Jan. 12--Alfa Romeo continues its North American revival with the launch of the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, announced today at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The lightweight micro-supercar came out on stage topless and in Alfa's new color option, Giallo. For the Italian-inclined, think Galliano; for everyone else, think yellow, which appears to be 2015's hot auto color.
Due to the carbon fiber chassis, the Spider, which is European for convertible, has very few structural modifications from the coupe that went on sale in the third quarter of 2014.
It precedes the launch of another Alfa model this year, which will lead to the marque having eight all-new models by 2018 after a 20-year absence in North America.
The Spider represents part of a $6 billion commitment that parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made to Alfa in North America.
The mid-mounted 1.75-liter turbo four cylinder with direct injection paired to a twin clutch transmission generates a thrilling 237 horsepower and goes 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds. At under 2,500 pounds and riding low to the ground, the 4C drives like a go-kart evolved for adults: loud, super responsive and irrepressibly fun. It was our favorite car to drive in 2014.
"It has everything serious drivers need and nothing they don't," said Reid Bigland, head of Alfa Romeo in North America.
The biggest difference will be the sound. The muffler-less 4C has a gurgle that erupts into a roar when you open the throttle, underscored by the jet-like whir of the turbocharger. Best sound of the year, especially on Chicago's Lower Wacker Drive, which has the acoustics of a bathroom. The Spider gets another sound, "an Akrapovic dual mode for hardcore motorsport enthusiasts."
The dual exhaust tips will be center mounted, instead of split as in the coupe.
The Spider has a carbon fiber windshield that "promotes strength and lightness, while providing the attachment points for the removable, stowable cloth roof, or available exposed carbon fiber hardtop," according to the press release. The hardtop will have late availability and will be stowable nowhere in the spartan sports car. The 4C coupe starts at $55,195; pricing on the Spider hasn't been released. The spider is due in summer, of course.
rduffer@tribpub.com
Twitter @DufferRobert
