4C [Official] Alfa Romeo 4C official
- Thread starter Levi68
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The Alfa Romeo 4C (Type 960) is a mid-engined sports car that was produced Alfa Romeo. Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the 4C was initially only available as a coupé, with a spider body style coming a few years later in 2015. The name 4C refers to its straight-four engine.
So, why do I consider the Alfa 4C the best car I've ever owned so far?
First of all, of all the cars I've owned the Alfa 4C is the one that gives me the best driver-machine connection or intimacy, and that's the most important characteristic I crave for in a sports car. A car that works like a 'bionic extension' of the brain, whose reactions, to the road and driver actions, are not artificially ameliorated by the computer. A car that, at the same time, represents a constant challenge for the driver to master. Yes, with the 4C it's very easy to reach prohibitive speeds very fast, at which point your senses are completely absorbed as you are always aware of every road imperfection, every engine sound, every load change and brake pedal reaction. Talking of which, the Alfa 4C has the best brakes I've ever experiencied (and I've thought Porsche was good), both in terms of braking power, initial bite, pedal feel and braking force modulation (short travel and truly proportional to the force of your foot - in my case to the left foot). I think a competition car doesn't come much better than this.
But, aren't those also the traits of a Lotus?
That's precisely where the Alfa 4C excels. The only Lotus cars (or derivative) I've ever driven were the former Lotus Evora and the Opel Speedster (equivalent to the Lotus Elise of the time). In comparison to the Alfa 4C, they absolutely look and feel cheap.
And, what about the Alfa 4C engine?
Since 2008 I've always owned 6-cyl. engined cars (either inline or horizontally opposed configuration, either NA or turbocharged). The Alfa 4C is my first 4-cyl. engined car in many years. All I can say is that the 4C's engine is very characterful and I never found it lacking (except for its ability to revv past 5.5k rpm, much like the 1M, in that regard and in terms of linearity the 308 GTI's engine is the best turbocharged engine I've ever experienced, hands down, it's almost insane how revv happy that 4-cyl. is for a small 1.6L, 270 hp capable, turbocharged engine w/o any noticeable lag, not to mention its fuel consumption). As for the Alfa 4C, it's a very effective and fun combination (it reminds me a little the turbocharged golden era of the '80s) courtesy of its brutish power delivery and the Alfa's extreme lightweight. It's quite addictive, really! The lag?! Well, it never gets in the way. As a driver, you are always compelled to change gears, even subliminally, because firstly you can do it so easily and fast due to the DCT, and secondly you always find yourself searching for maximum thrust - as I've already told, it's addictive. OTOH, if you aren't in the mood, the lag that exists below 2k rpm will never be a problem in terms of driveability for such a lightweight car.
Finally, how does it handles?
There's a LOT of traction! I find it hard to get the rear end loose with just the throttle when adopting a clean driving style (which is my own). One needs to drive like a 'hooligan' and throw the car around at some speed in order to unsettle its rear, not advisable on public roads! There's no mechanical limited slip differential (only an E-diff on RACE mode) and my car comes with the stickier optional AR Racing PZero tires, which in conjuction with the Alfa 4C's very wide body (for such a short wheelbase), very low center of gravity (COG) and the mid-rear mounted engine layout helps to explain the Alfa's huge rear traction. OTOH, one gets great turn-in characteristics, cornering stability and neutrality with mild understeer setting in as an 'on limit' warning. In short, it's a VERY fast way to go through a corner.
For the very first time in my ownership experience as a car enthusiast, I own the best car that today's available technology can provide me for my needs. And, that's the best prize I can give to a car! Well done Alfa Romeo!
PS: The handbrake is perfectly normal, mechanical and manually operated.
First of all, of all the cars I've owned the Alfa 4C is the one that gives me the best driver-machine connection or intimacy, and that's the most important characteristic I crave for in a sports car. A car that works like a 'bionic extension' of the brain, whose reactions, to the road and driver actions, are not artificially ameliorated by the computer. A car that, at the same time, represents a constant challenge for the driver to master. Yes, with the 4C it's very easy to reach prohibitive speeds very fast, at which point your senses are completely absorbed as you are always aware of every road imperfection, every engine sound, every load change and brake pedal reaction. Talking of which, the Alfa 4C has the best brakes I've ever experiencied (and I've thought Porsche was good), both in terms of braking power, initial bite, pedal feel and braking force modulation (short travel and truly proportional to the force of your foot - in my case to the left foot). I think a competition car doesn't come much better than this.
