The stunningly gorgeous Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione isn’t even a year old, yet it seems Alfa is already planning for a replacement.

According to Autocar, Alfa Romeo wants the new 8C to be ready in time for the marque’s 100th birthday in 2010 and that the top brass within the brand want it to be built around the Ferrari California’s aluminium platform and V8 powertrain. Two-year timeline aside, convincing Ferrari to play ball may be the most difficult hurdle for Alfa to overcome, with Ferrari executives perpetually suspicious of anything that may dilute the purity of the Prancing Horse badge.

Will Alfa be able to get Ferrari to swallow its pride and get on board the new 8C program? Will the car be ready in time for Alfa’s centenary? It’s still too early to tell, but one thing’s for sure: with only two years to go, Alfa Romeo had better get moving - and quickly.