Features of the Alfa Romeo 4C – All Time Best
The Features of the Alfa Romeo 4C is the sportiest Alfa Romeo model with the permission of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio in their 510 hp Quadrifoglio versions. The approach of the 4C as a sports car in the market is practically unique due to its radical concept and some of the solutions used . We are therefore talking about a sports car that has very few alternatives, especially in terms of driving sensations. If you are considering buying a car like the Alfa Romeo 4C, don’t miss our buying guide with the best sports cars on the market .
Alfa Romeo 4C: the concept
The Alfa Romeo 4C is a sports car that was manufactured between 2013 and 2017 , becoming one of the most special models ever made by the Italian brand. Alfa Romeo’s goal with the 4C was to build a halo car capable of offering an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Thus, the main characteristics of the Alfa Romeo 4C are the use of a carbon fiber monocoque (unprecedented in its segment) and the use of a central-rear turbocharged engine with dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive . Thanks to a very low weight of just 995 kg and a power of 241 hp , the Alfa Romeo 4C offers a driving experience very close to that of a competition vehicle
A car created by and to enjoy unfiltered driving, possibly one of the latest follies in the automotive industry
Using a carbon fiber monocoque weighing just 65 kilograms was without a doubt the 4C’s biggest challenge given the high cost to manufacture . The benefits in stiffness and weight reduction were Alfa’s excuse to bring this model based on a carbon monocoque to the market, thus being a novelty that has not yet been equaled in its segment or price by another manufacturer. To put the uniqueness of this solution into perspective, at the time the Alfa Romeo 4C was marketed only models such as the Lamborghini Aventador or the McLaren 650S made use of a carbon monocoque.
The very low weight of the set, together with a high power and a clearly focused approach not to filter any sensation that comes from the set, make the 4C a very radical car intended for occasional use to enjoy sports driving . We are talking about a car whose comfort equipment is reduced to an air conditioning system, electric windows and an Alpine aftermarket radio, it does not even install power steering. Its spartan cabin is hardly insulated thoroughly, which allows to perceive every minimum vibration and sound that comes from the outside. This feature can be very good for sporty driving, although a serious handicap for taking long trips or driving through urban environments.
Rivals of the Alfa 4C
Given the approach, price and performance of the Alfa Romeo 4C we speak of a very special car on the market without clear direct rivals . Its conception as a car designed by and to enjoy the slightest sensation generated while driving make Lotus and models like the Lotus Exige its most direct competitor by sharing a very similar approach. There are other cars that can offer a similar level of performance such as the Porsche 718 Cayman / Porsche 718 Boxster and Alpine A110 , however these offer a more GT spirit with a much higher level of comfort and losing the radical character offered by the 4C with its carbon monocoque, minimal exterior insulation or its weight / power ratio.
4C engine and performance
Under the rear hood of the 4C is a 1,750cc four-cylinder engine supercharged by a single turbocharger . This engine achieves a maximum power of 241 hp and is connected to the rear wheels through a 6-speed TCT double-clutch gearbox that can be controlled using the paddles on the steering wheel. The 4C also has a system called DNA with 4 different driving programs that allows modifying the behavior of the powertrain and electronic aids to adapt its operation to the conditions of use.
To perform the 0-100 km / h the Alfa Romeo 4C takes 4.5 seconds , being able to reach a maximum speed of 258 km / h.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
In 2015, the manufacture of a convertible version of the model was announced under the name Alfa Romeo 4C Spider . It is a bodywork derived from the coupe model in which the roof was eliminated to create a cabrio configuration with a rather targa aesthetic due to the height of the humps behind the seats and the safety frame that joins these two protrusions to achieve greater rollover protection. To avoid redesigning the cabin and given the lack of space between the cabin and the engine compartment, Alfa Romeo opted for the use of a practicable canvas roof whose installation is completely manual. This ceiling, although light and easy to use, also reduces acoustic insulation. Another of the great features of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider was the introduction of newly designed front optics, headlights with a more conventional aesthetic than seen in the coupe version.
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Source: ALFAROMEO