#51 Alfa Romeo 4C – Alfa of all Alfas

The global launch of the 4C marks the return of Alfa Romeo to the world of lightweight sports coupes. The acronym '4C' draws its inspiration from the brand's great cars such as the 8C and 6C which, in the 1930s and 1940s, distinguished cars fitted with the powerful 'eight cylinders' and the innovative 'six cylinders'. The 4C features carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, which have updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further.

Alfa Romeo 4C 

Italian design

The development of the Alfa Romeo 4C's exterior was characterised from the start by the need to enhance the style of the car and the technical characteristics both from a dynamic and aerodynamic point of view. For this reason, all the style solutions adopted have been optimised in accordance with the ultimate goal of the car: performance. The rear volume simultaneously encloses and embraces the beating heart of the car, the mechanics and the engine, which is visible through the rear window.

V shaped nose 

The rear wing encloses the circular light clusters and the side air intakes, which channel air to cool the intercooler and the air intake for engine aspiration. From the rear design, springs the two long panels that lends dynamism to the Alfa Romeo 4C. The panel generates the necessary volume at the front end to house the headlights and, on the central part, the two robust lines running along the bonnet, tracing the unmistakable "V" and coming to their natural conclusion around the Alfa Romeo logo.

Rear round LED lights 

Legendary performance

The engine is the beating "heart" of an Alfa Romeo. In this case, it's the new direct-injection 178 kW (240 hp) 4-cylinder turbo charged petrol power plant. Torque delivery is generous, with a peak of 350 Nm, while top speed is pegged at 250 km/h, while 0 to 100 km/h takes only 4.5 seconds. The 4C’s heart is teamed with the Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission. The gears can be changed in sequential mode using the "shift paddles" located behind the steering wheel.

Sporty profile 

The gears can be changed in sequential mode using the "shift paddles" located behind the steering wheel. The Alfa Romeo 4C has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout – 'superimposed wishbones' at the front, development of MacPherson at the rear – to guarantee maximum agility and road holding. To ensure decisive braking even under the most intensive conditions, the braking system has four self-ventilating perforated discs, with Brembo four-piston aluminium callipers on the front axle.

Cockpit 

Sporty interior

The dashboard, simple and designed to make using functions simple. The extreme driver-oriented dashboard features digital instruments and gear shift controls located on the appropriately behind the shaped steering wheel. The seats ensure dedicated sports posture that favours the driver's view of the road. The seats provide uncompromised comfort for everyday use of the car.

Sporty seats 

The cockpit brings together all information necessary to drive and control the car. The information, which is rendered captivating through powerful, high-impact graphics, allows the driver to keep everything under control without. The pedal unit and footrests for driver and passenger are all made of aluminium, highlighting sports character down to the smallest detail.

Masculine rear 

Verdict

Despite some iconic roadsters and a sporty saloon, Alfas have been reliable and though not cheap to buy in the first place. The Italian automaker, owned by Fiat, is now ready to try its luck in rebranding its reputation with the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C.