http://www.mydailydrive.com My Daily Drive The Hottest Cars in Miami as seen on My Daily Drive

So, I’m driving around North Miami at sunset. I see a funny shape off in the distance. I come up to a red light just behind one of the most interesting cars I’ve even seen. I took a picture to share with you guys.

After doing some research I realized that I have photographed a 2004 Alpha-Romeo Spider…I’ve never seen one before and I’m sure this is one of very few in Miami if not America. Just another example of why South Florida has the coolest cars in the country.

I did some Internet reading on this car, I thought I would share it all with you. This is quite an interesting car with very interesting story.

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The Alfa Romeo GTV and Alfa Romeo Spider are two automobiles produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 1995. The GTV is a four-seater coupe, with the Spider being essentially a convertible GTV, with only two seats.

The pair were launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1995. The GTV’s name placed it as the successor to the long-discontinuedAlfa Romeo GTV6 coupe, whereas the Spider was effectively the replacement for the then 30-year-old Duetto Spider. Both cars were designed in-house at Alfa Romeo with some assistance from Pininfarina.

Like the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146, the Spider & GTV were based on the Fiat Tipo platform, in this case a heavily modified version with all new multilink rear suspension. 1.8 16V and 2.0 16v Twin Spark engines were available along with a 2.0 V6 turbo that produced 200bhp or a 3.0 V6 in either 12 (192 bhp) or 24 valves (220 bhp). The 3.0 V6 24V was the fastest production Alfa Romeo to date when new.

The Alfa Romeo Spider featured a folding soft-top with five hoop frame, which completely disappears from sight under a flush fitting cover. An electric folding mechanism is fitted on some versions. As would be expected the GTV has a much more rigid chassis, although considerable work was done to ensure that the Spider does not suffer from the traditional convertible chassis problems.

The Spider and GTV were revamped in 1998; the post-revamp models are recognizable by the addition of a chrome rim around the Alfa shield in the bonnet. Also, the interior was redesigned and a six-speed gearbox was made available as an option for the 3.0 24V. A second, more comprehensive facelift occurred in 2003, with the revamped cars being unveiled at that year’s Geneva Motor Show. The most notable difference was the restyling of the front end to include a much deeper 147-style front grille, whilst a new 240 bhp 3.2 24V V6 engine was made available on the GTV.

Alfa Spider, in the best Alfa Romeo tradition, is the result of the very latest design research. Its sinuous form sweeps along in total safety, and driving it on the open road is a unique experience. With soft forms and sleek lines bringing together a famous tradition and the future, the Spider is more than simply a car.

Strong elements express speed and power, such as the deep grooving running along the sides; while the small, round lights, set like gemstones, emphasize its personality. The line remains unbroken even with the hood up, which when opened disappears into its casing, in the same color as the body.

The thrill of driving becomes even more intense if it is experienced in comfort. A wrap-around dashboard and console turned towards the driver create an ergonomic space where every movement is easy, and where all the controls are simple, intuitive and within easy reach. All engine versions come with the choice of personalized Blue Style or Red Style interiors.

The Alfa Spider has six different trim levels to satisfy the most demanding driver, all of which combine sportiness and the most sumptuous elegance.

Alfa Spider 2.0 Twin Spark

A comfortable yet aggressive version, that doesn’t skimp on safety: the 2.0 Alfa Spider features driver and passenger airbag, ABS, and the Fire Prevention System (FPS). And the interior finish is pure Alfa style: adjustable leather steering wheel, seats upholstered in Super Soft cloth and cloth hood. It also comes with electric windows, central locking, and 16″ light alloy wheels.

Alfa Spider 3.2 V6 24V

The top-of-the-range for the Alfa Spider 24-valve version. As well as the equipment included on the other versions, there is a six-speed gearbox, front spoiler, red painted brake caliper, and leather upholstery.

Source: TopSpeed.com