Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo 4C
Overview
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Production 2013–present
Assembly Modena, Italy (Maserati plant)
Designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo[1]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door coupé
2-door roadster
Layout Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 1.75 L 1750 turbocharged I4[2]
Transmission 6-speed TCT (FPT C635) Dual Dry Clutch Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,380 mm (93.7 in)[3]
Length 3,989 mm (157.0 in)[3]
Width 2,090 mm (82.3 in) (including door mirrors)[3]
1,864 mm (73.4 in)[4]
Height 1,183 mm (46.6 in)[3]
Curb weight 895 kg (1,973 lb) (dry)[5]
995 kg (2,194 lb) United States
1,025 kg (2,260 lb) Australia
940 kg (2,072 lb) (Spider)

The Alfa Romeo 4C (Type 960) is a small, lightweight, rear wheel drive sports car, similar in size to the Alfa Romeo MiTo. It uses a carbon fiber tub, front and rear crash box, and hybrid rear frame mainly out of aluminium to keep its weight at 895 kilograms (1,973 lb), 995 kilograms (2,194 lb) in the United States[6] and 1025 kg in Australia.[7] The 4C is the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo car to re-enter into the United States market.

History

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept (2011)

4C Concept.
Differences between the 4C concept (left) and the European spec production model 4C (right).

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with technology and materials derived from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, with 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.

The 4C concept version unveiled in the 81st Geneva Motor Show in March 2011,[8][9] followed by Mille Miglia 2011 parade,[10] Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011,[11] 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.[12]

It was displayed first time outside in Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in 2012. Compared to the production version, it's very similar, with the biggest differences being front lights, side vents and mirrors.

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.[13] It was awarded the "Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes" by referendum of the public in Villa d'Este.[14][15]

Launch

The production car was unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show,[16] followed by 2013 Essen 'Techno Classica',[17] Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013,[18] Moscow Raceway,[19] 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.[20]

The bare '4C000' chassis was also shown at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.[21]

Ordering of European models began in October 2013 at Alfa Romeo dealerships in Europe.[22]

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.[23][24]

Production

Production of 4C began May 2013 at Maserati's plant in Modena, with an expected production of up to 2500 units per year.[25] It will be the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo car for re-entry into the US market.[26]

Production of Alfa Romeo 4C was originally estimated to be over 1000 units per year,[27] 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.[28][29][30] Within the 3,500-unit quota, 1,000 units of which are earmarked for Europe.[22]

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).[31]

Specifications

Body and chassis

4C carbon frame.

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.[32] The carbon fiber tub is produced by TTA (Tecno Tessile Adler) in Airola, as a joint venture between Adler Plastic and Lavorazione Materiali Compositi.[33] The carbon fiber components that make up the chassis are cut using CNC technology.[34]

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 for Sheet 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.[35] The resultant weight distribution is 38% on the front and 62% on the rear axle.[36][37] 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.[38] 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.[3] To save weight and increase steering feel, the 4C has no power steering.

Powertrain and performance

4 cylinder 1750 TBi (direct injection turbo)

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.[39] The engine has been designed for minimum weight, and will probably also appear in the 159 replacement, the Giulia. The engine's CO2 emissions are 157 g/km and combined fuel consumption 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US).[2] 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),[3] the power-to-weight-ratio being just 0.33 hp/kg (8.22 lb/hp).[5] 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.[40]

Alfa Romeo has also confirmed a new 1.8 litre, 300 PS (221 kW) engine, which may appear in the 4C.[32]

Italian car magazine Quattroruote published the lap time of 4C around Nurburgring. It lapped the ring in 8:04.[41]

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.[42] In addition to the modes already seen in Giulietta, the 4C has a new "Race" mode.

Specifications
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 N·m (260 lb·ft) @ 2,100 rpm
Lateral Acceleration 1.1 g

Models

Launch Edition (2013–)

Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition (European model).

