Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
One of the most talked about cars at the 2011 Geneva auto show, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept previews a forthcoming production model called the 4C GTA. The beautiful coupe, covered in a hypnotic, deep-red matte paint, is described by Alfa as the “true essence of a sports car,” and the rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine layout suggests just that. Powering the 4C is a 1.7-liter, direct-injected turbo four-cylinder (hence the 4C name) used in various cars across the Fiat Group. Making 200-plus hp—perhaps more than 250—in production spec, it should be good for a sub-five-second 0-to-60-mph time, thanks in part to a claimed curb weight of less than 1870 pounds.
Further details: Weight distribution is said to be 40-percent front/60-percent rear, the power runs through a dual-clutch gearbox, and the car is equipped with Alfa’s “DNA” chassis-adjustment system that includes Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather modes. The low weight is made possible through the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle; the body is crafted entirely from the stuff, and carbon fiber also “plays a structural role” in the car. The rear subframe and crash structures are formed largely from aluminum. The suspension consists of multiple links up front and struts out back.
Alfa says the 4C is scheduled to go on sale globally in 2012, and reports peg the price at an eminently reasonable €40,000 or so ($55K at today’s exchange rates). Yes, “globally” would mean the United States, too, and 2012 coincidentally remains Fiat’s target date for Alfa’s American repatriation (the ultra-limited 8C Competizione and Spider notwithstanding). OK, we may be jumping the gun; Fiat sources say no decision has actually been made on U.S. availability. But consider us cautiously excited about the prospect: The 4C’s power-to-weight ratio suggests performance similar to that of a Porsche Cayman, which has a base price of $52,350. Given that plus its style, we think a production 4C sold here would ensure that Alfa Romeo’s return would be met with a level of passion appropriate to the carmaker’s Italian roots.
Can Alfa Romeo really build a lightweight sports car teeming with carbon fiber and sell it at a competitive price? Well, probably, but with this brand, you never know. Recent reports have pegged Alfa Romeo as working with Dallara on an affordable carbon-fiber chassis for the production 4C. Dallara also helped engineer the KTM X-Bow, and the 4C is purported to be closely related. If this is true, that means the 4C Concept is indeed close to reality. (So long as Alfa isn’t sold to VW first, in which case all bets may be off.)
One of the most talked about cars at the 2011 Geneva auto show, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept previews a forthcoming production model called the 4C GTA. The beautiful coupe, covered in a hypnotic, deep-red matte paint, is described by Alfa as the “true essence of a sports car,” and the rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine layout suggests just that. Powering the 4C is a 1.7-liter, direct-injected turbo four-cylinder (hence the 4C name) used in various cars across the Fiat Group. Making 200-plus hp—perhaps more than 250—in production spec, it should be good for a sub-five-second 0-to-60-mph time, thanks in part to a claimed curb weight of less than 1870 pounds.
Further details: Weight distribution is said to be 40-percent front/60-percent rear, the power runs through a dual-clutch gearbox, and the car is equipped with Alfa’s “DNA” chassis-adjustment system that includes Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather modes. The low weight is made possible through the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle; the body is crafted entirely from the stuff, and carbon fiber also “plays a structural role” in the car. The rear subframe and crash structures are formed largely from aluminum. The suspension consists of multiple links up front and struts out back.
Alfa says the 4C is scheduled to go on sale globally in 2012, and reports peg the price at an eminently reasonable €40,000 or so ($55K at today’s exchange rates). Yes, “globally” would mean the United States, too, and 2012 coincidentally remains Fiat’s target date for Alfa’s American repatriation (the ultra-limited 8C Competizione and Spider notwithstanding). OK, we may be jumping the gun; Fiat sources say no decision has actually been made on U.S. availability. But consider us cautiously excited about the prospect: The 4C’s power-to-weight ratio suggests performance similar to that of a Porsche Cayman, which has a base price of $52,350. Given that plus its style, we think a production 4C sold here would ensure that Alfa Romeo’s return would be met with a level of passion appropriate to the carmaker’s Italian roots.
Can Alfa Romeo really build a lightweight sports car teeming with carbon fiber and sell it at a competitive price? Well, probably, but with this brand, you never know. Recent reports have pegged Alfa Romeo as working with Dallara on an affordable carbon-fiber chassis for the production 4C. Dallara also helped engineer the KTM X-Bow, and the 4C is purported to be closely related. If this is true, that means the 4C Concept is indeed close to reality. (So long as Alfa isn’t sold to VW first, in which case all bets may be off.)
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