Meet Alfa’s new halo car! The 4C Concept has made its debut at the Geneva show, and previews a new range-topping coupe that’s set to go on sale at the end of 2012.
The 4C is a spiritual successor to the Duetto Spider – a stylish, affordable two-seater which went out of production in 1994. The new car will cost around £38,000 when it hits showrooms at a similar time to Alfa’s new Giulia, which replaces the 159.
The design of the 4C draws heavily on Alfa’s recent 8C supercar and the limited edition 33 Stradale of the late Sixties. Built entirely from carbon fibre, the car’s body has been designed with lines that are supposed to be “graceful and clean.”
Under the skin, the 4C uses an evolution of the composite chassis and tub that was created by Italian firm Dallara for KTM’s X-Bow. In the Alfa, the composite cockpit remains, but has been redesigned to incorporate a pair of doors, while the front and rear subframes are made from aluminium. This keeps weight down below 850kg.
The rear-engined layout of the X-Bow remains, but power comes from a 250bhp version of the 1.75-litre turbo petrol engine found in the Giulietta. The engine drives the rear wheels through Alfa’s TCT twin-clutch gearbox.
Alfa claims that the 4C should sprint from 0-62mph in under five seconds, and hit a top speed of over 155mph. The car also uses an evolution of the motorsport-inspired suspension set up of the X-Bow, and features a 40-60 front to rear weight distribution, which should ensure lively handling.
At present, Alfa plans to built around 20,000 versions of the 4C over a five-year production run, with sales tipped to start in the middle of next year. It is yet to decide whether the car will be sold in the US, but the firm has confirmed that there will also be a more stripped-out version it will brand as an Abarth model.
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The Porsche Cayman s and Lotus Evora have just been beaten. Damn this just so cool! It's like a mini 458!
Why only 20000
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let this be the last ugly 8C faced Alfa!!!!!
The 159/Brera light design was so much more sleek and sporty. This is just another korean stunned mouse face!!!!!
It helps that I think alfas are a scaled down version of god, but my god that is one stunning piece of machinery. Why would anyone look at a SLK, Z4 or the above mentioned cars.
Wonder if I can part ex the guiletta in against this without the missus noticing!
Sorry danielbez but what in gods name are you on about? the I agree that the Brera/159/spider were beautiful cars, indeed I had a Spider until last year and loved every second of owning it.
But the 8C is a work of true genius and the 4C is not far behind, in fact at 1/8th of the price of the 8C its a real contender.
I drive a Cayman at the mo and was waiting for the 2012 Gen 3 version for my next car but Alfa just stole my heart (and my hard earned) where do I sign?
Don't get me wrong, I think Lotus is great, especially the Evora. But this is not the kind of Alfa that Alfisti are waiting for. That duetto roadster concept of a few years ago on the other hand was. Very disappointing.
Like this ugly car? http://autocrunch.com/alfa-rom... ;-P
I think the 8C, the GT, Brera, 159 and this one ate beautiful cars! Alfa make the best looking cars in every generation!
Oh my god! I've been waiting for years for Alfa to come back (in the USA) with something extraordinary. They've done it! They've started setting up Fiat dealerships here with the apparent plan that Alfas will be sold through them--possibly starting with this gem.
I currently own a Jag XKR--'05, pre Ian Callum "Ugly Ducklings", and kept looking forward to the Jag F-Type--hoping somebody besides Callum would design it.
Well, Alfa just jumped so far in front of every other possible contender, Jag and the others can only vie for second place.
I'll order one as soon as they will take my money!
Lotus with an ALfa front grille
Going to need a lot of T-Cut to sort the paint...
Beautiful car, but a shame they didn't have the guts to put the drop dead gorgeous Duettotanta into production. Probably the old biddies who run FIAT and would like to KILL the AR name thought it was too nice!
It just gets better and better, Alfa romeo are back on form with
this neat roadster, looks like VW won't be getting Alfa just yet.
Dallara are Italian, and i think this i far more stylish than the
Lotus which always resembled a kit car.
Italy again proves it does style better than anyone else and the
critics are either bmw fans or just those who can't afford one
or are blind when it comes to good looks..
Forza Alfa
I love alfas, and drive one. and i have been anticipating the revealing of this car, but i just think it is sad that we are still stuck with those 'eyes', while concepts like the Pandion and 2uettottanta started showing a fresh, sportier new direction. the 33 Stradale is a stunning car, but it doesnt mean we have to put google eyes on all future Alfas! Especially if they vaguely resemble a Picanto or C1.
Another new Alfa that devides opinion on aethetics.
Personally I weep that the handsome 159 Brera etc have given way to the sad eled droop snout that half worked on the long and low 8C but has ruined the Tipo, damaged the Giulietta, and now disfigures the Giulia.
Do hope Alfa get over it, their new engines are great, but Alfa lost their way with handling long ago,( try the 33 to see what I mean) and now the appearance - their strongest suit - is 'questionable'
Please come back Alfa!
Smike
Wow, pic 5, lovely legs I mean lovely headlamps I mean lovely front end!!............. the car si not so bad either!!! hahhaha
UGLY!!!!
Thumbs UP!
The thing looks totally overdone, where's the Italian restraint in design?
Enough is enough with the forced 8c styling on everything. It worked once and that was it. Either turn the page of the concepts book or hire a new designer.
It looked great live in Geneva so any comments based on just pics is a waste of energy.