Alfa Romeo 4C designed to provide total driving pleasure

Extraordinary performance, unique handling, extreme aerodynamics and design that takes up the stylistic features of the Alfa Romeo tradition. This in brief is the new Alfa Romeo 4C, a driving machine without compromise that beckons drivers to take to the road or track to experience the thrill of driving it.

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a lightweight car where everything has been designed to provide total driving pleasure. That same essentiality shaped its design. The car expresses a “natural beauty” that results from a perfect blend of function and form. Its layout and size immediately brings one of the most beautiful coupés of all time to mind, the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Like the legendary 33 Stradale, the 4C is designed to meet extreme mechanical and functional requirements. Its body aerodynamically ‘covers’; the engine and chassis with clean and essential surfaces.

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and built at the Maserati plant in Modena, this captivating coupé with 2 racing bucket seats uses materials and design solutions like carbon, aluminium, and rear-wheel drive derived from the 8C Competizione along with technologies from Alfa Romeo’;s latest models, all thoroughly revised to maximise the new car’;s sporting appeal. Proof of that lies in the new 1750 Turbo Petrol engine with direct injection and aluminium block, the sophisticated latest-generation “Alfa TCT” dry twin clutch automatic transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector with the brand-new Race mode.

A length of approximately 4 m and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 m emphasise the car’s compact size while also accentuating its agility. The dynamic qualities of the Alfa Romeo 4C are confirmed by a weight to power ratio of less than 4 kg/HP (in base factory specification, not SA std.); it’s a value worthy of a ‘supercar’.

This vehicle quite simply screams Alfa. Its sports car soul creates unique driving sensations, both on the road and when racing, where velocity and transverse accelerations offer even the most expert driver unrivalled driving thrills: from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds flat, 258 km/h top speed, deceleration peaks in the range of 1.2 g and lateral acceleration peaks over 1.1 g. All this is also achieved with a balanced weight distribution, with 40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear.

If these figures attest to the outstanding performance and dynamic qualities of the 4C, there is one characteristic enduringly connected to every Alfa Romeo: ease in recognising one of the brand’;s models through other senses. Not only is it eye-catching, but the sound of the engine has also been emphasised with low frequencies and the classic roar of the exhaust.

In the same way it has been studied with particular attention paid to an enveloping seat design so the car can be ‘felt’;. ‘Body’; perceptions are felt inside and even more so – with an added thrill – at the wheel. The brake, for example, can be modulated when loaded to get the necessary feedback even in the most demanding braking situations. Steering, which has to convey as much ‘feel’; as possible, is unassisted, progressive and direct, and the accelerator is ready to handle exits from curves with as much acceleration as possible.

The 4C marks the launch of Alfa Romeo’;s global growth plan that, along with future models, is offered as a global brand that competes in the heart of the Premium market. The reason for developing synergies with the Premium brands of the Fiat-Chrysler Group, and Maserati in particular, which adds the strength of its history, its ability to innovate and its fame the world over. So in this sense the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar is a symbolic product with an extremely high level of quality and technological refinement that embodies the deepest values ​​of the Alfa Romeo brand.

The annual production of the 4C Alfa Romeo on the major world markets is limited to only 3,500 units.

Alfa Romeo 4C designed to provide total driving pleasure

Coming to America: What Makes the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Distinctive? Very a Lot

Hunting at the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C in its U.S.-market guise, you may well believe that it’s the identical animal as the European model, only with the usual rash of federal emissions-compliance gear onboard. You would be incorrect. Alfa Romeo reps recently showed us about the North American version of the 4C, and for the duration of the stroll-around we were in a position to hammer out specifically what makes the North American version of the tiny Italian sports car various from the one sold everywhere else. The list is a lot more complete than you probably anticipated.

Bumpers and Lights: Naturally, U.S. regulations differ from European ones, so even though our 4C appears practically identical to the Euro-spec model, there are important visual differences. The rear bumper is new, and it incorporates bulging Dagmars on either side of a narrowed license-plate-mounting nacelle, in place of the original 4C’s much more sophisticated Euro-plate mount. Even though the headlight and taillight internals appear to be the very same, they are really completely new to comply with federal lighting laws, and U.S. buyers will not be presented the European car’s optional “bug-eye” lights that’s okay by us, because those are ugly.