But, aren't those also the traits of a Lotus?
That's precisely where the Alfa 4C excels. The only Lotus cars (or derivative) I've ever driven were the former Lotus Evora and the Opel Speedster (equivalent to the Lotus Elise of the time). In comparison to the Alfa 4C, they absolutely look and feel cheap.
And, what about the Alfa 4C engine?
Since 2008 I've always owned 6-cyl. engined cars (either inline or horizontally opposed configuration, either NA or turbocharged). The Alfa 4C is my first 4-cyl. engined car in many years. All I can say is that the 4C's engine is very characterful and I never found it lacking (except for its ability to revv past 5.5k rpm, much like the 1M, in that regard and in terms of linearity the 308 GTI's engine is the best turbocharged engine I've ever experienced, hands down, it's almost insane how revv happy that 4-cyl. is for a small 1.6L, 270 hp capable, turbocharged engine w/o any noticeable lag, not to mention its fuel consumption). As for the Alfa 4C, it's a very effective and fun combination (it reminds me a little the turbocharged golden era of the '80s) courtesy of its brutish power delivery and the Alfa's extreme lightweight. It's quite addictive, really! The lag?! Well, it never gets in the way. As a driver, you are always compelled to change gears, even subliminally, because firstly you can do it so easily and fast due to the DCT, and secondly you always find yourself searching for maximum thrust - as I've already told, it's addictive. OTOH, if you aren't in the mood, the lag that exists below 2k rpm will never be a problem in terms of driveability for such a lightweight car.
Finally, how does it handles?
There's a LOT of traction! I find it hard to get the rear end loose with just the throttle when adopting a clean driving style (which is my own). One needs to drive like a 'hooligan' and throw the car around at some speed in order to unsettle its rear, not advisable on public roads! There's no mechanical limited slip differential (only an E-diff on RACE mode) and my car comes with the stickier optional AR Racing PZero tires, which in conjuction with the Alfa 4C's very wide body (for such a short wheelbase), very low center of gravity (COG) and the mid-rear mounted engine layout helps to explain the Alfa's huge rear traction. OTOH, one gets great turn-in characteristics, cornering stability and neutrality with mild understeer setting in as an 'on limit' warning. In short, it's a VERY fast way to go through a corner.
For the very first time in my ownership experience as a car enthusiast, I own the best car that today's available technology can provide me for my needs. And, that's the best prize I can give to a car! Well done Alfa Romeo!
PS: The handbrake is perfectly normal, mechanical and manually operated.
It feels heavy and, depending on the road, the steering wheel can move quite a bit, mainly under heavy breaking. I got used to it, so it's not a problem to me. But, it requires concentration at high speeds. It's like a go kart. You feel every road imperfection through the steering wheel. In my book, that's always necessary in such a car. (As a side note, I remember the steering wheel's feel of the former Lotus Evora being quite lighter in comparison, almost too light for my liking!)
If I may add, the suspension setup is good enough to always let the driver know what's going on with the car balance. Also, the ride is not overly harsh but, for obvious reasons, the suspension travel is quite limited, so with steep bumps if you aren't going slow enough you can easily max out the suspension travel and get a loud thump from the chassis being hit.
Quite frankly, the car is VERY good. Even the fit & finishing. The seats and the steering wheel have the optional leather and microfibre with red stitching (the handbrake is only leather with red stitching) - they look and feel fantastic (better than those on the BMW 1M, the seats are much more supportive, even than the standard seats of the 987.2 Cayman and my 4C's steering wheel has the best grip of them all!) The interior quality is up there with the BMW 1M (except for the infotainment device from Parrot, which is aftermarket, and for the interior's courtesy light and climate control knobs) but then there's the additional luxury touch of all the visible carbon fiber from the Alfa 4C monocoque.
Giannis
Staff member
How many turns from lock to lock in your 4C?
