The Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ are a series of limited-production sports cars produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1989 and 1994. The SZ, short for Sprint Zagato, was first introduced as a concept car at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, and its positive reception led to the production of 1,036 SZs and 284 RZs.
The SZ and RZ were designed by Zagato, a renowned Italian coachbuilder, and are based on the Alfa Romeo 75 platform. The SZ features a striking wedge-shaped design with a short front overhang, long hood, and truncated rear end, while the RZ is a convertible version with a removable hardtop and a unique taillight design.
Under the hood, both models are powered by Alfa Romeo’s 3.0-liter V6 engine, which produces 210 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The SZ and RZ are rear-wheel drive and have a top speed of around 150 mph.
The SZ and RZ are praised for their distinctive design, exceptional handling, and driving experience. They were also innovative in their use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber body panels, in order to improve performance and reduce weight.
Despite their relatively short production run, the SZ and RZ have become highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, with many citing their rarity, design, and driving dynamics as key factors.