Left: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Proper: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Carbon-Fiber Monocoque: The U.S.-market place 4C’s central carbon-fiber tub is unique, with the fibers laid differently all through to tailor the structure for federal crash tests. Contemplate us surprised to find out that Alfa Romeo altered more than just the bolt-on front and rear subframes.

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Weight: Speaking of American crash tests and additional gear, they’re responsible for almost all of the U.S.-spec car’s weight achieve more than the European version. The exclusive carbon-fiber tub is 92 pounds heavier, even though other tweaks—an adjustable passenger seat (needed by U.S. regulations), side and knee airbags, and regular air conditioning (46 pounds on its personal)—add up to a total claimed weight difference of 342 pounds between a base Euro model and ours.

Prime: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Bottom: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Tuning: Whenever a hot European auto comes stateside, we’re usually pessimistic about its tuning. A car’s transition to accommodate “American tastes” nearly usually ruins the suspension tuning, for example. But lo and behold, the U.S.-industry 4C’s only suspension modifications are mild bushing tweaks to account for its heavier curb weight plus a switch from cast-aluminum suspension pieces to steel ones for durability.

Happily, none of the U.S.-spec 4C’s adjustments substantially alter the car’s lusty driving experience—even the added mass does not ruin things—and parked side-by-side, most people would be challenging-pressed to spot the variations. In truth, we’re keen to concentrate on 4C content material shared with both the U.S. and Euro versions: Manual steering that feels totally amazing, a stripped-down interior, the (optional) lack of a muffler, the same 237 turbocharged horsepower, and these saliva-gland-stimulating appears.

Coming to America: What Makes the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Distinctive? Very a Lot

Coming to America: What Tends to make the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Special? Really a Lot

Looking at the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C in its U.S.-industry guise, you might feel that it is the identical animal as the European model, only with the usual rash of federal emissions-compliance gear onboard. You would be wrong. Alfa Romeo reps recently showed us around the North American version of the 4C, and for the duration of the stroll-around we were capable to hammer out exactly what makes the North American version of the small Italian sports car different from the one sold everywhere else. The list is more complete than you probably anticipated.

Bumpers and Lights: Naturally, U.S. regulations differ from European ones, so while our 4C looks almost identical to the Euro-spec model, there are important visual variations. The rear bumper is new, and it incorporates bulging Dagmars on either side of a narrowed license-plate-mounting nacelle, in place of the original 4C’s more sophisticated Euro-plate mount. Although the headlight and taillight internals seem to be the same, they are truly entirely new to comply with federal lighting laws, and U.S. purchasers won’t be provided the European car’s optional “bug-eye” lights that’s okay by us, because these are ugly.

Left: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Right: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Carbon-Fiber Monocoque: The U.S.-market place 4C’s central carbon-fiber tub is special, with the fibers laid differently throughout to tailor the structure for federal crash tests. Consider us surprised to learn that Alfa Romeo altered more than just the bolt-on front and rear subframes.

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Weight: Speaking of American crash tests and added gear, they’re accountable for almost all of the U.S.-spec car’s weight acquire more than the European version. The unique carbon-fiber tub is 92 pounds heavier, although other tweaks—an adjustable passenger seat (required by U.S. regulations), side and knee airbags, and standard air conditioning (46 pounds on its own)—add up to a total claimed weight distinction of 342 pounds between a base Euro model and ours.

Prime: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (U.S-spec). Bottom: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C (Euro-spec).

Tuning: Anytime a hot European automobile comes stateside, we’re often pessimistic about its tuning. A car’s transition to accommodate “American tastes” almost always ruins the suspension tuning, for example. But lo and behold, the U.S.-industry 4C’s only suspension changes are mild bushing tweaks to account for its heavier curb weight plus a switch from cast-aluminum suspension pieces to steel ones for durability.

Happily, none of the U.S.-spec 4C’s alterations significantly alter the car’s lusty driving experience—even the added mass doesn’t ruin things—and parked side-by-side, most individuals would be challenging-pressed to spot the differences. In truth, we’re keen to concentrate on 4C content shared with both the U.S. and Euro versions: Manual steering that feels definitely wonderful, a stripped-down interior, the (optional) lack of a muffler, the identical 237 turbocharged horsepower, and these saliva-gland-stimulating appears.

