2015 Alfa Romeo 4C in Watchung, NJ - $45,990

Marking the Italian brand’s return to North America, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C made its debut at the New York Auto Show last year. The all-new Alfa Romeo features a mid-engine design inspired by the brand’s legendary racing history, state-of-the-art carbon fiber monocoque and all-aluminum turbocharged engine influenced by Formula 1, and advanced technological solutions, all to deliver supercar-level performance and driving exhilaration.

For the Alfa Romeo brand, the all-new 4C represents the essential sportiness embedded in the brand’s DNA: Italian style, performance and technical excellence, for maximum driving pleasure in complete safety. The Alfa Romeo 4C is inspired by the century-old tradition of Alfa Romeo and projects the brand's authentic values into the future: Italian style, performance and engineering excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety. The “4C” name recalls Alfa Romeo's great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished racing and road cars fitted with powerful eight and six cylinder engines.

Enhancements and upgrades for the 2016 model year include: an all-new Carbon Fiber Trim Package further proliferates the 4C’s use of carbon fiber on interior vents, instrument cluster surround and instrument panel and shift bezels; new premium leather interior with Tobacco and Black sport seats paired with a Black leather interior with Tobacco accent stitching is now available; all-new Akrapovič dual-mode electronically controlled exhaust system features dual, center-mounted tips with carbon fiber surround and signature Alfa Romeo resonant sound (late availability); newly standard Alpine premium audio system provides multiple connectivity and media options with easier-to-use functionality; new standard premium speakers; and new standard lockable console and leather storage.

Power for the 4C coupe is generated by an all-new all-aluminum 1750 cc four-cylinder turbocharged engine. To ensure exceptional performance and drivability on the racetrack or city streets, this new engine features cutting-edge technical solutions, including direct-injection, intercooler, dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing (VVT), eight counterweights, and intake and exhaust systems optimized for Alfa Romeo 4C’s mid-engine layout.

Torque is communicated to the street through a paddle-shifting Alfa TCT Twin-Clutch transmission which has been specifically tuned for the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. With its uniquely calibrated software that adjusts with the Alfa DNA selector system, the Alfa TCT’s gearshifts are designed to become most aggressive in the Dynamic and Race modes. The Alfa TCT system also integrates a “launch control” mode – delivering the utmost acceleration possible as soon as the driver releases the brake.

To create the ultra-lightweight architecture needed for maximum performance and dynamic efficiency, Alfa Romeo 4C engineers looked to Formula 1 and only the most advanced supercars for state-of-the-art materials. The result is a monocoque made entirely of carbon fiber that delivers extraordinary stiffness and strength. Attached to the Alfa Romeo 4C’s exotic monocoque are front and rear cell structures, roof reinforcements and an engine-mounting frame made from lightweight aluminum.

Alfa Romeo engineers continued the use of state-of-the-art materials by creating the bodywork entirely of SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), a low-density, high-strength composite material that is 20 percent lighter and dimensionally more rigid than steel. Providing the ability to create complex shapes while saving weight by 20 percent compared to steel are PUR-RIM (injected polyurethane) fascias and rear spoiler. Engineers even optimized the Alfa Romeo 4C’s windshield and side windows by using
10 percent thinner glass to reduce weight by up to 15 percent.

With a purpose-built cockpit inspired by the legendary 1967 33 Stradale, entering the interior of the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C means entering a world derived from motorsport – only essential components for performance are integrated. Two composite-framed sport seats, thermoformed dashboard and exposed carbon fiber monocoque highlight the coupe’s technological uniqueness.

Furthermore, a driver-oriented cockpit with flat-bottom performance steering wheel with paddle-shift controls and aluminum pedals speak to the brand’s racing spirit. Emphasizing the Alfa Romeo 4C’s advanced technology and focus on lightweight technical solutions is a seven-inch full-color thin-film transistor (TFT) instrument cluster that displays simple, high-impact graphics to keep the driver focused on the road, or track ahead.
Finally, two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and seating position needed for performance driving.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 93.7; overall length: 157.0; width: 73.5; height: 46.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1750 cc turbocharged four-cylinder – 237 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 2,200 – 4, 250 rpm
Transmission: Alfa TCT Twin-Clutch
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 city/34 highway
Cargo capacity: 3.7 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, door mounted side impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake-force distribution, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, electronic launch control system, hill-start assist, battery run-down protection, individual tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth hands free phone system, and Alfa Q2 Electronic Differential control system.
Optional safety features include: Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, ParkSense rear park assist, and vehicle security alarm.

Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe starts from $55,900. Destination charges add $1,595.