INTRODUCING THE
ALFA ROMEO
RZ
In 1992 when Alfa Romeo’s dramatic SZ coupé’s short production life was drawing to a close, the company, not surprisingly, introduced an al fresco version – the RZ Roadster Zagato. Zagato had presented a curvaceous spider design the year before but the 100 kg-heavier RZ that did appear was a more obvious spin-off from the SZ, yet only the front fenders and fold-out boot lid are the same.
The bodywork is an interesting composite of thermoplastic resin reinforced with glass fibre, but the roadster design led to a kerb weight increase of 124 kg over the SZ, and a drop of 15 km/h in top speed. Inside, there are a few detail differences but the driving sensation is no less enthralling.
Built on the same shortened version of the Alfa 75 floorpan as the SZ, a production run of 350 cars was announced, but it proved harder to sell and only 278 roadsters left the factory. Like the SZ, the RZ was sold and distributed outside Italy mostly by enthusiasts and specialists and not by the official Alfa Romeo channels.
Top speed
230 km/h
Transmission
Five-speed manual (transaxle), limited-slip differential
Power
157 kW at 6 200 r/min
Engine
2 959 cm3 60-deg V6, s-o-h-c, 12-valve, fuel injection
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Year |
1993 |
Country of Origin |
Italy |
Engine Type |
2 959 cm3 60-deg V6, s-o-h-c, 12-valve, fuel injection |
Power Output |
157 kW at 6 200 r/min |
Transmission Type |
Five-speed manual (transaxle), limited-slip differential |
Braking System |
|
Top speed |
230 km/h |
