This is the interior of the production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, which is set to be revealed at the Geneva motor show.
It differs dramatically from the version seen in the concept, with a more restrained look that's shared with the Mito and Giulietta.
Alfa claims that the layout, materials and features are all "designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction".
The 4C features a carbon monocoque chassis, which is left on display at various points in the cabin to "enhance the sense of light weight, technology and uniqueness".
Both the dashboard and door panels have an asphalt-look finish. The seats, constructed from composite materials to save weight, are claimed to offer a good driving position without compromising comfort.
Alfa states that the dashboard is simple and clear, with digital instruments and wheel-mounted gearshift paddles. The pedals and footrests are fabricated from aluminium.
The new sub-1000kg model, which is powered by a turbocharged 1.7-litre engine, is expected to cost less than £50,000 when it launches in the UK at the end of the year.
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Can't argue with that Nick, I
Can't argue with that Nick, I have only owned 2 cars a 1750 Spider and a Type R where heel and toeing was feasible if not downright compulsory, everything else the stick has been a means to an end rather than a source of interactive joy. Rather than fashion or trend I rather think the current fascination with twin clutch boxes has more to do with co2 and performance figs. I certainly hope you are right and manuals don't die off entirely but I wouldn't hold my breath.
The gearbox is exactly what
The gearbox is exactly what the market wants. I am sure Porsche will sell 2 or 3 manual Caymans this year but you can bet your bottom dollar the majority will be PDK's. it seems the 'enthusiasts' who believe a 'real' sports car should be manual spend all their time telling everyone that on forums rather than buying enough manuals to convince manufacturers the error of their ways.
I know all the group tests will have the Cayman as the No 1 rival and indeed it probably is but the Cayman is in reality way bigger. I can imagine having a Cayman as my only car but even after 14 Alfas can only see the 4c as 'something for the weekend' boot looks tiny and makes the GTV's opening look vast.
Can't give any opinion on the interior save to say given the use of so much costly carbon it's hardly going to match the Cayman. Alfa's development budget probably equated to the cost of the Cayman's cup holders, same problem with the 8c though things improved markedly with the soft top.
manuals
I've had 4 porsches including a GT3, all manuals. I have two cars currently that are manual and as a car enthusiast, tend to replace a car every couple of years. Perhaps I am one of the few that still votes with my wallet when it comes to manuals. It makes no difference not because of what individuals like me do but because of what the emerging markets want. The Chinese, Russians and the Middle East want labels. Most people are only interested in brands. I will be again voting with my wallet, by not buying this car and instead buying a 2nd hand GT3 RS 997. The only cars I buy that are auto are for long distance travelling on motorwats where distronic cruise a large fuel tank and quiet ride are important.
I went to the Geneva motorshow 2 years ago specifically for the Alfa 4C. Clearly people like me are not the target audience for motor car companies. In 20/30 years time, when fashion once again changes, manuals will rerturn as some sort of new invention, much like the current 'shooting brake' trend and suddenly people will dicover the art and satisfaction of heel and toe and the mechanical closeness of a manual.
not the best interior
Typical Alfa. Couldn't resist going cheap on the interior and cheap on the exterior lights. Also, can't help thinking this fashion for auto boxes is the wrong move for what is meant to be a light nimble drivers car. Makes the new Cayman even more tempting with its manual box and sophisticated interior. However, if they have nailed the driving experience and sorted the auto box to be class leading and kept the price under 50K,(with a few choice options), it still could be tempting. We will see....but I'm not hopefull.