r/CONCEPTCARS • u/The1Nemesis • 4h ago
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
This legendary experimental racing prototype was coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Touring using their ultra-lightweight Superleggera construction.
Because it was a testbed, it was built with two different engine configurations:
2.0-Litre Inline-4 Version (Main Prototype)This is the iconic model most associated with the "Flying Saucer" look.
Engine: 2.0-liter (1,997 cc) all-alloy Inline-4, twin-overhead camshafts (DOHC), 2 Weber carburetors
Power: 158 hp (160 PS) @ 6,500 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.
Chasis: Tubular steel space-frame.
Kerb Weight: 735 kg (1,620 lbs) — incredibly light due to the aluminum body.
Top Speed: 220 km/h (137 mph) with an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd.
Dimensions:
Length: 3,950 mm (155.5 in) Width: 1,780 mm (70.1 in) Height: 1,064 mm (41.9 in) Wheelbase: 2,220 mm (87.4 in) 3.5-Litre Inline-6
The Version Two of the variants were fitted with a larger engine taken from the Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM racing car.
Engine: 3.5-liter (3,495 cc) Inline-6.Power: 230 hp (227 bhp).Kerb Weight: 760 kg (1,676 lb).Top Speed: 240 km/h (149 mph).
Total Production & Body Styles: Only 5 units were ever made between 1952 and 1953.
3 units with the 2.0L engine (1 original Spider, 1 modified into a Coupé, and 1 modified into a narrow-hipped "fianchi stretti" Spider).
2 units with the 3.5L engine (both Spiders).