CHANGES FOR 2015:
– All-new model
After much delay, Alfa Romeo has finally re-launched in Canada. It’s been a long time coming, but the light, nimble, and pared-down 4C Coupe and Spider are here and they’re junior supercars through and through.
Engineered seemingly to a gearhead’s specification, the 4C uses an ultra-light carbon fibre tub chassis, and manually assisted steering for maximum road feel. Lightweight composite bodywork, aluminum suspension components, and a cabin light on creature comforts allows it to tip the scales at just over 1,100 kilos. A late addition to the range, the Spider features a simple manually operated cloth roof that can be stowed in the car’s miniscule trunk. Unlike most drop-top sports cars, the 4C Spider caries a mere 10 kilo weight penalty over the Coupe and its chassis is equally as rigid.
All 4Cs come with one powertrain: a 1.75-litre turbocharged four cylinder developing 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s mounted behind the cabin, and drives the wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite the small engine, the 4C has enough performance to give a Porsche Cayman S a run for its money taking just over four seconds to reach 100 km/h.
For the time being, Alfa Romeos are only available at five locations across Canada. There are two dealers in Ontario, two in Quebec, and one in B.C.
The 4C is available in Coupe, Coupe Launch Edition, and Spider variants.
The 4C Coupe includes staggered-size 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, cloth upholstered sports seats, full-TFT instrument cluster, DNA driving mode selector, air conditioning, aluminum pedals and foot rest, keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, 12-volt power outlet, and an AM/FM stereo with iPod controls, USB input, and Bluetooth. The 4C Coupe is exclusively available with the Exterior Package that includes a body-colour rear spoiler, titanium-finish mirror caps, and a choice of wheels: 17-inch front and 18-inch rear, or 18-inch front and 19-inch rear.
The 4C Spider adds a removable roof, as well as three exclusive options: Giallo Prototipo (Yellow) paint, an optional centre-mounted two-mode Akrapovic exhaust system, and a carbon-fibre halo – Alfa speak for carbon-fibre-finish A and B-pillars.
The following option packages are offered on both the 4C Coupe and 4C Spider:
The Convenience Package adds cruise control, alarm, rear parking sensors, and a premium sound system by Alpine.
The Leather package adds leather-wrapped instrument cluster binnacle, door panels, and storage area, as well as leather upholstery.
The Track Package adds racing suspension with stiffer anti-roll bars, performance-tuned shocks, microfiber-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, carbon fibre exterior mirror covers, body-coloured spoiler, carbon fibre instrument cluster, and a choice of wheels wrapped in Pirelli AR track tires: 17-inch front and 18-inch rear, or 18-inch front and 19-inch rear.
The Coupe Launch Edition features unique front fascia, xenon headlamps, carbon fibre rear spoiler, carbon fibre mirror caps, dark-finish 18- and 19-inch porthole alloy wheels, performance exhaust, red brake calipers, carbon fibre interior trim, leather and microfiber upholstered seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a serial badge indicating the vehicle’s production number. Only 500 Launch Edition Coupes will be produced for the North American market.
