The Alfa Romeo SZ (for Sprint Zagato, codenamed ES-30 for Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litre) is a high-performance limited-production sports car built from 1989 to 1991 by a partnership of Centro Stile Zagato, Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Centro Stile Fiat. A convertible version, the RZ (Roadster Zagato), was made from 1992 until December 1994.
Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ at a glance
| SZ production | 1989–1991; 1,036 built (planned 1,000), about 100 exported to Japan |
|---|---|
| RZ production | 1992 to December 1994; 278 built |
| Debut | 1989 Geneva Motor Show as the ES-30 prototype |
| Basis | powertrain and chassis from the Alfa Romeo 75, assembled by Zagato at Terrazzano di Rho |
| Body panels | thermoplastic injection-moulded composite, by Carplast and Stratime Cappelo Systems |
| Engine | 2,959 cc naturally aspirated V6, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder, Bosch Motronic ML 4.1 |
| Power and torque | 154 kW (210 PS) at 6,200 rpm; 245 N·m at 4,500 rpm |
| Suspension | from the Alfa 75 group A/IMSA car, modified by Giorgio Pianta, Koni dampers |
| Tyres | Pirelli P Zero, 205/55 ZR16 front, 225/50 ZR16 rear |
| Colours | SZ: red with grey roof and tan leather; RZ: red, yellow or black |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ
The SZ was an attempt to revive Alfa Romeo’s sporting heritage after its acquisition by Fiat in 1986 and was meant to recall the Giulietta Sprint Zagato of the late 1950s and early 1960s. A common misconception is that Zagato designed the car; it was actually designed in-house, with Robert Opron of the Centro Stile Fiat responsible for the initial sketches and Antonio Castellana largely responsible for the final design. It was unveiled as the ES-30 at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show.
The convertible RZ was produced from 1992 until December 1994. Although almost identical in appearance, the two cars shared no body panels except for the front wings and boot; the RZ had a revised bumper and door sills for better ground clearance and a bonnet without the aggressive ridges. Production of the SZ reached 1,036 cars, exceeding the planned 1,000, and 278 RZs were built.
Design and features
- No driver aids: the car came without electronic aids to give a challenging driving experience.
- Colours: only one official SZ scheme (red with grey roof and tan leather), plus one black car made for Andrea Zagato; the RZ came in red, yellow or black, and at the end of production three silver and one pearlescent white RZ were built.
Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ versions
- SZ (1989–1991): the coupé, nicknamed “Il Mostro” (the monster).
- RZ (1992–1994): the Roadster Zagato.
More Alfa Romeo cars of the era are in our Alfa Romeo collection, for example the Alfa Romeo 75 that provided its mechanicals and the Giulia TZ.
Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ questions and answers
What does SZ mean?
Sprint Zagato; the prototype was codenamed ES-30, Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litre.
Did Zagato design the SZ?
No, it was designed in-house, although Zagato assembled it.
What engine does the SZ have?
A 2,959 cc V6 with 154 kW (210 PS).
How many were built?
1,036 SZ and 278 RZ.
What is the RZ?
The convertible version of the SZ, the Roadster Zagato, built from 1992 to 1994.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo SZ, English Wikipedia: history, characteristics, RZ
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