By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA
Marking the Italian brand’s highly anticipated return to North America, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C makes its U.S debut, a mid-engine design inspired by the brand’s legendary racing history, state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque and all-aluminum turbocharged engine influenced by Formula 1, and advanced technological solutions, all to deliver supercar-level performance and driving exhilaration.
Exterior
From the start, Alfa Romeo designers sought to style the 4C in a way that exuded technical characteristics both from a dynamic and aerodynamic point of view, all toward the ultimate goal, maximum performance.
The beating heart of this Italian supercar is its centrally mounted 1750cc engine, visible through the back glass window, which provides insight to Alfa Romeo 4C’s advanced technology within. And it’s from this beating heart where every other element of the car’s design starts: the round rear LED illuminated light clusters blend into the muscular rear wings for a powerful stance, while also incorporating functional air intakes needed to help cool the engine. From this energy-charged rear volume, the two side air intakes spring two long muscular forms, which provide a dynamic look and elegantly lead into the headlamps. Additionally, the hood is formed with two robust ribs that trace the unmistakable V-shape lines, which naturally conclude at the signature Alfa Romeo shield-shaped grille and emblem. Together with two side intakes designed in the front fascia, the 4C forms the famous Trilobo, a substantial facet of Alfa Romeo’s profile.
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
Interior
The interior expresses the racing spirit of Alfa Romeo. The dashboard and door panels have an asphalt treatment that designers selected to convey a maximum driving sensation from the road. A thermoformed dashboard shell is similar to those found in ultra-exotic supercars and is available fully wrapped in premium leather. Inspired by motorcycle racing and race cars, the cockpit features a clean and functional design with a flat-bottom performance steering wheel with paddle-shift controls.
Emphasizing the Alfa Romeo 4C’s advanced technology and focus on weight reduction is a 7-inch full-color thin-film transistor instrument cluster that replaces the traditional analog gauge cluster. With its simple, high-impact graphics, the display enables the driver to stay focused on the road, or track ahead.
Two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and weight savings. Available in cloth, leather, and leather with microfiber, the Alfa Romeo 4C’s seats provide the posture and bolstering needed for performance driving, while giving the comfort required for everyday use.
Ergonomics are of extreme importance during high-performance driving, and the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C perfectly positions the steering wheel, instrument cluster and vehicle controls for the driver. Additionally, the vehicle is designed to maximize interior space and comfort for taller passengers, while also allowing for ease of entry and exit characteristics seldom found on supercars.
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
Engine and Transmission
The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo, and for the 4C, it beats to an all-new 1750 cc direct-injection 237 horsepower all aluminum engine. To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, this new engine features cutting-edge technical solutions, including direct-injection, intercooler, dual continuous variable-valve timing, a camshaft with eight counterweights, and intake and exhaust systems optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C’s mid-engine layout.
Advanced scavenging technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 Nm); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm.
Teamed to the all-aluminum engine is a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission, which has been specifically tuned for the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. With its uniquely calibrated software that adjusts with the Alfa DNA selector system, the Alfa TCT’s gearshifts are designed to become most aggressive in the Dynamic and Race modes. The Alfa TCT system also integrates a launch control mode, delivering the utmost acceleration possible as soon as the driver releases the brake.
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
Summary
The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C delivers supercar-level performance in its most elemental form. With its ultra-lightweight materials and technological solutions derived directly from motorsports, a mid-engine proportion for maximum agility and purposeful styling cues to enhance performance, the all-new 4C coupe marks Alfa Romeo’s return to sports cars and the brand’s return to North America.
The Alfa Romeo brand’s return will start with the uniquely appointed and individually serialized (1 – 500) Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition with a MSRP of $68,400; followed by the standard 4C coupe MSRP of $53,900, both exclude $1,295 destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
