After what seems like an eternity since we first saw it unveiled, the Alfa Romeo 4C is finally nearing production and performance figures and specifications have been confirmed ahead of the car going on sale this October. The mid-engined sports car is like nothing that we've seen from the Italian company in an overly-long time. Unlike most concept cars that reach production, the 4C has remained virtually unchanged, apart from the headlight design that has caused a degree of. With any luck, the production cars will soon be followed by an aftermarket headlight kit that will enable owners to make the car look more like the original design.
Exterior
Leaving the headlight issue aside, there is not a bad line to be found on the 4C. It remains a compact car - less than four metres in length and with a wheelbase of just 2.38 metres - and its low and wide design will not only aid handling but also give the Alfa a healthy degree of road presence. The steeply-raked windscreen and sloping roof design give the car a very sporting feel, while the air scoops behind the rear door are more than a little reminiscent of the classic Ferrari 250 LM.
Interior
One of the nicest features of the 4C's interior is the partially exposed carbon fibre chassis that constantly reminds its occupants of the lightweight construction. Much of the focus is around the driver, so naturally the flat-bottomed steering wheel is home to the gear-shift paddles and ahead of it is a multi-function TFT digital display that takes the place of traditional dials. The driver will also have an updated version of Alfa Romeo's D.N.A. system selector, which enables the engine and transmission characteristics to be altered at the flick of a switch. Alfa Romeo will be offering higher-than-normal levels of customisation that will include four different upholstery choices.
Mechanicals
The one-piece carbon fibre monocoque chassis weighs in at just 65kg yet remains exceptionally strong and offers a high degree of rigidity. Power comes in the form of a mid-mounted, all-aluminium 1,750cc turbocharged petrol engine that is fitted with a dry twin clutch and semi-automatic transmission. Outputs of 240hp and 350Nm may not seem like hugely impressive figures these days, but when you consider that the Alfa will weigh in at just 895kg (dry), things suddenly get more interesting. Hence the 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 257km/h. Yet it's also quite efficient, with an emissions rating of 157g/km and combined cycle economy of 41.5mpg.
Further weight has been saved by the use of high-performance brakes that are constructed from an aluminium/cast iron hybrid material that also should perform well in track-driving conditions. The glass in the car has seen its thickness reduced by 15% to help with the weight-saving.
Anything else?
The Alfa Romeo 4C will be built at the Maserati factory in Modena and production will be limited to just 3,500 units worldwide, meaning that not only will they be a rare sight, it should be sought-after for some time to come. Irish prices are 'imminent'.
We're driving the Alfa Romeo 4C next week so keep an eye on the Test Drives page for the full report.