The famous Alfa Romeos of the past were known for three things: stunning looks, state-of-the-art technology and performance. At the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the company has just unveiled a brand new roadster and all three of those characteristics have been embodied in large quantities. The 4C Spider will soon join the lineup of Alfas in America, essentially doubling it. All the things we loved about the coupe are still here, only you also get a million miles of headroom.
Because the carbon fiber monocoque of the 4C was so strong, engineers only had to add an aluminum bar inside the carbon fiber roof hoop, a couple of brackets for the roof and a crossbeam in the engine compartment for bracing. The resulting convertible is just 22 lbs (10 kg) heavier.
That about covers the "state-of-the-art technology" changes, since the 1.750cc engine and the twin-clutch gearbox are still in place. Making full use the 237-hp (240 PS) of available turbo power, the 4C Spider sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 160 mph. Essentially, it's just as fast as the coupe and will run rings around slugish V6 sportscars like the 370Z.
Looks like fun
Looking at the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider in person is like standing next to a Victoria's Secret model – you just feel overexcited all the time. It's very low and, in person, appears wider than a Porsche Cayman. The roof is of a Targa design and has clear-coated carbon fiber panels over the font and back pillars.
One thing we didn't love was the interior. The seats are well made and supportive, but the radio is shabby. But who wants to listen to the radio in an Alfa Romeo – that's like having a long conversation with Kate Upton… while she's naked.
New track package
Optionally, the 4C Spider can be ordered with a Track Package for added performance. This includes special shock absorbers with larger front- and rear-sway bars, larger and staggered-sized 18x7-inch (front) 19x8.5-inch (rear) forged-aluminum alloys shod in Pirelli P-Zero "AR Racing" tires.
The Track Pack also adds a performance flat-bottom steering wheel with microfiber inserts, carbon fiber exterior mirrors and carbon fiber gauge cluster bezel, plus the availability of Black leather performance seats with microfiber inserts and Red or Yellow accent stitching.
Akrapovic – the aural experience
Our favorite part of the whole car is the new optional Akrapovic exhaust system with twin center mounted exhaust tips. This is also designed for motorsport activities and together with the three air extractors in the new decklid, it should provide an insane aural experience.
How much will the 4C Spider cost? Anywhere from $60,000 plus extras, which sounds like a lot until you realize a Boxster GTS with PDK is about $78,000. Check out the mega photo gallery below.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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