Photo: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo's long-rumored return to the US if finally happening as the lovely 4C, a car with many flaws, all of which we can forgive. So, what could possibly make an awesome mid-engined sportscar even better, we ask you. The answer is simple the 4C Spider production model.
Making an early online debut ahead of its official unveiling later in the day, the Detroit Auto Show convertible is all about having the wind in your hair and enjoying driving. This is like a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster on a budget, but with less than half the cylinders and all the fluff cut out. It's a man's car!
"Adding to the excitement of the 4C Coupe, our all new 2015 4C Spider expands the brand's product offering and continues our mission of building great Alfa Romeos," said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. "With a removable carbon fiber hard top the 4C Spider takes the Coupe's supercar level of performance and technology and 'opens it up' allowing the driver to experience the incredible 4C from an entirely different perspective."
Alfa say the performance hasn't really been affected by the loss of the roof. The 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes between 4.1 and 4.3 seconds and a respectable top speed of 160 mph (258 km/h) is offered.
Because the 4C was designed around a very rigid tub, the Spider roof only increased the total weight by 22 lbs (10 kilograms).
With exposed carbon fiber beats sprinkled around the roof opening, the 4C is so gorgeous you want to bite the back of your hands. A couple of things have changed in the transition from coupe to roadster. For example, regular headlights are now offered instead of the old insect-like design. There's also a small air vent.
On the inside, the 4C Spider boasts two composite-framed sports seats covered in leather, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 7-inch color display that looks like it belongs in a supercar. The sound system is from Alpine and for the US market supports SiriusXM Radio, HD radio and every connectivity option needed.
Deliveries are going to start this summer, with prices expected to be somewhere in the region of $60,000. We'll have more for you in a few hours, when Alfa Romeo officials will take to the stage, so stay tuned for the 2015 Detroit Auto Show live coverage.
"Adding to the excitement of the 4C Coupe, our all new 2015 4C Spider expands the brand's product offering and continues our mission of building great Alfa Romeos," said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. "With a removable carbon fiber hard top the 4C Spider takes the Coupe's supercar level of performance and technology and 'opens it up' allowing the driver to experience the incredible 4C from an entirely different perspective."
Just 10 kilos heavier
The basics remain the same as the 4C Spider is built around a carbon fiber tub and offers a twin-clutch gearbox and a manual steering wheel with no power assist. The power flows from a four-cylinder 1.75-liter turbocharged gasoline engine delivering 237 bhp (240 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm).Alfa say the performance hasn't really been affected by the loss of the roof. The 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes between 4.1 and 4.3 seconds and a respectable top speed of 160 mph (258 km/h) is offered.
Because the 4C was designed around a very rigid tub, the Spider roof only increased the total weight by 22 lbs (10 kilograms).
A design home run
There's no mistaking this for anything other than an Italian sportscar. The yellow press car looks like it's been photographed inside Fiat's old Lingotto factory in Torino, which is an awesome way to connect to the past. However, the 4C Spider is as futuristic as the Lambroghini Huracan and the Ferrari 458 Italia.With exposed carbon fiber beats sprinkled around the roof opening, the 4C is so gorgeous you want to bite the back of your hands. A couple of things have changed in the transition from coupe to roadster. For example, regular headlights are now offered instead of the old insect-like design. There's also a small air vent.
On the inside, the 4C Spider boasts two composite-framed sports seats covered in leather, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 7-inch color display that looks like it belongs in a supercar. The sound system is from Alpine and for the US market supports SiriusXM Radio, HD radio and every connectivity option needed.
Deliveries are going to start this summer, with prices expected to be somewhere in the region of $60,000. We'll have more for you in a few hours, when Alfa Romeo officials will take to the stage, so stay tuned for the 2015 Detroit Auto Show live coverage.
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