Alfa Romeo 4C Spider revealed

 Alfa Romeo is planning a 4C Spider, set to enter production in 2015, and previewed the new model with a concept at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

Clearly, one of the carbon-fibre-built 4C’s most noteworthy attributes is its ultra-lightweight 895kg kerbweight. The Spider can’t quite match that figure but Alfa is saying that thanks to carbon fibre rollover bars and a lightweight canvas roof, the Spider is only about 60kg heavier than the hardtop.

Mechanical changes are pretty limited – the Spider still pairs a 1.75-litre four-cylinder turbo with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox – and performance is almost identical as a result. That means 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of more than 155mph.

There is a new Akrapovic exhaust system, built from titanium and carbon, which now features an active valve which can be turned on or off at the touch of a button. In the coupe you pick a standard exhaust or a louder sports exhaust and you’re stuck with your choice.

Aside from its canvas roof the Spider is marked out from the coupe in a few different ways. The headlights have been updated, for example, while unique alloy wheels are fitted, which have been milled from one single piece of aluminium.

While it’s too early for Alfa to be discussing the price-tag or availability, it’s likely that the Spider will cost slightly more than the coupe’s £45,000 asking price and should be on sale early in 2015.

As with the hardtop, expect a limited production run of around 3,500 units. You should also expect a serious rush for this model, judging by the news that Alfa Romeo had sold every single 4C destined for the UK long before any actually arrived on our shores.