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| Alfa Romeo 4C | |
|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo | |
| aka | 4C |
| Production | 2013- |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body Style | 2-door Coupe |
| Length | 3989mm (157.0 in) |
| Width | 2,090 mm (82.3 in) (including door mirrors)
1,864 mm (73.4 in) |
| Height | 1,183 mm (46.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2380mm (93.7 in) |
| Weight | 1973lbs (890kg) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission FPT C635 |
| Engine | 1.75l TBi Turbocharged I4 |
| Power | 237hp@6000RPM |
| Similar | N/A |
| Designer | Lorenzo Ramaciotti at Alfa Romeo Centro Stile |
The 4C is a small lightweight rear wheel drive sports car whose size is similar or slightly smaller than the Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini. It is a two seater coupe, designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile (Alfa Romeo Style Centre) and uses a carbon fiber tub, front rear crash box, and hybrid rear frame composed primarily of aluminium to keep its weight at 850 kilograms (1,874 lb). The carbon fiber tub is produced by Tta (Tecno Tessile Adler), which is a joint venture between Adler and Lavorazione Materiali Compositi (Lmc) situated in Airola (Benevento). The production of the carbon tube startedstarted in January 2013.
Weight distribution is 40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle. The car was developed independently by Alfa Romeo, however using similar methods as KTM X-Bow and Lotus Elise. The 4C has a high quadrilateral suspension at the front and MacPherson struts in the rear.
The 4C uses a new all aluminium 1.8 L (1,750 cc) 230 brake horsepower (170 kW) In line 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. This engine also has the capacity to produce up to 300 bhp. The engine was designed to keep weight at a minimum. The body is not made entirely of carbon fibre, with the front and rear frames being aluminium. This increases the weight to around 900 kilograms (2,000 lb). 0–62 miles per hour (100 km/h) is achieved in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 257 km/h (160 mph) due to a power to weight ratio of 4 kg/hp.
The 4C is equipped with a six speed Alfa Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, and can be operated via gearshift paddles on steering wheel. It also has an Alfa DNA dynamic control selector which controls the behaviour of engine, brakes, steering, throttle response, suspension and gearbox. The paint colour of the concept car is "lava red" and is a mixture of Alfa Romeo Metallic Red and Metallic Black, producing an effect of black shadows and red shine on the many creases of the car's shape. A second colour, "fluid silver" was also released. The car will probably cost between £35,000 and £40,000 ($55,000-$63,000; €41,000-€47,000). Shortly after the show, many convertible renders appeared on the internet, however no such car has been confirmed by Alfa Romeo. The 4C went into production in May 2013 at Maserati's plant in Modena, with an expected production of up to as2,500 units per year, and will be the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo car for re-entry into the US market.
History
The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé, with technology and materials derived from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione,a 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.
The 4C concept version was unveiled in the 81st Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, followed by a Mille Miglia 2011 parade, the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011 and the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was displayed for the first time outside in Concours d'Elegance Villa d'Este in 2012. Compared to the production version, it is very similar, with the biggest differences being front lights, side vents and mirrors.
Coupe
Spyder
Awards
The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept was voted the 'Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year' award by the readers of German magazine Auto Bild, and won the Auto Bild Design Award 2011. It was awarded the "Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes" by referendum of the public in Villa d'Este.
Launch
The production car was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, followed by 2013 Essen 'Techno Classica', Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013, Moscow Raceway, 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The bare '4C000' chassis was also shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Ordering of European models began in October 2013 at Alfa Romeo dealerships in Europe.
Marketing
As part of Alfa Romeo 4C launch, Alfa Romeo Style Centre and Compagnia Ducale designed a 4C IFD (Innovative Frame Design) Bicycle, inspired by the Alfa Romeo 4C coupé. The vehicle went on sale in December 2013 and marketed in Europe, Asia and America.