The 4C Launch Edition is a limited and numbered edition, unveiled at the vehicle's launch at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. 400 examples were reserved for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world. The vehicle comes in a choice of three body colours (Rosso Alfa, Rosso Competitzione or Madreperla White Tri-coat). Distinguishing features of the Launch Edition are 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 carbon fiber plaque. Alfa Red coloured cars get matching red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, mats, handles and sports seats.[31][43]

In Europe the vehicle went on sale for 60,000 euros including VAT.[44]

North American version

North American version of Alfa Romeo 4C

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.[45] 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) weight increase.[6] This version has also new headlamps similar as seen before in 4C Spider version.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

4C Spider preview at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The Spider version of the 4C was previewed showing a pre-production prototype at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.[46] The engine is the same as the Coupé version but the 4C Spider has different external parts such as the headlights, exhaust and engine hood. 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).[47] Top speed is quoted at 257 km/h (160 mph) and acceleration at 4,5 seconds to 100km/h. Novelty to 4C range is an option of yellow colour for Spider.

Awards

Worldwide awards the Alfa Romeo 4C has received include:

Motorsport

On 2013-09-12, Alfa Romeo 4C (with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres) driven by Horst von Saurma completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 8 minutes 4 seconds, breaking the speed record for all production cars with engines under 250 HP.[56][57]

Alfa Romeo 4C is used as an Official Safety car of the SBK Superbike World Championship since 2013 season.[58]

