IF you’ve got a lazy $99,000 lying around, and you want a car that combines race-inspired performance, advanced technology and the stunning design of its hard-top cousin – with the thrills and excitement of open-air motoring, then have we got some wheels for you.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has arrived in Australia and features ground-breaking and seductive Italian style, a state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbon fibre monocoque chassis for an incredible power-to-weight ratio, and advanced technologies including dual inter-coolers, and variable valve timing that ensure the thrilling performance expected of Alfa Romeo’s stunning super car.
Inspired by the legendary 33 Stradale, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider transcends even this legendary race car’s mid-engine body forms, and follows its purposeful and lightweight performance tradition with sheet-moulded compound (SMC) composite panels that form its seductive shape, and a state-of-the-art carbon fibre monocoque chassis.
The engine is always the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo, and for the 4C Spider, it beats to an innovative, all-aluminium 1750cc turbocharged and inter-cooled engine with dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing (VVT) that delivers 177kW and 350Nm of torque.
Thanks to its mid-engine layout, advanced technology and focus on lightweight performance, the 4C Spider demonstrates its credentials with a top speed of 257km/h, with 0-100km/h acceleration blasting in at 4.1-seconds. Teamed to the turbocharged engine is a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission) tuned specifically for the 4C Spider.
The 4C Spider adopts race-derived solutions to ensure maximum agility and road holding performance. The front suspension is comprised of a “superimposed” double wishbone configuration for direct and unfiltered feedback. At the rear, an advanced MacPherson suspension ensures superb road-holding attributes – even in the most extreme of manoeuvres. Both front and rear suspensions are made from aluminium and high-strength steel.
In line with the 4C Spider’s ultra-lightweight design and desire for maximum agility and road feel, the conventional power steering system is removed altogether. Through a manual steering system and 15.7:1 quick-ratio steering, the Alfa Romeo provides the driver with maximum feel-of-the-road.
Adding to the excitement of owning an Alfa Romeo are the personalisation options with seven exterior colours available including Rosso Alfa, Black, White, Basalt Grey Metallic, Rosso Competizione Tri-coat, Madreperla White Tri-coat and all-new Giallo (yellow).
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider combines two standards of excellence – the racing and performance know how of Alfa Romeo engineering, plus the craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise of Maserati. The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the 4C Coupe and all-new 4C Spider.