Production
Production of 4C began May 2013 at Maserati's plant in Modena, with an expected production of up to 2500 units per year. It will be the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo car for re-entry into the US market. Production of Alfa Romeo 4C was originally estimated to be over 1000 units per year, with an upper limit of 3500 units per year, depending on the quantity of carbon fiber chassis that can be built by the supplier Adler Plastic. Within the 3,500-unit quota, 1,000 units of which are earmarked for Europe. Delivery of European Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition took place at Balocco (Vercelli, Italy) Test Centre, with vehicles delivered to Pierluigi De Silvestro (Switzerland), Philippe Walch (France), Carlos Diniz (Germany), Aldo Mariani (the Netherlands) and Stefano Zanotti (Italy).
Specifications
Body and chassis
The car was designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo (Style Centre) and developed by Alfa Romeo. The chassis is composed of a central carbon fiber tub, with aluminium subframes front and rear. The carbon fiber tub is produced by TTA (Tecno Tessile Adler) in Airola, as a joint venture between Adler Plastic and Lavorazione Materiali Compositi. The carbon fiber components that make up the chassis are cut using CNC technology. The chassis of the car weighs 65 kilograms (143 lb) (Spider's chassis weights 107 kilograms (236 lb)) and is a single carbon fiber body, similar to the body of many supercars. The outer body is made of a composite material (SMC forSheet Moulding Compound) which is 20% lighter than steel. The stability is comparable to steel and better than aluminium. The 4C employs double wishbone suspensions at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear. The resultant weight distribution is 38% on the front and 62% on the rear axle. Wheels and tyres have different diameters and widths front and rear: 205/45 R17 front and 235/40 R18 back as standard, with optional 205/40 R18 and 235/35 R19. Both wheel options come equipped with Pirelli P Zero tires. The 4C uses vented disc brakes on all wheels; Brembo 305 millimetres (12.0 in) on the front and 292 millimetres (11.5 in) on the rear. The car can stop from 100 km/h (62 mph) in 36 meters. To save weight and increase steering feel, the 4C has no power steering. Its center of gravity height is 40 centimetres (16 in); lower than the Lotus Elise.
Powertrain and performance
The 4C uses a new all-aluminium 1.75 L (1,742 cc) 240 horsepower (180 kW) at 6000 rpm inline 4 cylinder turbocharged engine. The engine has been designed for minimum weight. The engine's CO2 emissions are 157 g/km and combined fuel consumption 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US). 0–62 miles per hour (0–100 km/h) acceleration is achieved in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 258 km/h (160 mph), the power-to-weight-ratio being just 0.33 hp/kg (8.22 lb/hp). Journalist of the Quattroruote car magazine demonstrated how the 4C accelerates from 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) faster than 4.5 seconds. In race mode, with left foot on the brake pedal, if you pull the right shift paddle the engine will rev to 3500 rpm, but if you also pull the left paddle the engine will rev to 6000 rpm and 0–100 kilometres per hour (0–62 mph) time will go down to 4.2 seconds. Alfa Romeo has also confirmed a new 1.8 litre, 300 PS (221 kW) engine, which may appear in the 4C. Italian car magazine Quattroruote published the lap time of 4C around Nurburgring. It lapped the ring in 8:04.
The 4C is equipped with a six speed Alfa TCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, and can be operated via gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. It also has an Alfa 'DNA' dynamic control selector which controls the behavior of engine, brakes, throttle response, suspension and gearbox. In addition to the modes already seen in Giulietta, the 4C has a new "Race" mode.
| Top speed | 258 km/h (160 mph) |
|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 4.5 seconds |
| Type | straight-4 |
| Displacement | 1.75 L 1,742 cc (106.3 cu in) |
| Power | 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 2,100 rpm (US: 258 lb-ft @ 2,200 rpm) |
| Lateral Acceleration | 1.1 g |
Models
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Review
A Review Of The 4C Launch Edition
The 4C Launch Edition was a limited and numbered edition, unveiled at the vehicle's launch at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle came in a choice of four paint colours (Rosso Alfa, Rosso Competizione tri-coat, Madreperla White tri-coat or Carrara White matt). 400 examples were reserved for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world (88 delivered to Australia—in Rosso Alfa and Madreperla White only). Distinguishing features of the Launch Edition were carbon fiber trim (including headlight housings, spoiler and door mirror caps), rear aluminium extractor with dark finishing, Bi-LED headlights, dark painted 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels, additional air intakes on the front fascia, red brake calipers, racing exhaust system, BMC air cleaner, specific calibration for shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bar, leather/fabric sports seats with parts in Alcantara and a numbered plaque. Alfa Red coloured cars got matching red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, mats, handles and sports seats. In Europe the vehicle went on sale for 60,000 euros including VAT.
