Alfa Romeo, the Spider returns in 2023: in the name of the iconic 33 Stradale and Duetto

‘It’s not for tomorrow, but I’d like to have a duet. Currently I am focused on value creation, the margin of each model and the residual value. But if we get the profitability up to a good level, I’m sure Carlos Tavares and I will talk about some dream cars someday. Also because this market segment is important ». these sentences from Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo No.1, to give hope to the many Alfists. Because if it is true that the relaunch of the brand – started with the Tonal – is based on the electrification of SUVs and sedans, it is impossible to think that the Biscione will completely abandon sports cars. The strategy was revealed during a meeting with the UK press reported by Autocar magazine where the transalpine manager also confirmed that a large electric sedan is coming in 2027which will specifically target the US and China markets, but will also be sold in mainland Europe and the UK.

The emotional value

Returning to the Spider, in the recent past, Imparato had made it clear that the meaning of a new sports car was to “follow the story of Alfa Romeo, keeping the emotional value of the brand and its history alive. We have many ideas: if you visit the Arese museum, in five minutes you will understand the potential of what we have in mind ». That said, theory is one thing and realization another. Learned in addition to promising that you will see something on the subject – a concept – in the first half of 2023, did not hold back the stylistic references of the future discovery. “I can confirm that” it might remember the 33 Stradale, but I won’t add anything else to it. As well as the Duetto, a model I would like to see remembered in the next Alfa Spider ». As for the engines, it has not been disclosed whether the manufacturer points to an electric solution (thinking of the full EV strategy from 2025) or more easily on the classic thermals.

The Glorious Past

When the latest discovery of the Biscione de… 4C Spinwho disappeared from the scene last year, the reference to 33 Street and for the Duetto it has a very different weight. The first is the homologated version of the Type 33 Racing and is considered by many one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Designed by Franco Scaglione and built by Carrozzeria Marazzi, it was the first road car with “butterfly doors” that also hinged on the roof. The chassis, complete with engine and gearbox, was instead made directly by Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s racing division, alongside the Tipo 33. Only 18 were produced between November 1967 and March 1969.

Concerning the Duetto, nickname of the spider, was one of the most famous models and is the longest in House history with 28 uninterrupted years of production across four consecutive series. between 1966 and 1994. Sketched by Bertone (first by the young Giorgetto Giugiaro), it was then designed by Pininfarina who entered the myth, also created by film appearances from that of The Bachelor, directed by Dustin Hoffmann. It will be practically impossible for the new Spider to repeat the success of its ancestors, but trying is good.