Design and desire: Alfa 8C Competizione - Exotic inside and outside

Some exotic names there - but is it any good?
It grows on you. Initially it can feel a bit intimidating, especially as they can't just pluck another one off the production line if you crash it.

The engine growls and bellows; the gearshifts bang through in a fifth of a second in the most sporty of the various options it gives you; the exhaust pops and bangs on downshifts; the ride's firm; and the steering and accelerator are very direct, but the brakes aren't as immediate.

Then you learn that the engine is quite flexible as well as potent; the steering and throttle are nicely progressive; there's loads of grip; the suspension is compliant enough not to spit you off the road if you hit a bump; and the brakes do slow the car rapidly after a bit of initial free travel.

It's not for nipping down to Tesco's in, that's for sure, but it's not a monster, either.

Is it as gorgeous as it looks in the pictures?
Better. If there's one thing Alfa knows how to do, it's design beautiful cars. The interior's lovely, too.

That's part of the car's appeal - suave furnishings in something so hardcore.

There's a carbonfibre dash and central tunnel with not a seam in sight, supple leathers or suedes, five kilos of aluminium trim that starts life as a 105-kilo block, and all the luxuries you'd expect of a car with a six-figure price tag.