2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: What's New

Vehicle Overview

Two versions of the Alfa Romeo lightweight sport coupe will be offered, the 4C and a limited-edition 4C Launch Edition; only 500 of the latter will be available and it will go on sale first. There is also a convertible version called the 4C Spider.

(Skip to details on the: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider)

Exterior
The two-seater has an arched profile, curvy bodyside lines and large triangular shield grille. With a low, wide stance and gaping nose air intakes close to the ground, the overall look is elegant but aggressive and unlike anything on the road today. Round LED taillights and a carbon fiber spoiler also help convey a powerful stance from the back.

Although complete specs aren’t in yet, Alfa says it put an emphasis on weight savings and that the 4C is much lighter than competitors thanks to a liberal use of carbon fiber and aluminum in its structure and body.

The initial Launch Edition model will be available in three special exterior colors: Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione and Madreperla White. It will ride on staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Dark Gray and accented by red-lacquered brake calipers.

Interior
Inside, Alfa says the emphasis is on the driver with cockpit-like controls within easy reach. Highlights include a leather-wrapped dash, sport seats, a flat-bottom performance steering wheel with paddle-shift controls, aluminum pedals and a 7-inch full-color thin-film transistor instrument cluster.

The Launch Edition model adds black microfiber sport seats, more leather trim, red or white interior accent stitching and a unique “Launch Edition” plaque.

Under the Hood
The mid-engine rear-wheel-drive coupe gets power from an all-aluminum, 237-horsepower, turbocharged 1.75-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Alfa estimates a 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined rating.

Four driving modes are available: All-weather, Natural, Dynamic and Race. The modes alter throttle and transmission responses as well as stability control settings. According to the automaker, the special edition version’s Launch Control mode delivers an extra boost of acceleration as soon as the driver releases the brake. Alpha pegs the 4C’s zero-to-60-mph time in the mid-4-second range in Race mode with launch control; the coupe has a top speed of 160 mph.

The Launch Edition model adds a race-tuned suspension and performance-tuned shocks, Alfa says, along with specific exhaust.

4C Spider
The new 4C Spider is a roadster version of the 4C coupe. The Spider features the same lightweight construction and drivetrain as the 4C coupe, but it’s offered with a removable cloth roof or carbon fiber hardtop. It’s scheduled to hit dealerships in summer 2015.

What’s Special

• Body-color engine cover with functional heat extractors instead of coupe’s engine window
• Roll bar behind cockpit in a black or carbon fiber finish
• Three available exhaust systems including a dual-mode setup made of titanium
• Handling-focused Track Package includes high-performance shocks, larger sway bars, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with microfiber inserts

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