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Alfa Romeo 4C marks a return to lightweight sports coupes for the brand

19 Sep 2013|6,746 views

Envisioned as a pure driving machine, the 3,500 unit limited Alfa Romeo 4C marks the Italian marque's return to the world of lightweight sports coupe.

Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built in Modena by Maserati, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C employs the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo's newest models.

Power comes courtesy of a new four-cylinder turbo engine with a maximum power output of 240bhp at 6,000 rpm while its maximum torque output is 350Nm available between 2,100 and 4,000rpm

A new, all aluminium Turbo Petrol engine, called '1750', the latest generation 'Alfa TCT' dry twin-clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector is also now available with a new 'Race' mode.

Exotic carbon fibre was chosen for the single piece monocoque due its high levels of structural rigidity and weighing just 65kg, is exceptionally light. It is built using sophisticated Formula One derived technologies, evolved especially for Alfa Romeo for series production of up to 1,000 units per year.

Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC), which is lighter than both steel and aluminium, is used for the bodywork with the thickness of the glass slimmed down by 15 percent to help reduce the Alfa Romeo 4C's overall weight.

The Alfa 4C offers supreme agility with compact dimensions of just under 4,000mm in length, 2,000mm in width and 1,180mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,380mm. The 4C's compact shape highlights its remarkable agility.

To optimise handling, its double-wishbone front suspension is secured directly to the monocoque while the rear uses a performance-tuned McPherson arrangement. The brakes, employ a patented aluminium/cast iron hybrid construction clamped by Brembo callipers. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard, while 18/19-inch wheels with Alfa's signature, 'telephone dial' design are optional.

The car gallops to 100km in a brisk 4.5 seconds before climbing to 257km/h. Yet due to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the emissions of the Alfa Romeo 4C fall well within the strict limits of Euro 6 - at 157g/km - while returning 17.6km/L.

Inside in place of traditional dials, a multi-function, digital display occupies the instrument binnacle and the steering wheel is a bespoke, flat bottomed, two-spoke item with integrated paddle shifters. Composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals complete the minimalistic, driver focussed cabin.

Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built in Modena by Maserati, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C employs the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo's newest models.

A new, all aluminium Turbo Petrol engine, called '1750', the latest generation 'Alfa TCT' dry twin-clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA driving mode selector is also now available with a new 'Race' mode.

Exotic carbon fibre was chosen for the single piece monocoque due its high levels of structural rigidity and weighing just 65kg, is exceptionally light. It is built using sophisticated Formula One derived technologies, evolved especially for Alfa Romeo for series production of up to 1,000 units per year.

Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC), which is lighter than both steel and aluminium, is used for the bodywork with the thickness of the glass slimmed down by 15 percent to help reduce the Alfa Romeo 4C's overall weight.

The Alfa 4C offers supreme agility with compact dimensions of just under 4,000mm in length, 2,000mm in width and 1,180mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,380mm. The 4C's compact shape highlights its remarkable agility.

To optimise handling, its double-wishbone front suspension is secured directly to the monocoque while the rear uses a performance-tuned McPherson arrangement. The brakes, employ a patented aluminium/cast iron hybrid construction clamped by Brembo callipers. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard, while 18/19-inch wheels with Alfa's signature, 'telephone dial' design are optional.

The car gallops to 100km in a brisk 4.5 seconds before climbing to 257km/h. Yet due to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the emissions of the Alfa Romeo 4C fall well within the strict limits of Euro 6 - at 157g/km - while returning 17.6km/L.

Inside in place of traditional dials, a multi-function, digital display occupies the instrument binnacle and the steering wheel is a bespoke, flat bottomed, two-spoke item with integrated paddle shifters. Composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals complete the minimalistic, driver focussed cabin.