Coming to America: What Tends to make the U.S.-Spec Alfa Romeo 4C Special? Really a Lot

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe Tested: It is Late, Loud, and Lovable

Instrumented Test

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The incorrigible 4C is late, loudmouthed, and lovable.

Thanks to our crack investigative staff, we have compelling new proof to clarify why it’s taken so extended for the Alfa Romeo 4C to arrive in the United States.

Sure, there was the delay outlined so eloquently by one Mr. Sergio Marchionne to make certain that the auto arrived not with just any old powerplant, as it “must have a [pejorative word for Italian-Americans] engine.” And there was the time it took Alfa to lay bunches much more carbon fiber onto the small car’s tub (an additional 92 pounds worth of the stuff) to meet U.S. crash regulations. There was the fitment of an adjustable passenger seat (unavailable on European 4Cs) to meet airbag requirements. Oh, and speaking of airbags, the business had to add a single in each of the doors, also per U.S. regulations. And there was the small matter of figuring out who was going to sell and service the things here in the land of specifically zero Alfa Romeo dealers.

But that is all behind us now due to the fact the 4C has arrived! Properly, okay, it hasn’t arrived but. The auto will not go on sale until late in the third quarter of this year. And when it does, the 1st 500 of them will be loaded-up Launch Edition vehicles, carrying a healthful value premium. It’s only soon after these are sold that potential purchasers will be able to order a shiny new 4C to their preferred specification. And that is not likely to come about prior to the end of the year, offered that the 500 launch cars represent half of all the 4Cs that will be imported annually.

But whatever. It is right here at least in the sense that we have a pearly white one particular on loan in Michigan, brapping and growling and likely terrorizing the other tenants in our office park. It is inside this non-Launch Edition 4C that we located the crucial piece of proof. The calendar readout just beneath the 4C’s speedo reveals that Alfa believes it to be the month of January. So, the auto is actually 6 months closer to on time that you may have thought.

Bisecting the Cayman

In all other ways, the car is entirely up to date. You most likely know the fundamentals already. It cradles in its aluminum rear structure an aluminum-block 1.7-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder gulping 21.8 psi of turbo enhance and expelling it loudly via an exhaust method unencumbered by a muffler (at least on vehicles equipped with the Race exhaust like ours). It carries a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, manual steering, a plastic physique formed into what looks like a taffy-pulled and slightly squished marshmallow when it’s painted white. It, of course, is built utilizing a carbon-fiber tub, which is amply advertised inside the auto with visible carbon. It weighs 2464 pounds, providing it a weight-to-energy ratio of 8.4:1, about halfway between that of the Porsche Cayman S PDK and the normal Cayman.

Right here are some other pertinent figures from our testing: The 4C bellows and blats its way to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, aided by a regular launch-handle method. That efficiency is closer to that of the Cayman S PDK’s 4.1-second time than to the regular manual-transmission Cayman’s 5.7. The 4C, wearing optional sticky Pirelli P Zero “AR Racing” tires, circled the skidpad at .97 g. And it stops from 70 mph in an impressive 148 feet. Not poor for a car that begins at $ 55,195.

Our test example came loaded, although, plumping up the final bill to $ 70,345. As optioned, this automobile is fundamentally a Launch Edition with no commemorative plaques and a few bits of filigree. The options include the $ 1800 Comfort package that brings cruise manage, really helpful rear parking-assist sensors, and a woefully negative “premium” sound technique. The $ 2400 Track package comes with stiffer dampers and fatter anti-roll bars—the so-named Race suspension—a decklid spoiler, and a carbon-fiber gauge-cluster bezel and mirror caps. (The carbon pieces weren’t obtainable when our test car was assembled, so it is fitted with standard pieces as an alternative.) Alfa also match the car with the $ 2750 Leather package, which brings, you know, leather. Xenon headlamps added yet another $ 1000. A auto cover expenses $ 400. Sport seats with microfiber upholstery are a forced option when the Track Package is selected—you can decide on amongst them for $ 1500 or red leather seats for $ 1000. The fancy Madreperla White paint is also $ 1500. The larger-performance P Zeros added $ 1200, even though the upsized 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels cost $ 1800. Alfa painted the brake calipers red for $ 300. Oh, and the removal of the muffler tacks $ 500 onto the bill.

