There are now just a few days to go before the public launch of the Alfa Spider, the model that – following its world preview at the Geneva Motor Show – was named ‘Cabrio of the Year 2006’ by the ‘Cabriolet Committee’, a jury of 23 specialist journalists from 12 countries. The venue for the launch is Sicily, particularly the suggestive seaside village of Bonagia, at the foot of Monte Erice, in the province of Trapani. It is there, on the slopes of the mountain, that the more than five-hundred journalists will be able to experience first-hand the driving thrill that only the new Spider can offer. This car is a true Alfa Romeo, thanks to the excellent dynamic performance provided by the high wishbone front suspension and the Multilink setup at the rear. The new Alfa complements this wonderful driving comfort with a sporty trim and the use of advanced ‘Alfa Q4’ four-wheel drive, available on the 3.2 260 bhp version. In terms of safety, the new model adopts the most advanced electronic devices for control of the car’s dynamic behaviour, from braking to traction.

Meanwhile, on the inside, the Alfa Spider offers welcoming, highly-sophisticated surroundings, thanks to the use of exclusive materials and equipment such as the dual-zone automatic climate control system, radio controls on the steering wheel, VDC and cruise control. Available in two versions (Spider and Exclusive), the range comes with two JTS petrol engines (the 2.2 185 bhp and 3.2 260 bhp), and a choice of two gearboxes: a 6-speed mechanical unit available with both engines, and an automatic gearbox for the 3.2 260 bhp engine, which will be available after the launch. The turn-key prices start at € 35,800 ($46,339) for the ‘Spider 2.2 JTS’ version and € 37,800 ($48,929) for the Exclusive version. Meanwhile, the Alfa Spider Exclusive fitted with the powerful 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 engine (260 bhp) and four-wheel drive will cost from € 45,800 ($59,285).