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An Alfa Romeo TZ3, a Dodge Viper Or Just a Gorgeous Zagato

Zagato has graced us with stunning coach work on top on some of the most amazing cars in the past and this latest is no different. But is it an Alfa Romeo, a Dodge Viper or just another amazing exercise from the Zagato house?

It's a little bit of the last two, but mostly the fruit of the Chrysler/Fiat wedding. By Using a Dodge Viper base, Zagato was able to inspire the extrapolate what an Alfa Romeo TZ3 would look like today. Unfortunately, the only Alfa Romeo on this stunning TZ3 are the badges.

Technically Speaking. This stunning piece of work is based on a mono-shell, carbon fiber chassis of the Dodge Viper ACR. It is powered by the company's 8.4 liter Viper V-10 engine and Autoweek has already called it “The First American Alfa Romeo.” However, I beg to differ.

The New TZ3. Rejoice, this TZ3 will be produced, albeit in very small quantity. Only 9 examples will find their way to car collector who will surely not want to miss such a rare occasion. This marriage “gift” from Zagato to FIAT-Chrysler is to celebrate the union of the Turin car manufacturer and the beleaguered Chrysler. Zagato that had nothing but praises for Fiat CEO, Marchionne. This TZ3 is not to be confused with the other TZ3 Corse that Zagato revealed a year ago at the Villa D'Este. The TZ3 Corse was based on the amazing 8C Competizione, which I had the pleasure to drive a few years ago. No, this one is entirely new, has no real Alfa Romeo DNA and is intended for very limited production.

The Alfa Romeo TZ2. If you have ever seen a TZ2 and even a TZ1, you would see how the TZ3 has nothing in common with the unique 1965 to 1966 racer. The TZ series was born out of race needs and was an amazing car to bring to the track. Both sported a tubular body and while the TZ1 had the small by very efficient 1.3 liter, the TZ2 had the high revving 1.6 Liter producing 170 hp. The TZ2 was so beautiful it was dubbed the small GTO, a reference to the Uber classic Ferrari GTO of the 60s.

So this brings us back to is this a Dodge, a Zagato or an Alfa Romeo? A Dodge Viper, it certainly is and a stunning one with a beautiful Zagato body. But an Alfa Romeo? No it isn't, at least not if you are an Alfa Romeo aficionado. None the less, these rare items should make the circle of collector cars and are destined to become classic items. And this begs yet one time to consider what Fiat is doing with the iconic Alfa Romeo brand, borrowing platforms from Ferrari and now Dodge, sticking its recognizable badges on drivetrains? If it makes financial sense to use an available Dodge Viper platform for a Zagato TZ3, I wonder if it makes sense placing Alfa Romeo badges on it.

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