Continued…

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2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe Tested: It is Late, Loud, and Lovable

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Concerns Answered: 20 Responses to Your 20 Ideal Queries

Earlier right now, we pressed you to give us your greatest concerns concerning the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C, because we’ve got one sexing up our workplace parking lot this week. Our get in touch with for concerns went out to our own Backfires members, as well as those vehicle-hungry people on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus, and the response was large. Inquiries covered a broad scope of topics and right here are our responses to the ideal:

rewsloan, Backfires: “What is the U.S. weight soon after all add-ons have been factored in?”

Our auto weighs 2464 pounds with a few alternatives.

MJ W., Backfires: “Is the FCX quoted 41/59 weight distribution correct? Is the front suspension actually a double handle arm with major link steering, even though the rear is just a strut ‘jobbie’?”

FCX Clarity? Distribution is 41.2 percent front, 58.8 rear, so yes. Also, you are correct: That is the suspension setup. That said, the unequal-length control arms in the front and the single manage arm in the rear are created of steel in the U.S.-spec automobiles rather of cast aluminum, supposedly to withstand abuse from America’s rougher roads. Also, the Porsche Cayman and Boxster twins do just fine with 4 struts.

TriHarderKen, Backfires: “Is the exhaust note worth the price of entry? Please specify which exhaust is on your car.”

Absolutely—ours is fitted with the sport exhaust, meaning it lacks a correct muffler.

HotChiliR56S, Backfires: “How does the engine sound in the cabin? I’ve heard you can hear lots of spool up, and blow off.”

There is lots of turbo whistle throughout challenging acceleration, but there are lots of other noises, too. The induction sound, although somewhat harder for the driver to hear (the intake sucks by way of a duct behind the passenger door), is specifically nice, as is the wicked-loud exhaust. At idle, there’s a good mechanical hum.

James Wade, Facebook: “Is it nevertheless operating?”

Yes.

Ali G., Backfires: “If it were parked next to a Corvette, which driver will really feel inferior?”

The insecure 1.

John Davis, Facebook: “Which headlights does the U.S. version come with? These gorgeous ones or the ugly carbon-fiber ones?”

The U.S. will not get the LED-festooned “bug-eye” headlights offered in Europe. In reality, the U.S.-spec 4C’s headlights are really new they appear related to the a lot more traditional of the 2 Euro headlight alternatives, but their internals have been subtly rearranged to meet our regulations.

Insertcreativityhere, Backfires: “You’ve got a higher-upkeep mistress. She desires a automobile, which you’ll drive when you are with her. Would you get her this, a Boxster, a Z4, or an SLK?”

May possibly we advocate that you do not purchase your higher-maintenance mistress any new car? We recommend you get her a employed Boxster for 2 motives: 1st, it has a lot of cargo space to help a purchasing spree. Second, assuming you are American and your high-upkeep mistress is on the vibrant side of 30, there is no way she will appreciate an Alfa Romeo. Leave the Alfa at the dealership to be bought by somebody that will love it.

Evan Thomas, Facebook: “Does it smell as significantly like sex as it looks?”

The 4C Alfa sent us came from its press fleet, so we can not accurately say the supply of its scent, nor can we place it specifically nicely.

Nic Marketing, Twitter: “Is it the same size as a 911, or a lot more like a Cayman/Boxster?”

It could compete with the Cayman, but the Porsche’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer, while the Alfa measures a whopping 15 inches shorter in length. In terms of width, the 4C is 2.5 inches broader of beam, and it is also 4.4 inches reduced.

Ariel Cinii, Twitter: “Does it have any trunk space?”

It does—just 3.7 cubic feet of it in a trash-can-shaped cubby behind the engine. Amusingly, that meager volume need to be enough to qualify as a “trunk” in the eyes of U.S. regulators, simply because the 4C gets the mandatory glow-in-the-dark interior release manage so someone—presumably a hamster, or maybe a severed head—can escape. The release manage itself shows a stick figure jumping out of a Maserati GranTurismo. This amuses us.

Toshi Clark, Google+: “How’s the driver’s headroom?”

Not terrible, truly, but the seat adjustments are relatively restricted. The seat can be moved fore and aft, but the backrest is practically vertical—even when in its fully reclined position. Some call the resulting legs-out seating position racy, even though the taller staff members find it slightly masochistic.

Mark H, Backfires: “How is the visibility in that point changing lanes, searching back, and so forth.?”