My old Clio has manual steering and despite the 4 turns from lock to lock it's still stupidly heavy, much heavier than most cars with unassisted steering that have gone through my hands.
PS. I think I'm going to the garage to measure the steering wheel diameter now.
My old Clio has manual steering and despite the 4 turns from lock to lock it's still stupidly heavy, much heavier than most cars with unassisted steering that have gone through my hands.
PS. I think I'm going to the garage to measure the steering wheel diameter now.
Bucketslash11
Das Beste Enthusiast
It feels heavy and, depending on the road, the steering wheel can move quite a bit, mainly under heavy breaking. I got used to it, so it's no problem to me. But, it requires concentration at high speeds. It's like a go kart. You feel every road imperfection through the steering wheel. In my book, that's always necessary in such a car. (As a side note, I remember the steering wheel's feel of the former Lotus Evora being quite lighter in comparison, almost too light for my liking!)
If I may add, the suspension setup is good enough to always let the driver know what's going on with the car balance.
Quite frankly, the car is VERY good. Even the fit & finishing. The seats and the steering wheel have the optional leather and microfibre with red stitching (the handbrake is only leather with red stitching) - they look and feel fantastic (better than those on the BMW 1M, the seats are much more supportive, even than the standard seats of the 987.2 Cayman and my 4C's steering wheel has the best grip of them all!) The interior quality is up there with the BMW 1M (except for the infotainment device from Parrot, which is aftermarket, and for the interior's courtesy light and climate control knobs) but then there's the additional luxury touch of all the visible carbon fiber from the Alfa 4C monocoque.
do you have any negative sides of the 4C? (expecting 3-point turn)
It seemed 4 to me.
Negatives?! Well... besides the obvious - if more room or a long distance cruiser is needed a second car is mandatory. Other than that, I would call it upgrade: if I was given the choice I would trade the 4C's 240hp, 1750cc engine for the 270hp, 1600cc engine of the Peugeot RCZ-R / 308 GTI / 308 Hybrid and would add a mechanical limited slip differential.
That's it.
It's not 4. I took the trouble to count it and it's only two and a half (2.5) turns from lock to lock.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
Among my many dealer stops today, I stopped over the Alfa dealer to check out when the Giulia would be available, and lo and behold they had the 4C coupe and roadster. Yeah, the interior is not the greatest and it's pain the arse (well, more pain in the balls) to get in and out, but it looks special.
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
In the States, we don't get the spider-eyes headlights. The headlights here aren't ugly but rather plain.
... Alfa to drop the 4C (see minute 5:30):Fiat Chrysler statement:
"There have not been any official announcements regarding the Alfa Romeo 4C or 4C Spider product cycle.
While you know we cannot comment beyond the current model year, know that these two cars are important to the Alfa Romeo brand.
Our 4C and 4C Spider supercars set the stage and complement the all-new Giulia sedan by exemplifying the purest form of Alfa Romeo DNA through race-inspired performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style – all for an exhilarating driving experience unlike anything else in the market. And we continue to add excitement to both of these models, including the additional personalization features for 2016 (Akrapovič dual-mode exhaust, carbon fiber appointments, etc.) 2020 is a very long time away."
"There have not been any official announcements regarding the Alfa Romeo 4C or 4C Spider product cycle.
While you know we cannot comment beyond the current model year, know that these two cars are important to the Alfa Romeo brand.
Our 4C and 4C Spider supercars set the stage and complement the all-new Giulia sedan by exemplifying the purest form of Alfa Romeo DNA through race-inspired performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style – all for an exhilarating driving experience unlike anything else in the market. And we continue to add excitement to both of these models, including the additional personalization features for 2016 (Akrapovič dual-mode exhaust, carbon fiber appointments, etc.) 2020 is a very long time away."
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Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian luxury car manufacturer and a subsidiary of
Stellantis Italy. It was founded on 24 June 1910 in Milan, Italy, as A.L.F.A., an acronym
for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. The brand is known for sport-oriented vehicles
and has been involved in car racing since 1911. As of 2023, it is a subsidiary of the
multinational automotive manufacturing corporation Stellantis.
Official website: Alfa Romeo
Official website: Alfa Romeo
