Official: Alfa Romeo 4C

[BMW269]

The final version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo's DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the 'AutoBild Design Award' (2011, Germany), the 'Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes' (2012, Italy) and the 'Most Exciting Car of 2013' - 'What Car?' (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C
The acronym '4C' draws its inspiration from the brand's glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo's great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars - both racing and road - fitted with the powerful 'eight cylinders' and the innovative 'six cylinders', confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power /weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) - carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style
Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which 'clothed' the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design
The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fibre in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics
The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 metres long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What's more, owing to the designers' excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol
An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission
The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode
The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now - Dynamic, Natural and All Weather - but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy
The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.






Alfa Romeo 4C Special Website

[Crimson92]

Pretty

[KingOfJericho]

I love the looks. Any info on pricing or if it will make it over to this side of the pond?

[Who?]

not a huge fan, it looks just like a lotus

i still wouldnt kick it out of bed though

[Sniz]

beautiful car and most likely a real pleasure to drive.

[Red Bread]

Sorry BRZ and Cayman, I think I just found my next car.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Sorry BRZ and Cayman, I think I just found my next car.

Haha, it's really a tough choice between the BRZ, the Cayman and the 4C. All have their pros.

[swanson]

[Cuz5150]

WOW!!! how much?!?!?!? Take my money NOW!!! I would kill for one....mk, mmk!!!

[ki__]

Originally Posted by Levi

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.

[Greenkirby21]

sad no manual transmission : (

[Holset]

Best thing is not mentioned ,rumors around 1000kg 2204lbs curb weight horsepower rumors from 235hp to 270hp and all the way up to 300hp in future models.

First show Geneve in march probably more info then.

I like this car already.

[azzurro]

Alfa Romeo is making some great cars. Unfortunately, none are coming to the US. I love the Giulietta which would be my car of choice in Italia. Forza Italia...

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by azzurro

Alfa Romeo is making some great cars. Unfortunately, none are coming to the US. I love the Giulietta which would be my car of choice in Italia. Forza Italia...

This one is coming to the US. Until Alfa Romeo dealerships will be built, aside the Fiat ones, and the portfolio increases, it will be sold in those Fiat dealerships.

[dtwyim]

Could be a riot on track.

[631twentyeighteye]

So i guess i'm the only one that finds it absolutely hideous. No MT, no sale for me.

[Stohlen]

Base price will be around $55,000, will come over during the summer for america quality testing, first Alfa released but more are planned to follow exactly like the Fiat brand is doing as we speak.

[BKap08]

Bring This To The States!

[pauloT]

Its already in the states, currently being put through its pre build tests. Its to be sold initially in the states then will be released in Europe a short while after. Approx £50k in UK so $70+k in the states.

This is the first of a new fleet of Alfa's with main focus on North American market because of Chrysler link. Sudan, 4x4 to follow.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by pauloT

Its already in the states, currently being put through its pre build tests. Its to be sold initially in the states then will be released in Europe a short while after. Approx 50k in UK so $70+k in the states.

This is the first of a new fleet of Alfa's with main focus on North American market because of Chrysler link. Sudan, 4x4 to follow.

Wrong US pricing, it's likely to be closer to $50k US. GB pricing is usually very close to 1:1 to US pricing because of all of the taxes and fees.

[azzurro]

Originally Posted by Levi

This one is coming to the US. Until Alfa Romeo dealerships will be built, aside the Fiat ones, and the portfolio increases, it will be sold in those Fiat dealerships.

I've been following the Fiat/Alfa story which is interesting. Both have had less than stellar reputations here in the US but the quailty is different now. at least from what my italian friends tell me. I will be going to an Alfa dealer as soon as there is one close to me.

[Red Bread]

When I worked in Frankfurt, my colleague had an Alfa 147, it was a good little unit. My dad had a few Alfas and Fiats when I was growing up, they however left a lot to be desired.