First Alfa Romeo 4C Promo Touts Brand's Return to the U.S., Configurator Launches in June

There's a lot to like about the production Alfa Romeo 4C, from its ultra-lightweight construction that uses carbon fiber components to keep the dry weight at a surprisingly low 895kg or 1,973 pounds, to its nicely crafted body, and one thing to hate: those spider eye-style headlamps that look like a bad afterthought.

Of course, it could be just us and a bunch of other gearheads we talked to and who said the same thing, so if you disagree, don't be shy to share your feelings in the comments.

Now, the reason why we're coming back to the 236HP (240PS) Alfa 4C that was unwrapped earlier today at the Geneva Auto Show isn't to talk about its lights, but to tell you that the Italian brand has released the first promotion videos of the mid-engine sports car, and launched a primitive online configurator.

Alfa tells us in one of the videos that the full-spec configurator will be available in June. The one that's online now, only gives the chance to choose from two colors for the body and interior trim.

At Alfa Romeo's Geneva motor show press conference, the Italian company's CEO Harald Wester confirmed the 4C's North American premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with first deliveries before the end of the year.

While Alfa won't reveal pricing for the United States until the LA show, Wester did say that the 4C Launch Edition shown in Geneva will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) in Europe where it goes on sale in September.

Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition Will be Made in 1,000 Units, Cost €60,000 in Europe

It was no secret that the 4C would make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show, yet Alfa Romeo still managed to spring a surprise. That’s because the compact sports coupe was actually launched in the exclusive – ahem - “Launch Edition”.

This model will be manufactured in just 1,000 numbered units: 400 are earmarked for Europe, Africa and Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world. Alfa Romeo announced that the 4C “Launch Edition” will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) across all European markets, including VAT but excluding local taxes, and is available to order immediately (no word on U.S. pricing yet).

Buyers of the “Launch Edition” can choose between two body colors, Carrara White or Alfa Red, while the carbon aero kit, Bi-LED headlights with dark surround, dark-finished rear aluminum diffuser and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys in burnishing finish come as standard.

Moreover, there’s a racing exhaust system with a BMC air filter, a specially calibrated suspension kit and specific color for the brake calipers on the outside, and a leather/fabric/Alcantara seat upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, seats, handles and mats.

Measuring 399 cm long, 200 cm wide and 118 high and riding on a 238 cm wheelbase, the 4C features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that weighs only 65 kg and a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.

Power comes from a 1.75-liter turbocharged aluminum engine that puts out 236HP (240PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,700 rpm, which are directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The TCT gearbox uses a next-generation software and sports a launch control mode. The 4C accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h (155 mph). It achieves 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration, the latter thanks to the four ventilated and perforated Brembo discs that sport four-piston aluminum calipers at the front.

Suspension is by superimposed wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while the weight distribution is 40/60 front/rear respectively.

Surprisingly, the 4C’s steering does not feature power assistance of any kind. According to Alfa Romeo, this choice has been made not only in the name of paring weight but also “to secure a superlative driving feel”.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

Another Alfa Romeo 6C Sports Coupe Design Concept

Even though Alfa Romeo been heavily neglected over the years, it continues to have a special place in the heart of car enthusiasts as well as people already working (Ferdinand Piech, we're looking at you) or aspiring to work, in the auto industry.

There's something about Alfa's past, which blends a rich racing heritage with some of the most beautiful and, arguably, better handling production cars ever made. Throw in the fact that, for the most part and unlike other Italian sports car makers, its vehicles were/are affordable to the masses, and you can see why its hard to turn a blind eye to the brand.

We're not trying to paint a beautiful picture of Alfa Romeo, as it’s no secret that for many decades, the Milanese company's cars were some of the most unreliable pieces of metal ever put together, while when Fiat took over in 1986, it diluted the brand almost beyond recognition.

Still, there's enough magic left in the name to inspire young designers like Alex Imnadaze and Ignacio Cuesta Grandío to imagine new products for the Italian carmaker, both of whom, prepared a sports coupe named 6C Concept.

