Alfa Romeo 4C supercar

[FoMoJo]

Not much info yet...I, particularly, like the displacement of 1750cc.

The Fiat-Chrysler group unveiled the production version of the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Tuesday — a sexy supercar that will spearhead the brand's return to the United States later this year.

The curvaceous mid-engine coupe will debut at the International Motor Show in Geneva next month. It is a rear-wheel drive sports car powered by the company's four-cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminum engine mated to Alfa's TCT twin clutch automatic transmission.

The new engine features direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and "a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag," the company promises. The dry-clutch transmission is paddle controlled. Alfa is keeping mum on the performance figures but promises a weight-to-power ratio of less than 4 kg per horse thanks to an all-carbon fiber chassis.

The 4C will be the first Alfa equipped with the new Alfa DNA selector, which will allow the driver to set the car for four different modes: Dynamic, Natural, All Weather and — for the first time — Race.

"The new Alfa Romeo 4C is the result of experience built up with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione model produced in the Maserati plant in Modena," the company said in a statement Tuesday. "(I)t will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States."

The design of the Alfa Romeo 4C hews closely to the concept, which was unveiled to critical acclaim at the Geneva Show in 2011, winning numerous design awards in Europe. Its designers were inspired by the 33 Stradale and other legendary Alfas. But the company says the carbon fiber interior will be a major step up from current offerings.

Pricing has not yet been released, but the car is expected in U.S. showrooms late this year.

[Raza]

Lotus Elise by Alfa Romeo?

[68_427]

Yes^

[FoMoJo]

Lotus Elise by Alfa Romeo?

You're suggesting that they, visually, resemble one another?

[Galaxy]

You're suggesting that they, visually, resemble one another?

I think he means the concept in general.

[Galaxy]

[MX793]

You're suggesting that they, visually, resemble one another?

Small, ultra-lightweight, mid-engine, 1.8L I4 engine.  The only thing it has that the Elise didn't was a turbo.  The Elise was either NA or supercharged.

[Galaxy]

Allegedly this thing weighs less then 1000kg (2204lbs).  That would be impressive if true, even if it is only for an entry level stripped version.

[MrH]

Don't like the wheels, but looks great besides that.  But has Alfa made a genuinely good driving car in awhile?  The 8C was beautiful, and by all accounts, an awful car.

[FoMoJo]

I think he means the concept in general.

Judging by the information given...carbon fibre chasis, less than 4 kg per horse, the 1750 TBi puts out 232bhp...it should be a, considerable, step above the Elise.

[MX793]

Judging by the information given...carbon fibre chasis, less than 4 kg per horse, the 1750 TBi puts out 232bhp...it should be a, considerable, step above the Elise.

The Exige S 240 had 240 hp and weighed under 950 kg (<4 kg / hp).

[2o6]

Don't like the wheels, but looks great besides that.  But has Alfa made a genuinely good driving car in awhile?  The 8C was beautiful, and by all accounts, an awful car.

I've heard their FWD models are the shit.

[Onslaught]

Other then the idiotic alfa grille I like it. So how much will it cost? Just the cost of the car, not keeping it running.

[SVT666]

I don't like the scoops on the rear fenders, but otherwise it's really hot.

[cawimmer430]

According to Auto Motor und Sport the competitors to this car in Europe are the Peugeot RCZ, Honda CR-Z and Toyota GT-86. No mention of the Lotus Elise.

[MX793]

According to Auto Motor und Sport the competitors to this car in Europe are the Peugeot RCZ, Honda CR-Z and Toyota GT-86. No mention of the Lotus Elise.

If those are the cars identified as the primary competitors, it leads me to believe that the 4C will be priced similar to those (and much lower than the Elise).  While the thought that this car will be priced at $30k or less is exciting, I find it very hard to believe that a car made mostly of carbon fiber will be anywhere near that inexpensive.  This thing is likely going to cost $50K+, which is squarely in Elise (and Boxster) territory.

[Rupert]

For <$30k, though, I'd find a way to buy one.

[MX793]

For <$30k, though, I'd find a way to buy one.

If it was <$30K, I'd be writing a check right now.

[Rupert]

Indeed. I hope it drives good!

[TurboDan]

Lotus Elise by Alfa Romeo?

Except Lotus was smart enough to borrow a Toyota engine. 

(I kid, I kid... I'd roll the dice on an Alfa... but I fashion myself as a reliability risk-taker...)

[cawimmer430]

If those are the cars identified as the primary competitors, it leads me to believe that the 4C will be priced similar to those (and much lower than the Elise).  While the thought that this car will be priced at $30k or less is exciting, I find it very hard to believe that a car made mostly of carbon fiber will be anywhere near that inexpensive.  This thing is likely going to cost $50K+, which is squarely in Elise (and Boxster) territory.

You never know.

I've seen magazines here classify the Infiniti M and Lexus GS as being competitors to the Honda Legend (your Acura RL) and Hyundai Grandeur (your Hyundai Azera)...

[SVT666]

CR-Z is really the odd man out in that group.  The others are at least sporty cars.

[MX793]

You never know.

I've seen magazines here classify the Infiniti M and Lexus GS as being competitors to the Honda Legend (your Acura RL) and Hyundai Grandeur (your Hyundai Azera)...

I don't know about European pricing, but in the US the M, GS, and RL all cost about the same (at least in V6 form).  Starting prices are within a few hundred dollars.  The Azera/Grandeur is significantly cheaper, we'd be comparing the Genesis instead.

[Yawn]

Car and Driver estimated the price at $86k.. yikes..

[cawimmer430]

I don't know about European pricing, but in the US the M, GS, and RL all cost about the same (at least in V6 form).  Starting prices are within a few hundred dollars.  The Azera/Grandeur is significantly cheaper, we'd be comparing the Genesis instead.

They're most likely put in the same class with the Legend and Grandeur because of pricing and because the people considering these cars will generally cross-shop among the imports.

[Colin]

So back on topic of the lovely 4C, no idea why AMS think it is will compete at the Peugeot RCZ end of the market............. this is a low volume specialist sports car, built on a carbon fibre chassis. It was never going to be cheap. Estimates are that it will be in the €50 - 60k bracket. That makes far more costly than an Elise and above Boxster money until you raid the lengthy and pricey options list.

[Onslaught]

I was thinking 60K + myself. Now perhaps they will be unreliable as hell and you could pick up one cheap in 10 years or so and pull off the Alfa shit out of them and put something good in it.

[Galaxy]

Confirmed today: 240hp (not sure if DIN, or SAE), no world yet on price.

[MrH]

Oh god, have you guys seen the headlights?  Ruins it.

[MexicoCityM3]

This is nice but a supercar it ain't.