wonder if this could be the reason?
Here’s reason number #1,534 #1 why we’re eagerly awaiting Alfa Romeo’s return to North America – the gorgeous 8C Competizione. First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2003, the production coupe is set to be introduced in Paris later this month.
In addition to its voluptuous sheetmetal, the car is reportedly based on a shortened Maserati Coupe platform and powered by a Trident-derived 4.7-liter V-8 giving 450 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. True manual transmission enthusiasts will apparently have to go without, but a six-speed paddle-shift should at least keep hands busy.
Early reports have Alfa producing 1,000 8C Competiziones, split evenly between coupes and spiders—about half of which are scheduled come to the US. Expect to see the production spider to debut in Frankfurt at 2007, with the first American models arriving sometime in 2009.