The US version of 4C was introduced in 2014 New York International Auto Show and the first 100 4C's will be shipped to the U.S. by late June or early July, with a total of 850 to be shipped by the end of this year. The US model includes extra bracing and strengthening required to meet U.S. crash regulations (including aluminium inserts in the carbon fiber chassis), resulting in 100 kilograms (220 lb) of weight increase. This version has also new headlamps similar to those seen before in the 4C Spider version.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Spider version of the 4C was previewed showing a pre-production prototype at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Sharing its engine with the Coupé version, the 4C Spider has different external parts such as the headlights, exhaust and engine hood, as well as a different roof section that features a removable roof panel. Alfa admits it has had to make some strengthening tweaks to the 4C to cope with the removal of the top, with the net result being a 45 kg (99 lb) weight increase (dry weight 940 kg),. In the US, the weight difference is listed at only 22 lb (10 kg), however (2,465 lbs: 2,487 lbs). Top speed is quoted at 257 km/h (160 mph) and acceleration at 4,5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph). Novelty to 4C range is an option of yellow colour for Spider.
4C Competizione
The 4C Competizione is a limited edition version of the 4C introduced in the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, finished in matte Vesuvio Grey, with carbon details on the roof, rear spoiler, mirror caps, side air vents and headlight moulding.[59] The run reportedly consisted of 108 units. The Japanese market received 25 units,[60][61] and 10 units were assigned to Australia.[62] The US-market received no Competizione editions.
4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo
To commemorate the end of 4C production, Alfa Romeo announced the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo. It is a tribute to the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and limited to 33 cars for North America. Of the 33 North American cars, 22 were allocated to US dealers, 10 were allocated to Canadian dealers, and one, #33/33, was to be given to an FCA executive based on an internal application process - internal dealer documents called this the "Mike Manley" car. Australia received 15 Tributos while Japan received 50 cars. Note that in Australia and Japan the Tributo was available in both Coupe and Spider configurations.
The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo features exclusive Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat paint, gray-gold wheels, and a two-tone "tobacco" (brown) leather and black micro-fiber interior. In a first for Alfa Romeo, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo also features a red carbon fiber tub. It also includes a unique numbered plaque, and a book detailing the 4C and 33 Stradale. Since the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo was meant to be an expression of the best of a 4C, it included all available options, such as the Akropovic exhaust, carbon fiber halo, Club Italia flag mirrors, and race-tuned suspension as standard.
Awards
Worldwide awards the Alfa Romeo 4C has received include:
- "Performance Car of the Year 2015" in the inaugural Association of Professional Motoring Press (APMP) Car and Van of the Year Awards in Ireland.
- Joint "Overall Best Car" award in the Sunday Times Ireland/CompleteCar.ieBest Cars Guide 2015 and "Best Driver’s Car Under €75,000".
- "Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013" at the 29th International Automobile Festival in France—with 41 percent of the votes, ahead of the BMW 4 Series(25% of the votes), Mercedes-Benz CLA (22%), and Mazda3 (12%). More than 100,000 votes were cast in more than 50 countries.
- Import sports car category in the Auto Motor und Sport "Best Cars 2014" awards—barely edging out the previous winner, Aston Martin Rapide S.
- "Best Sports Car 2013" under the compact supercar category by El Economista vote.
- Readers of Auto Zeitung named it winner of the "Sportscars/Imported" category of the 26th edition of "Auto Trophy" with 17.2% of the votes—beating out more expensive models like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (16.6%) and theJaguar F-Type (15.8%).
- What Car? Reader Award for "the most exciting car to be launched in 2013".
- FHM magazine named it 2013 Car of the Year.
- WhichCar Australia Most Stylish Car for 2016
See also
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This page uses some content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Alfa Romeo 4C. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Autopedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |