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News27 February 2024 by Andreas 279 Viewed

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale: a legend returns

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale marks Alfa Romeo's return to the Olympus of the most exclusive supercars. It is available with a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 with over 620 hp or an electric motor with over 750 hp. Price from about 1.5 million euros.

Here it is, at last, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Supercar “fuoriserie” of the house of Arese that recalls in name and not only the iconic car born in 1967, considered by many one of the most beautiful of all time.

Available with a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 with over 620 hp or an electric motor with over 750 hp. Price from about 1.5 million euros.

The new two-seater coupe will be made in only 33 speciments, all already sold starting at around 1.5 million euros, by Touring Superleggera with very high standards to ensure manic attention to every detail. A manifest car, celebrating the past while projecting the brand into the (electric) future, anticipating some details of the brand’s upcoming models.

Inspired by the past

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, the inspiration for the new 33 Stradale is rooted in the historic model. The front end is powerful and muscular, showcasing the shield and elliptical light clusters. Two large side air intakes, immediately behind the heli-opening doors, lead the view to the rear, which expresses the car’s strength through a truncated tail, “V” graphics and round taillights. The maximum height is not at the windshield, but in the center of the roof, allowing for a Cx of 0.375.

Essentiality also distinguishes the interior of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, so as not to distract the driver from what really matters: driving. The few controls are located on the center console, while in front of the driver is a display that, thanks to the three-dimensionality of the “telescope,” aims to engage the driver. In contrast to current habits, the steering wheel has no buttons. The dashboard and center tunnel are aviation-inspired and use materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, leather and Alcantara. Two trim options are available, Tributo and Alfa Corse: the former features leather and aluminum and pays homage to the 33 Stradale example on display at the Arese Museum; the latter combines carbon fiber with Alcantara for maximum sportiness.

Also electric

Under the rear hood, the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale can be equipped with either a twin-turbo 3.0 V6 engine with more than 620 hp, which the company describes as an evolution of the V6 that already equips Alfa’s highest-performance cars, mounted in a central position and mated to an 8-speed, dual-clutch DCT gearbox, with rear-wheel drive and an electronic limited slip differential, or with an electric motor capable of more than 750 hp and an estimated range of 450 km (WLTP). The number 3 also recurs in the performance claimed for the petrol version: 333 km/h indicated top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, braking from 100 km/h to 0 in less than 33 m.

The Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is designed to be used as much on track days as in everyday life, which is why it has two driving modes, Strada and Pista, selectable from switches on the center tunnel. Starting the car activates Strada mode, which is more comfortable with a smooth power delivery, soft suspension, smooth shifting and exhaust valves that open only above 5,000 rpm. Choosing Track mode switches to a more adrenaline-pumping drive: the suspension stiffens, the gearbox becomes quicker, the exhaust valves are always open, and maximum power is guaranteed. In this mode you can decide to turn traction control off completely.

Keeping all the power of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale under control is a brake-by-wire braking system that acts on Brembo’s signature carbon-ceramic brakes. Rigidity and lightness are provided by an aluminum H-frame and carbon-fiber monocoque, on which a carbon-fiber and aluminum roof structure has been engineered with hinges to attach the butterfly doors. The whole set up will be supported by the experience of Valtteri Bottas, who will bring his Formula 1 experience to the Balocco tests.

As mentioned, all 33 examples of the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale have already been assigned to their respective customers, who participated in the project to create as many unique examples together with a team of professionals. In this way, the Alfa Romeo “Bottega” was born, inspired by the Renaissance workshops and coachbuilders of the 1960s and aiming to make customers’ dreams come true. The first meetings with Alfa Romeo supercar customers took place at last year’s Monza GP, when they were able to express their wishes about their car. All of this was overseen by the 33 committee, which was tasked with approving the customers’ requests, ensuring that the car’s history and iconicity were respected. Production is hand-made by Touring Superleggera.

One-of-a-kind

All this means that no two Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale cars will be identical. The first choice concerns the paint of the 33 Stradale: classic Rosso Alfa pastel, a reinterpretation of Blu Reale, Rosso Tinded Clearcoat “Villa d’Este,” but also a red and white livery as a tribute to the Tipo 33 racing car. Customers can also customize the exposed carbon fiber trim, choose from different air intake configurations, and decide which logo to put on the side between Quadrifoglio and Autodelta. Also customizable are the Alfa Romeo lettering on the rear, the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the dual exhaust tailpipes.

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the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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The BMW M1 holds a unique place in automotive history. As the first production car from BMW’s Motorsport division, the M1 was intended to showcase the company’s engineering prowess and racing pedigree. However, despite its striking looks, impressive performance, and significant impact on the BMW brand, the M1’s journey was fraught with challenges, including financial turmoil, production delays, and regulatory hurdles. Today, the M division has evolved into a symbol of high-performance street cars, but the M1’s legacy remains one of both triumph and failure.

The Birth of BMW Motorsport

In 1972, BMW established its Motorsport Division, known as “M,” with the goal of advancing the brand’s competitive edge in the world of motorsports. Prior to this, BMW’s racing efforts were fragmented, with various teams involved in different categories but lacking a unified structure. This all changed when Bob Lutz, BMW’s head of sales and marketing, spearheaded the formation of BMW Motorsport. The division’s primary mission was to build competitive race cars and elevate the brand’s reputation, particularly in touring car racing.

BMW’s first major success in the motorsport arena came in 1973 with the BMW 3.0 CSL, which dominated the European Touring Car Championship. This victory cemented BMW’s position in the racing world. However, as the division grew, it became apparent that creating race cars from existing production models was unsustainable in the long run. The company needed a purpose-built race car, one that would push the boundaries of performance. This vision led to the creation of the BMW M1, a car that would become a defining symbol for BMW Motorsport.

Michelotti and the BMW Turbo Concept

Alongside the creation of the M division, BMW was developing the BMW Turbo, a concept car that would become a landmark in automotive design and technology. Designed by Paul Bracq, the Turbo E25 introduced bold new features, such as a mid-mounted engine, gullwing doors, and retractable headlights, marking a radical departure from BMW’s previous designs. The car represented a vision of the future, combining performance with cutting-edge safety features, and was intended as a technology showcase for the brand.

Initially, BMW contracted Carrozzeria Michelotti, to assemble the Turbo prototype. Giovanni Michelotti, famous for his work with a variety of automotive brands, established a 10,000-square-meter workshop dedicated to the Turbo project. Michelotti built two BMW Turbo prototypes in total, with one being showcased at the 1972 Frankfurt Motor Show. This partnership underscored BMW’s ambition for the car and its desire to create something truly revolutionary.

However, the timing of the project was unfortunate. The 1973 oil crisis caused a global economic downturn, dramatically increasing fuel prices and severely affecting the automotive industry, particularly for performance cars like the BMW Turbo. The crisis placed enormous financial strain on car manufacturers, and BMW was forced to reconsider its plans, including the costly decision to move forward with the Turbo prototype.

The Fallout and the Shift to Italdesign

As the crisis deepened, BMW was unable to fulfill its contract with Michelotti, and the planned collaboration was put on hold. Financial constraints led the company to reevaluate its spending, and resources allocated to the Turbo project were reduced. Michelotti’s specially built workshop, which had been prepared to assemble the car, remained underutilized as BMW shifted its focus.

However, the end of the oil crisis opened up new possibilities. Italdesign, the renowned design and engineering firm led by Giorgetto Giugiaro, came to BMW’s aid. In the years following the crisis, Italdesign purchased Michelotti’s workshop, which would become the production base for the BMW M1. Giugiaro’s expertise in design and engineering played a pivotal role in transforming BMW’s ambitious race car project into a road-going reality.

Giugiaro’s task was to refine the BMW Turbo E25 concept into a production car that could both meet the demands of motorsport and appeal to the consumer market. His design for the M1 retained the sharp, angular lines and futuristic profile of the Turbo, but with refined proportions to suit both racing needs and road-going practicality. The M1’s mid-engine layout, wide stance, and low roofline emphasized its racing pedigree, while its aggressive, sleek design ensured it would stand out as a supercar.

A Race Car for the Road

The BMW M1 was originally conceived as a Group 5 race car, competing against purpose-built machines like the Porsche 935. The project aimed to blend motorsport engineering with production cars, creating a race-bred vehicle that could also be sold to the public. To achieve this, BMW enlisted Lamborghini, to help with the development of the M1. Despite Lamborghini’s expertise in high-performance road cars, it lacked experience in motorsport, which ultimately led to complications during the project.