We've already shown you Imnadaze's study, but Grandío, a design student at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia in Spain, told us about his own 6C Concept that you can see for yourself in the photos below.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

The production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 2013 International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo's DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the 'AutoBild Design Award' (2011, Germany), the 'Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes' (2012, Italy) and the 'Most Exciting Car of 2013' - 'What Car?' (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C

The acronym '4C' draws its inspiration from the brand's glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo's great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars - both racing and road - fitted with the powerful 'eight cylinders' and the innovative 'six cylinders', confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power /weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) - carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which 'clothed' the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design

The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fibre in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics

The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 metres long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What's more, owing to the designers' excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol

An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission

The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode

The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now - Dynamic, Natural and All Weather - but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy

The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept is an Audi A5 Sportback-Sized Sports Sedan, Debuts in Geneva

The second most problematic child in the Fiat-Chrysler Group after Lancia, is also the one with the greatest prospects for future growth – just as long as the Italians get their cards right and finally begin investing in products.

Of course, we're talking about Alfa Romeo, which is trying to tell the world that it's slowly getting back on its feet with the presentation of a new concept model for a sharply styled sports sedan that will join the highly-anticipated production version of the 4C mid-engine coupe at next month's Geneva Auto Salon.

Named 'Gloria', the study is the work of the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre. It might break cover in Switzerland, but the Gloria was designed to appeal to consumers in the North American and Asian markets.

"In effect, the saloon remains a symbol of elegance and prestige for these markets, associated with the idea of comfortable space both at the front and the rear, expressed by the length of the model," said Alfa Romeo in a statement.

At 4,700mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1320mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,900mm, the four-door Gloria is very close in dimensions to the Audi A5 Sportback. Alfa said that the car was designed to be propelled by "a state-of-the-art V6 or V8 biturbo engine", by which it means the new powerplants introduced in the Maserati Quattroporte.

“We asked the students in the Master programme to give us their completely independent interpretation of a new Alfa Romeo saloon,” said Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Head of Fiat & Chrysler Design. “During development, we commented, discussed and guided the projects in order to get the most from their spontaneous expressions of creativity. The result was stimulating and marked by professional and creative excellence.”

More information about the Gloria will be released at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Fighting Nemo in an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Sounds and Looks Like a Lot of Fun

Surprise, surprise; as it turns out, not everyone was stuck at home behind mountains of snow and blocked roads in Boston during this past weekend's winter storm "Nemo".

There was a certain driver enjoying the slippery roads and snow-covered parking lots in an Alfa Romeo – and mind you, not just any Alfa Romeo, but the 4.7-liter V8-powered 8C Competizione coupe.

We will admit that, going out during this kind of weather with such a rare and powerful, rear-wheel drive sports car takes plenty of guts – and an extremely healthy bank account to match, may we add…

If you haven't done so already, turn up your speakers and enjoy some Italian tunes in the videos that follow.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

The Alfa Romeo 4C concept was one of the biggest stars of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Sexy, sporty, and allegedly destined for production, the show car excited us not only because its specifications promised incredible performance, but also because the car would be the first new Alfa Romeo sold in America under the then-nascent Fiat-Chrysler partnership. After waiting nearly two years, we finally have confirmation that the 4C is heading to the real world. Alfa Romeo will introduce the sports coupe at the Geneva Motor Show next month, and plans to start selling the car this year.

The car's styling barely changed from the concept, and that's a good thing. Prominent hood strakes lead into a deep V-shaped nose, while rounded headlights sit atop each of the front fenders. Scalloped air intakes aft of the doors feed the mid-mounted engine, and start the rear fenders that stand like mountain ridges at each side of the car. The two-person cockpit is small, with its rear window diving down toward the rear of the car. The wheels are composed of five connected circles that all surround a small hub. In short, it's a beautiful design that has stayed remarkably true to the show car from two years ago.

The Alfa Romeo 4C will measure about 157.5 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 46.5 inches tall. That puts it on par size-wise with the perennial small sports-car benchmark, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which measures 157.3 inches long, 67.7 wide, and 49.0 tall. Because the chassis is made from carbon fiber and much of the car is made from aluminum, the 4C will also be extremely light. Although Alfa doesn't quote a specific curb weight or engine output, the car has a claimed power-to-weight ratio of four kg/hp (approximately nine pounds per horsepower). That's the same ratio as a Chevrolet Camaro SS -- implying serious acceleration potential from the petite Alfa. More important, the body is said to produce downforce at speed, effectively pushing the car to the road and improving its handling.

