New Alfa Makes A Splash

The latest Alfa Romeo handles like a boat - but that's because it is one. This is the AR 233 SL, and it's been made by Dutch firm Superleggera as part of a tie-up with Alfa in the Netherlands.

Auto Express Car Reviews

30th March 2005

The speedboat is powered by the 2.4-litre diesel engine from the 156 saloon - but the unit has been tuned to 200bhp, propelling the craft at speeds of up to 35 knots on water. For those wanting even more power, the AR 233 SL can also be ordered with the 3.2-litre V6 petrol motor from the GTA performance cars.

But the boat's similarities with the famous Italian brand don't end with the engine. If you look at the bow, you will spot Alfa's familiar heart-shaped grille. What's more, the cabin is decked out in mahogany wood trim, while the paintwork is the same Rosso Red car buyers can select at their dealer. A large green cloverleaf emblem at the rear of the hull completes the look. Appropriately, the Dutch company that painted the bright red boat is called Klaver Yachtpainting.

Translated, Klaver means clover, and the firm's logo is similar to the four-leaf design used on the Italian car maker's sporty models. So how much will a sea-faring Alfa set you back? At ΂£104,000, it might seem expensive - especially as you could pick up a Bentley Continental GT for similar money. However, this new Alfa took thousands of man hours to build, has a lightweight aluminum hull and doesn't sink in water!