Alfa wants to seriously increase its presence in the crucial US market and is on a drive to double its dealerships from 100 to 200 in the course of the next year, in time for the on-sale arrival of its new range of rear- and four-wheel drive saloons and SUVs. As a major part of that plan, the 4C Spider convertible is making its debut at the Detroit Auto Show this week to remind Americans what Alfa's all about.
Pretty much identical to the concept version of the 4C Spider shown last year, the production version keeps the same 1,750cc 240hp turbo four-cylinder engine as the coupé, the same carbon fibre chassis and the same DCT twin-clutch automatic gearbox. Same steering, same suspension, same D.N.A. traction and stability control system too. So what's new?
Well, the roof comes off for a start. It's a folding canvas top for now, much like that which you get on a Lotus Elise, but a proper carbon-fibre hard top will be offered later in the year. The lights are new - much prettier conventional units to replace the 4C coupe's controversial multi-lens designs. There's a new carbon-fibre 'halo' around the roof opening too, which includes a hefty roll-bar behind the seats and a fully-bonded-in carbon windscreen surround that helps to keep the chassis nice and stiff.
Anything else?
"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."
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