allow us to rigorously test our cars and evolve meaningful, practical solutions.

2008 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Spider J6 3.2 C - Engine View

The complete styling package was developed around ‘performance’, ‘individuality’ and ‘passion’.

Front bumper: The face of the J6 Spider is historically inspired by that of the classic Giulietta Spider. The air intakes flanking the ‘scudetto’ grille are a pure DNA feature of Alfa Romeo cars produced between the 1930s and 1970s, a period which is looked back on by enthusiasts for the manufacturer’s wealth and diversity of open-top sports models. Rather than taking over the shape literally from the classic Giulietta model, the intakes on the J6 Spider have a modern and dynamic form which also enhance the visual impact of the Alfa Romeo grille. The intakes also break up the face of the car, giving a more technical appeal – in turn providing a more powerful visual effect.

Aerodynamic diffuser: The rear aerodynamic diffuser is fitting with Alfa Romeo’s intense history of aerodynamics – from the 1900 Disco Volante (Flying Saucer), to the victorious 155 DTM racer. The new rear diffuser also provides a stronger visual framework for the stainless quad exhaust system. Providing more than a subtle hint of the car’s power imbued spirit, the exhaust tail pipes sit ever so slightly proud of the diffuser section. The use of fins in the rear diffuser is typical in Alfa Romeo’s aerodynamic history, with glorious models such as the Tipo B Aerodinamica and Pininfarina Super Flow being prime historical examples.

Aerodynamic side skirts: As the front and rear of the J6 Spider have such strong visual identities, aerodynamic side skirts were needed to bridge the two areas successfully. The J6 Spider is a special car which really combines two characteristics in one – open-top elegance and brutal performance. It is at the side of the car where this character is most apparent. As a result we had to translate this message into the styling of the side skirts. The top of the Alfa Spider remains refined and athletic, whereas the side skirts communicate the advancements made in the performance area. Due to this we wanted to produce a confident, clean and brutal design, very similar in effect to the side skirts used on the fondly remembered Alfa 75 Turbo Evoluzione – which took the fight on the race tracks to BMW during the 1980s. Muscular, wantonly aggressive and highly purposeful, they were still in keeping with the car’ shape and to draw on this uncompromised lines was a treat for our team.

2008 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Spider J6 3.2 C - Rear View

Official Partners

Autodelta’s strength lies in having a close working relationship with its official partners, who assist in the Research & Development programme of each bespoke model, thus guaranteeing maximum leverage in the pursuit of optimum performance in each technical area.

Two key partners already covered are Dunlop Tyres, OZ Wheels and Rotrex (superchargers). Meanwhile, Italian high performance exhaust manufacturer Ragazzon is a long term partner and has worked in conjunction with us to develop an exhaust for the Spider that maximises the car’s gas flow requirements.

Mangoletsi, the UK’s largest and longest–established authorised Alfa Romeo dealership, is our Official Supplier of new cars for the Research & Development programme. Mangoletsi, in keeping with their long tradition of passion for the Alfa Romeo brand, have always been enthusiastic proponents of our bespoke performance car programme, and it is wholly fitting that the first Spider J6 3.2 C (the car premièred at MPH07 during this last week) will be destined for display in their newly refurbished showrooms near Knutsford (Cheshire).