share on BufferSet to debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the new Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the 4C Concept unveiled in 2011.
Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C is just under 4 meters long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and has a wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters: these dimensions underline some of the Alfa Romeo’s core values: compact size, dynamism and agility.
Among the design inspirations – in terms of proportions and layout – were some iconic models of the past such as the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style.
The car achieves high aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) for increased stability at higher speeds and is expected to have a total weight well below 1,000 kg..
Design details – comparison with the 4C Concept
Compared to the 4C Concept unveiled in 2011, the production version maintains the whole body surface treatments, with the main differences residing in the details.
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| The headlight of the 4C Concept (left) and of the production model (right) | |
The new headlights feature no glass housings, and have multiple circular LED units integrated in a plastic component.
While they recall the lighting signature of the Giulietta, however they seem to add visual complexity and distract from the smooth, dynamic lines of the front end, resulting into a controversial design element.
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| The tail lamp of the 4C Concept (left) and of the production model (right) | |
The tail lamps have a more conventional structure and the door-mounted side mirrors have a simpler, rounder design which doesn’t integrate with the as well as the sleek mirrors of the concept.
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| The side mirror of the 4C Concept (left) and of the production model (right) | |
Apart from this and from the addition of two air outtakes on the rear shoulders, the production 4C has fully maintained the overall styling, which was not the case with other niche models like the Brera.
The interior – which has yet to be revealed – features two bucket seats and a center panel trimmed with carbon fiber.
Technical Features
The 4C is equipped with a new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo gasoline engine, an evolution of the unit already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta.
The engine features an aluminum block and specific intake and exhaust systems, direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing and a scavenging control system that reduces turbo lag.
Additional technical highlights include the Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which can be used changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel and in combination with the Alfa DNA selector, which includes a new Race mode.
Marking the brand’s return to the United States and opening a new global growth plan, the Alfa Romeo 4C will be produced at the Maserati plant in Modena, and will be available for purchase in 2013.
(Source: Alfa Romeo)
Meeeeeeh Really? Really?? Ok, my opinion, the general car proportion and lines are ok, which is nice, atleast is concept like which is always a plus. The review mirros are boring, but I understand, they are cheaper, but frankly, they lost a lot of charm from the concept.
The headlights are boring… Especially the front ones, dont like them at all.
When I saw this in concept I was amazed, loved it, and thougth, well, can´t chance much more, man was I wrong. I still like the car, but many of the fine details are kind of “bleh” in production.
Since it is a very low volume production (~2000/year) at a relatively low price (~50k €) they HAD to use components from the corporate parts bin (MiTo tail lights, Punto side mirrors and headlight elements supplied from Hella).
But, frankly… I couldn’t care less.
It is absurdely pretty, and there’s NOTHING for that price on the market with such refined underpinnings
You just took the words out of my mouth.
Even comparing this to a Lotus is just a sacrilege.
Carbon Fibre-Alu chassis, the 1750TB blasting in the middle and an outrageously sleek proportion.
The Elise/Exige can go hide somewhere really really far away.
The only thing I really don’t get are the “Christmas Tree” headlight assembly: I agree with corporate policies cause we are in a recession, but come on, it HAS to be so unmatched to the rest?
I agree on the randomly scattered LEDs, they’re hateful on any car. It’s undeniably a flaw, but I’ll get over it.
On the other hand I don’t mind the carryover mirrors (they would look better painted completely in body colour though), and the tail lights look like they were purpose designed for the 4C.
Lude, I agree- was thinking more or less the same thing… but maybe it does look nice in person 🙂