Alfa 8C Competizione was officially launched in Japan today. From the 500 units that will be produced, only 70 will come to Japan, priced at ¥22 million (or $186, 810). And in the same day that the car was launched, it was also sold out.

Japan allways has been a strong market for top-end exotica, and also boasts many knowledgeable, super enthusiastic Alfisti. So, no real surprise then that Alfa Japan originally received more than 200 orders for the 8C. Alfa HQ in Italy then decided who – and who wouldn’t – be on the list. Production of the 8C starts at the end of this year, with first deliveries set for early 2009.

All of the Alfa Romeo sports cars of past and present share a particular feature: the ability to thrill even the most experienced drivers when they take the wheel. And the Alfa 8C is no exception. Suffice it to say that under the bonnet lurks a mighty 4.6 litre V8 (90°) engine. This powerful unit delivers over 450 bhp at 7000 rpm and together with a 6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed above 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.5 seconds.