In the early stages, Lamborghini was tasked with developing the chassis and body of the M1, while BMW would provide the engine. However, Lamborghini’s financial troubles soon became apparent. The company was experiencing significant cash flow issues, and it ultimately misappropriated funds intended for the M1 project. In a dramatic turn of events, BMW was forced to reclaim the project’s components and tooling from Lamborghini, a move that involved a late-night raid to retrieve the M1’s parts. This disruption delayed the project and ultimately led BMW to take full control of the M1’s development.

The Engineering Challenges

Despite the setbacks, the M1 took shape as a highly capable performance car. The vehicle was powered by the M88 engine, a 3.5-liter, straight-six unit that produced 277 horsepower in its road-going form. This engine, derived from the racing program, provided the M1 with impressive performance, allowing it to rival other supercars of the era, such as the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 512 BB.

The M1 featured a mid-engine layout, which contributed to its excellent handling characteristics. The car’s design was primarily focused on its racing capabilities, making it relatively raw and unrefined for a road car. It lacked amenities such as power steering, and the cockpit was cramped, with the steering wheel offset to the right to accommodate the center-mounted engine. Despite these compromises, the M1’s performance on the road was outstanding, with acceleration and handling that earned it widespread praise from automotive journalists.

The Racing Struggles and ProCar Series

One of the most significant challenges the M1 faced was its inability to compete in mainstream racing. To homologate the M1 for Group 5 racing, BMW needed to produce 400 road cars. However, production delays meant that only 200 units were built in the first two years, preventing the car from racing in most major events.

In response, BMW created the ProCar Series, a one-make racing championship exclusively for the M1. The ProCar Series was unique in that it featured Formula One drivers competing against privateer M1 owners, creating an exciting spectacle at Formula One race weekends. Although the series generated interest and the M1 proved competitive in this setting, it was not enough to elevate the car into mainstream motorsport. Furthermore, the M1’s performance in ProCar did little to resolve its commercial issues.

Commercial Challenges and Production Woes

The M1 was also a commercial disappointment. Originally, BMW had intended to sell the M1 for around 100,000 Deutsche Marks, placing it in direct competition with supercars like the Lamborghini Countach. However, due to the disruptions caused by Lamborghini’s financial troubles and the increased cost of production, the M1’s price climbed to 113,000 Deutsche Marks. Even with this increase, the car was difficult to sell. BMW was only able to produce 399 M1s, well below the original goal of 1,000 units, making it a rare and expensive model.

Despite its high performance and exotic status, the M1 was a hard sell. Its design was too closely aligned with its racing origins, and its lack of creature comforts and high price point made it less appealing to the typical supercar buyer. Additionally, the car’s raw nature, with its lack of power steering and awkward driving position, alienated many potential customers. In the end, the M1’s commercial failure contributed to its relatively low production numbers and limited legacy as a production car.

Legacy and the Evolution of the M Division

Although the M1 was a commercial and racing disappointment, it laid the foundation for the success of BMW’s Motorsport division. The lessons learned from the M1 project helped shape future BMW M cars, starting with the iconic E30 M3. The E30 M3, developed as a more practical and accessible performance car, became a massive success in both motorsport and sales, marking the beginning of a new era for BMW M.

The M1 also solidified the link between BMW’s racing heritage and its high-performance street cars. Today, the M badge is synonymous with powerful, driver-focused vehicles, but it all traces back to the M1. The M1’s legacy is less about its financial success and more about its role in shaping the identity of BMW M as a division dedicated to performance engineering and motorsport excellence.

Conclusion

The BMW M1’s story is one of ambition, innovation, and hard lessons learned. It was a car ahead of its time, a race car designed for the road, and a symbol of BMW’s commitment to motorsport. While it never reached the commercial success BMW had hoped for, it played a crucial role in the development of the M division and set the stage for future performance cars. The M1 may not have been the financial success BMW wanted, but its influence on the brand and its impact on the automotive world cannot be overstated. Today, the M1 remains a revered classic, a testament to BMW’s racing heritage and the trials and triumphs of the M division.

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