The engineers from Alfa Romeo put a ‘00’ prototype of the new 33 Stradale through its paces at Italy’s challenging Nardò circuit, testing its driving dynamics and performance at high speeds.

The 33 Stradale went into testing on the back of a successful summer, picking up the Design Concept Award at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este event on the shores of Lake Como.

What is the Nardò circuit?

Located in the heel of Italy’s boot in Puglia, the Nardò circuit was built by Fiat in 1975 and covers 700 hectares with 20 test tracks designed for testing and development at different levels. The most famous of these tracks is the 2.5 mile wide and 7.8 mile long circular Nardò Ring, which allows high speed tests of cars and motorcycles without braking. It is considered the fastest circular track in the world with different inclines on each of the four lanes offering separate challenges. Drivers will feel like they are on an endless straight due to its low parabolic profile.

Top Gear

The track was featured in Series 18: Episode 1 of Top Gear, where the trio thrashed a Noble M600, McLaren MP4-12C, and Lamborghini Aventador around the circuit as fast as they dared.

The 33 Stradale’s Performance

Alfa Romeo’s team pushed the prototype 33 Stradale to its limits in Italy to realise its target top speed of 207mph and 0-62mph acceleration time of under 3 seconds.

The car was fine-tuned, with the car’s body sculpted to perfection to increase its aerodynamics and assist the 611bhp 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo engine. Controlled by an eight-speed DCT gearbox and with rear-wheel drive and electronic limited slip differential, the 33 Stradale is up there amongst the most powerful Alfa Romeo’s of all time. This was confirmed at its testing session, along with checks to its maximum temperatures, propulsive cooling systems and cabin soundproofing.

Previous Testing

A few weeks prior to the 33 Stradale’s exploits on the Nardò Ring, the car was tested at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Ground. The track has been used to prepare cars from the Italian brand since 1962, with specific medium and high-speed tests focusing on balance, braking and road handling. In Alfa’s own words, the aim of the project has always been to offer “the best driving experience in the category”.

Drive Modes

The car has two drive modes - Strada (Road) and Pista (Track) - which can be activated from the switches on the central tunnel. Strada is more of a comfortable experience, with soft suspension and active exhaust valves opening only above 4,000rpm.

Pista, however, has more responsive pedals and more rigid suspension, also offering a rapid gearshift and active exhaust valves that are always open. The Quadrifoglia button on the central tunnel can be pushed to maximise power by avoiding wheel slippage.

How much does the 33 Stradale cost?

At a pre tax price of £1.41 million, the 33 Stradale is Alfa Romeo’s most expensive ever. As the name suggests, only 33 units are being produced and, predictably, all have sold out.

The first 33 Stradale is scheduled to be delivered in Italy in late December.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Alfa Romeo - Stellantis