Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider revealed

Open-top version of 4C previewed by concept model at Geneva

 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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress
Opinion - Geneva Motor Show

The death of the Geneva Motor Show can't be considered as progress

Mike Rutherford laments the demise of the iconic Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
16 Jun 2024
The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025
Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show is dead, but Qatar spin-off still on for 2025

A “lack of interest shown by manufacturers” and competition with other motor shows were among the reasons given for the demise of the Geneva Motor Sho…
News
31 May 2024
"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"
Opinion - MG3

"BYD, Dacia, MG and Renault are among the most impressive and in-touch car brands in the world"

Mike Rutherford is confused as to why so many car manufacturers avoided the 2024 Geneva Motor Show
Opinion
3 Mar 2024
BMW Isetta-inspired Microlino EV coming to the UK, and we’ve driven it!
Microlino Lite - Geneva front

BMW Isetta-inspired Microlino EV coming to the UK, and we’ve driven it!

The tiny Microlino and the new Microlino Lite electric cars have been given the green light for UK sales
News
1 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month
Toyota Yaris Cross - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month

Toyota’s recently updated, highly efficient hybrid SUV is our Deal of the Day for 2 November
News
2 Nov 2024
Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer
Renault Scenic long-termer - header

Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer

First report: French SUV joins the fleet and takes on Ford’s new Explorer
Long-term tests
2 Nov 2024
Best car headlight bulbs 2024
Best car headlight bulbs - header image

Best car headlight bulbs 2024

Which car headlight bulbs will brighten your night?
Product group tests
1 Nov 2024