Following the official confirmation of delays for future Giulia and Stelvio models, Alfa Romeo has unveiled a secret project: a new sports car born from a collaboration with Maserati. Dubbed the ‘BottegaFuoriserie Project’, it could take inspiration from the MCXtrema and revive the legendary ‘Montreal’ name.
Amidst the highly structured announcements from the Stellantis group, a mysterious project emerged during their Investor Day: the ‘New BottegaFuoriserie Project’. Behind this enigmatic name lies Alfa Romeo’s ambition to reconnect with its purest sporting heritage, leveraging Maserati’s expertise. It’s a bold gamble that could result in an exceptional model, far removed from the practical considerations of today’s market.
An Intense Italian-Italian Collaboration
To say the least, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are not lacking in ambition. While their current ranges struggle to capture significant market share, both Italian brands, under the Stellantis umbrella, are daring to embark on a project steeped in the past and passion. The new sports car will be produced at the BottegaFuoriserie in Modena, a division specialising in limited series and customisation, a place where Maserati holds sway. This geographical and technical proximity strongly suggests a clear lineage with Trident’s productions.
One immediately thinks of the Maserati MCXtrema, a track-focused machine recently unveiled. Based on the MC20 platform, it could serve as the starting point for the future Alfa Romeo. The choice of powertrain is crucial. For the 33 Stradale, customers overwhelmingly favoured the combustion engine version over the electric one. Therefore, it’s highly probable that this new sports car will only be available in rear-wheel drive, featuring the 3.0-litre Nettuno V6 engine producing over 620bhp, mirroring the 33 Stradale. The MCXtrema itself boasts 740bhp, hinting at a substantial output for the Alfa.
A Design Yet to Be Defined
During the official presentation, a covered shape hinted at a shooting brake silhouette. This is an unusual body style for Alfa Romeo, which has traditionally favoured coupés and spiders for its sports cars. Is this a genuine stylistic direction or merely a visual trick? The hypothesis of a more classic two-door coupé seems more realistic. Some even suggest a nod to the mythical Duetto Spider, but this interpretation appears less likely given the project’s resolutely sporting intent.
The Maserati MCXtrema is also available in an open-top ‘Cielo’ version, which opens the door to a convertible variant for the Alfa Romeo. However, a coupé with taut, aggressive lines, in the pure Biscione tradition, would be the most probable outcome. The name itself already sparks excitement: ‘Montreal’. An homage to the coupé produced between 1970 and 1977, symbolising an era when Alfa Romeo aimed for the pinnacle of automotive engineering. A slogan that could perfectly suit this new creation, although we can immediately rule out the idea of a V8 engine.
An Exclusive Price Point
It’s too early to discuss pricing, but one thing is certain: this new Alfa Romeo will not be accessible to everyone. Special series, especially when developed in collaboration with Maserati, typically occupy the premium end of the market. The 33 Stradale, for instance, was priced from €1.7 million. Therefore, a similar, if not higher, price tag should be expected for this new sports car. This positioning targets a wealthy clientele, collectors, and enthusiasts willing to spend a considerable sum to own a piece of automotive history and technology.
Purists’ Expectations
The announcement of this new sports car reignites the passion of Alfa’s most loyal enthusiasts. After years of more mainstream models, the prospect of a pure, high-performance, and emotionally engaging Alfa Romeo is fantastic news. The legacy of the 33 Stradale, with its timeless design and roaring V6 engine, carries significant weight. The newcomer will need to meet these high expectations, both mechanically and aesthetically. The challenge is considerable, but the potential is immense.
Key Takeaways
- A Secret Project: Alfa Romeo is working on a new sports car, a result of collaboration with Maserati.
- Maserati Inspiration: The BottegaFuoriserie department in Modena will be the birthplace of this new model, potentially based on the MCXtrema.
- Combustion Powertrain: A Nettuno V6 producing over 620bhp is highly probable, continuing Alfa Romeo’s sporting tradition.
- Iconic Name: The model could be named ‘Montreal’, honouring the 70s coupé.
- Exclusive Positioning: Expect a very high price tag, reserved for exceptional clientele.
