Fiat is relaunching the iconic Alfa Romeo brand with the new mid-engined, rear-drive Alfa 4C compact sports car. The stunning new lightweight model, seen here officially for the first time at the Geneva motor show, will be the first of a range of new Alfas over the next few years, and will spearhead the Italian firm’s return to the US market.
The production two-seater 4C coupé, complete with its carbonfibre chassis, returns to the Geneva show two years after a concept of the same name was introduced.
Power for the new sub-1000kg model, which is tipped to cost less than £50,000 when it launches in the UK at the end of the year, comes from an all-aluminium turbocharged 1.7-litre engine. Alfa is keeping exact technical details of the 4C under wraps until Geneva on 5 March, only confirming figure being a power to weight ratio of less than 4kg for every 1bhp.
Information leaked by Alfa dealers in Switzerland suggests the 4C will be offered with 237bhp in its initial launch guise, which would mean the 4C would weigh 950kg, a figure that’s likely given the concept weighed 850kg and a production-spec interior is now fitted. A 0-62mph time of around 4.5sec has been mooted, with a top speed limited to 155mph.
The four-cylinder engine known as 1750 TBi is familiar from recent Alfas, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but the block is now cast aluminium instead of iron, saving around 25kg. The engine gets direct-injection, MultiAir dual continuous variable valve timing and a new scavenging system that “gets rid” of any turbo lag. Bespoke intake and exhaust systems have also been developed for the 4C.
The result of these technologies is an engine with the potential performance of a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit, but with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller four-cylinder engine.
The 1742cc engine powers the rear wheels through Alfa’s own twin dry clutch automatic transmission, adapted from its application on the Giulietta and Mito. The transmission has a sequential mode that can be controlled through paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. No manual option will be offered.
The 4C is just less than 4000mm long, is 2000mm wide and 1180mm high. The wheelbase is 2400mm in length. These dimensions place it between a Lotus Elise and Lotus Evora in length, height and wheelbase.
Underpinning the 4C is a carbonfibre monocoque chassis, something previously reserved for supercars like the McLaren MP4-12C and only seen on a small number of sports cars at this price.
Tub-mounted aluminium frames carry the 4C’s running gear and engine, with the front assembly carrying a double-wishbone, coil-sprung suspension set-up, and MacPherson strut suspension features at the rear.
Alfa’s DNA driving mode selector also makes an appearance on the 4C with Dynamic, Natural and All Weather modes now being joined by a new track-focused Race mode.
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A little future classis in the making ....
This is a complete bargin how much would another car cost that can do 0-62.5 mph in 4.5 sec.
The Porsche Caymen S is 48 grand and much slower at 5.4sec, consumes more, polutes more and not as good looking.
Here's a list of cars that have the same acceleration as the Alfa;
Porsche 911 GT3 996
Audi A5 RS5 4.2 Quattro
BMW 7 Series 760 Li
Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato 6.0 W12 2d
Ford Mustang FR 500
Lotus 340 R
Mercedes CL Class 600 Coupe Bi Turbo
Mercedes CLK 63 AMG
Audi A6 RS6 Avant 4.2 V8 Twin Turbo
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III
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I'd pay 70k for that car IF (and only if) that blonde comes with it. 2 gorgeous looking things. Still not sold on the headlights, but the exposed carbon fibre or the effect of it does look better than I thought.
Cayman will have no effect
Cayman will have no effect whatsoever on the 4c. Even with the Stradale, Race and convertible versions to come this will be built in such small numbers that demand will be satisfied simply by those who would rather push an Alfa than drive a Porsche or anything else German for that matter.
Presumably those who are saying £52K is way too much for an Alfa are the same dellusional souls who said the 8c was overpriced and that the 4c apes an Elise - it doesn't; see T33 Stradale which somewhat pre dates the Elise. The 'official' 4c website shows a 50/50 morph of the two cars just to reinforce the connection.
The big big question is how it drives, not really interested in why it uses LED headlamps or Fiat 500 mirrors. Too often has Alfa snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. This is a halo car so needs to create an aura/interest call it what you will. The Giulia is the 'saviour' - fingers crossed.
T33 Stradale Versus 4C
The problem is that the T33 is still the far more exotic looking of the two, with more styling, sensual lines, even the curve of the front wings, a nicer grill......and well for a better word......soul.....The 4C obviously has the tech to be a great car. but its too heavy around the 3/4's....but I don't look at it and think - I want that car! I do with the T33