There are 2—count ’em, 2—door mirrors. Otherwise, yeah, forget blind-spot visibility or seeing what’s behind you backing up. Parking sensors are an selection, but Alfa does not provide a camera, a shame provided the mail-slot view via the steeply raked rear glass.

E30og, Backfires: “Do you miss power steering?”

Hell no.

Jowell Protasio, Facebook: “Are you truly not in a position to open the hood? What’s in there? Is it the secret to world peace?”

You are right. The front “hood” that seems to be there is not there: Reduce lines in the plastic physique panels make it appear as although there is an access panel to a Cayman-style “frunk.”

Brendan, Backfires: “I am rather tall, but thin . . . would I fit?”

Our own friendly giant, 6-foot-6 senior editor Jared Gall, managed to pilot the 4C around. Note the lack of the adjective “comfortably” in that sentence. In all seriousness, the biggest factor in the 4C’s match comes down to leg length a lot more than all round height if you have brief legs and longer arms, you are in luck. If you do not, may we suggest limb-shortening surgery?

Pete Botkin, Backfires: “Has any person fallen while attempting to get in?”

Even though receiving in? No. Acquiring out? Absolutely.

Jeff Kyle, Google+: “Why would you acquire one particular alternatively of a utilised Elise or Exige?”

Toss-up. The Lotuses are ever so slightly far more tactile, and their Toyota-sourced powertrains will probably be a bit far more dependable. But you may possibly decide on the Alfa due to the fact it has a new-vehicle warranty, and since Alfa Romeo as a organization seems to be on a bit—gulp—better footing than Lotus.

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Paul G., Backfires: “Does the U.S. version feel substantially various [from the Euro car]? What is the ride high quality like?”

The auto Alfa Romeo gave us is equipped with the Track package, which brings stiffer dampers, firmer front and rear sway bars, and bigger staggered-width 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. It does not ride nearly as poorly as you may possibly anticipate, and in truth, it is downright acceptable about town. As for the differences in feel in between our car and Europe’s, there genuinely are not any we could inform.

Rolling Start, Backfires: “What is the all round consensus about the match and finish compared to the competitors?”

All round, the Alfa’s develop good quality is quite good. From some angles, it can look like the body panels don’t fit correct, but that’s only due to the fact of the massively complex surfaces some of the cut lines are slashed by way of. For example, look at the intricately sculpted trailing ends of the doors. The rear bumper characteristics what appears to be uneven masking—it’s all one particular piece, including the decrease fascia element—between the physique-colour and black portions, but that is our car’s only major curiosity.

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Concerns Answered: 20 Responses to Your 20 Ideal Queries

Video: Alfa Romeo 4C Eats Hay at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

June 27, 2014 at 4:58 pm by Nicholas Wallace | Photography by YouTube/Goodwood Road & Racing

Day 2 of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England was held today, where a veritable cornucopia of amazing metal new and old went racing up the famed hill on Lord March’s estate. The hill-climb participants include, naturally, a pile of cars entered by manufacturers keen on showcasing their latest and greatest models in front of a petrol-blooded audience.

While accidents aren’t all that common at Goodwood, they do happen, and this Alfa Romeo 4C’s driver became intimately familiar with the hay bales lining the course. Fortunately, the damage was limited to cracked carbon fiber and a bruised ego, but we feel most for the passenger, who appeared to be having the time of his life until it all came to an abrupt end. Check it out the in video below, and then move forward or backward to see more of the amazing stuff from today’s event.

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Video: Alfa Romeo 4C Eats Hay at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

June 27, 2014 at 4:58 pm by Nicholas Wallace | Photography by YouTube/Goodwood Road & Racing

Day 2 of the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England was held nowadays, exactly where a veritable cornucopia of amazing metal new and old went racing up the famed hill on Lord March’s estate. The hill-climb participants consist of, naturally, a pile of vehicles entered by manufacturers keen on showcasing their latest and greatest models in front of a petrol-blooded audience.

Even though accidents aren’t all that frequent at Goodwood, they do take place, and this Alfa Romeo 4C’s driver became intimately familiar with the hay bales lining the course. Fortunately, the harm was restricted to cracked carbon fiber and a bruised ego, but we feel most for the passenger, who appeared to be obtaining the time of his life till it all came to an abrupt end. Check it out the in video under, and then move forward or backward to see more of the amazing stuff from today’s event.

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