The Dardo takes the current Spider's aesthetic cues several stages further. It uses Alfa's 2.5-L V6 in a body 4380 mm (173 in.) long, 1709 mm (71 in.) wide, and only 1250 mm (49 in.) high. Its wheelbase is slightly shorter than that of the 156. The shape of the front of the car tapers toward a point to incorporate the traditional Alfa Romeo triangular radiator grille. Its twin headlights were developed jointly with Valeo. The inner light cluster provides a full beam and is surrounded by six small spotlights. Direction indicators comprise thin, amber-colored "neon" bulbs.

The styling for the Dardo's flanks also uses a triangular theme, as does the rear. The car incorporates the 156's dashboard with metallic-like leather upholstery used for it and the seats. Pininfarina worked with Sparco to design and build the seats, which are said to have extremely rigid shells using carbon/Kevlar/carbon technology. They have four-point seat belts with lever release.