Notes

  1. ↑ "How the Alfa Romeo 4C Came Together". insideline.com. Retrieved 2011-03-03.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Specs". alfisti.net. Retrieved 2013-03-09.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Efficiency". 4c.alfaromeo.com. Retrieved 2013-03-09.
  4. ↑ "2013 Alfa Romeo 4C specifications, information, data, photos 319693". Carfolio.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "4C launch". alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Say It Ain’t So! Alfa Romeo 4C To Weight 220lbs More in the U.S!". GTspirit.com. Retrieved 21 September 2013.
  7. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C arrives in Australia". Top Gear Australia. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  8. ↑ "World Premiere: the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept". Alfaromeopress.com. 2011-03-01. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  9. ↑ Noah Joseph RSS feed. "Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept shows us what matte(rs)". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  10. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Concept at the "Mille Miglia 2011" parade". Alfaromeopress.com. 2011-05-11. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  11. ↑ "Mefistofele, Alfa Romeo and Alfa 4C Concept historic models: these are the stars of the "Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011"". Alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  12. ↑ "Alfa Romeo at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt". Alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  13. ↑ "Alfa Romeo wins prestigious awards in Germany and Italy". Alfaromeopress.com. 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  14. ↑ "Alfa Romeo enjoys success in Villa d’Este with the 4C and the 1933 6C 1750 GS". Alfaromeopress.com. 2012-05-28. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  15. ↑ Noah Joseph RSS feed. "Alfa Romeo takes top honors at Villa d'Este". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  16. ↑ "World première: Alfa Romeo 4C". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-02-12. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  17. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C: German preview at the Essen 'Techno Classica'". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-04-10. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  18. ↑ "The 4C compact supercar and six magnificent classic Alfas to star at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-07-10. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  19. ↑ "The new Alfa Romeo distribution network to kick off in Russia". Alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  20. ↑ "Alfa Romeo Giulietta MY 14 at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show". Alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  21. ↑ "Production start Alfa Romeo 4C again a bit closer". Autoedizione.com. 2013-03-29. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Alfa Romeo 4C: ‘just drive’". Alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  23. ↑ "Alfa Romeo introduces the exclusive 4C IFD bicycle". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-09-24. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  24. ↑ Noah Joseph RSS feed. "Alfa Romeo rolls out the 4C of bicycles". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  25. ↑ "New organizational and industrial structure for Maserati" (PDF). Fiat SpA. 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-12.
  26. ↑ "Alfa Romeo & Jeep: iconic brands to play globally" (PDF). Fiat SpA. 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-17.
  27. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C: excellence made in Italy". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  28. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C is a 'masterpiece". Retrieved 2014-07-26.
  29. ↑ "15 03 2013 – Il Mattino: Scudieri apre Adler: ad Airola i telai in fibra di carbonio per l'Alfa 4c" (PDF). Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  30. ↑ "Alfa 4C per il mercato Usa: nasce la scocca in carbonio". Adlergroup.it. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "The first European Alfa Romeo 4C 'Launch Edition' units are delivered at Balocco". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Paul Horrell (2011). "Exclusive: the Alfa Romeo 4C draws nearer". topgear.com. Retrieved 2011-12-17.
  33. ↑ "Nuova Alfa, telai in carbonio: a gennaio parte la produzione" (in Italian). http://denaro.it. Retrieved 2012-11-16.
  34. ↑ SHillis (2013-08-19). "Automaker Alfa Romeo Uses CNC Machines to Create the 4C | CMS North America Blog". Cmsna.com. Retrieved 2014-05-29.
  35. ↑ "World Premiere: the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept". alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  36. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C – The technical sheet". socialnetwall.alfaromeo.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  37. ↑ "Geneva 2011: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept shows us what matte(rs)". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  38. ↑ "Tires". autoedizione.com. Retrieved 2013-03-11.
  39. ↑ "World première: Alfa Romeo 4C". alfaromeopress.com. 2013. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  40. ↑ Carlo Bellati (2013). "alfa romeo 4c prova su strada" (in Italian). quattroruote. Retrieved 2014-01-02.
  41. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Laps Nurburgring in 8:04". topspeed.com. Retrieved 2013-09-22.
  42. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Concept". CoverCars. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2011-09-02.
  43. ↑ "World première: Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-03-05. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  44. ↑ "Price". Retrieved 2013-06-12.
  45. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C an 'appetizer' for brand's U.S. return". usatoday.com. Retrieved 2014-04-17.
  46. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Spider preview to debut at Geneva 2014". Alfaromeopress.com. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-07-22.
  47. ↑ "Phwoar: it’s the Alfa 4C Spider". topgear.com. Retrieved 2014-07-26.
  48. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Off to an Award-Winning Start in Ireland". Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  49. ↑ "ALFA ROMEO 4C NAMED JOINT "OVERALL WINNER" IN SUNDAY TIMES IRELAND / COMPLETECAR.IE BEST CAR GUIDE 2015". Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Press. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  50. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Garners International Attention". Motoringview. 2 February 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  51. ↑ ""Best Cars 2014" Das sind die Sieger unserer Leserwahl Insgesamt". Auto Motor und Sport. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  52. ↑ "Spain: Alfa Romeo 4C is ‘Best Sports Car 2013’ by ‘El Economista’". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  53. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C Wins ’Auto Trophy 2013’". WebWire. 27 November 2013. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  54. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C: Winner, Reader Award". What Car?. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  55. ↑ Waller, Jordan (12 December 2013). "The cars that made our arteries throb in 2013". FHM Magazine. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  56. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 4C completes "the Green Hell" of the Nürburgring in just 8’04’’". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-10-18. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  57. ↑ Noah Joseph RSS feed. "Alfa Romeo confirms 4C's 8:04 Nürburgring lap". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-12-15.
  58. ↑ "Alfa Romeo still key player in the Superbike World Championship". Alfaromeopress.com. 2013-10-20. Retrieved 2013-12-15.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfa Romeo 4C.
« previous — Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A., a subsidiary of Fiat S.p.A. since 1986, car timeline, 1980s–present
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Supermini MiTo
Small family car Arna 145
Alfasud 33 146 147 Giulietta (940)
Compact executive car Giulietta (116) 75/Milano 155 156 159
Executive car Alfetta 90 164 166
Alfa 6
Coupé Sprint GT
GTV and GTV6 GTV (916) Brera
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Sports car SZ RZ 8C Competizione 4C
8C Spider 4C Spider
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