Turbocharged, Dual-Clutch Powertrain

The name 4C was chosen in keeping with Alfa Romeo's historic 6C and 8C racing cars, which had six- and eight-cylinder engines, respectively. So it's only logical that the 4C uses a four-cylinder mill, in this case an all-aluminum 1.8-liter turbo-four with direct injection and dual variable valve timing. A dry dual-clutch transmission, likely with seven forward speeds, will transfer power to the car's rear wheels. There are few details about the interior so far, although we know it will be home to two bucket seats, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, as well as exposed carbon fiber. The driver has a switch called the Alfa DNA Selector, which toggles between four driving modes: Dynamic, Natural, All Weather, and Race. Each of the options provides a different program for the engine, transmission, and traction control.

Coming To America

The best news of all is that this car heralds the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. The 4C will be built at Maserati's factory in Modena, Italy, and Alfa promises the coupe goes on sale this calendar year. That means American drivers may get a chance to buy a new Alfa Romeo before Christmas.

Alfa Romeo 4C Mid Engine Sports Coupe: This is it, The Production Model

It’s been a painful two years of waiting since the 2011 Geneva study but finally, Alfa Romeo has revealed the first images of the 4C sports coupe that will make its world debut in the upcoming Geneva Auto Show on March 5.

The transition from concept to production hasn’t robbed the 4C of its delicious styling, which is all but identical sans some details like the headlamps, tail lights and door mirrors, nor its specifications or dimensions that measure “less than 4 meters” long, 1.18 m high and 2.0 m wide and a wheelbase of “less than 2.4 meters”.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

In an era when most auto manufacturers boast about carbon fiber parts in their new sports cars, Alfa Romeo has equipped the 4C with an all-carbon fiber monocoque, with just the front and rear frames being made of aluminum.

Alfa Romeo is still keeping its cards very close to its chest as far as weight or performance numbers are concerned, divulging only that the 4C has a weight-to-power ratio of less than 4 kg/HP.

The 4C uses an evolution of the 1,750cc (1.75-liters) turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. It features a new aluminum block and specifically-designed intake and exhaust manifolds, as well as direct injection and dual continuous valve timing.

Like in the concept, the production 4C has a mid-engined configuration, with power transferred to the rear wheels via the TCT twin dry clutch transmission. It features an auto as well as a sequential mode, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Having debuted on the MiTo, the DNA selector that changes the throttle, steering and gearbox settings is not exactly a novelty. Its fourth mode that is added to the Dynamic, Natural and All Weather that are standard on other models, though, is: developed specifically for the 4C and aptly named Race it is, according to the company, designed to enhance the handling characteristics on track driving.

The 4C, which will go on sale later this year and mark Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. market, will be manufactured (in very limited numbers, if our insider report is correct) at Maserati’s plant.

Articles Source : carscoop

Insider: Alfa Romeo 4C gets 240PS / 270PS, Racing, Stradale & Roadster Variants Confirmed

Sergio Marchionne’s ambitious plan for the resurrection of Alfa Romeo calls for no less than six new models for launch in the U.S. market until the end of 2016. The thing is that, four of them are earmarked for 2015 and one for 2016, leaving just one model for this year: the 4C mid-engine sports coupe.

Thanks to a CarScoop reader who happens to be a Swiss dealer and who attended an Alfa Romeo meeting earlier this month, we are in a position to share several new details about the production 4C that will likely be presented at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Contrary to initial reports that its 1.7-liter turbocharged inline-four could put out as much as 300-horses, Alfa Romeo officials told dealers that its output will be 240PS or 237hp for the base model, the same as in the Giulietta QV from which it is borrowed.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

If a four-cylinder sounds inappropriate for an Italian supercar, the carbon fiber chassis will keep the weight low, though, we assume it will be more than the 850 kg (1,874 pounds) that were announced for the concept model and which theoretically give the 4C an impressively lower power-to-weight ratio of 3.5 kg/PS.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Nevertheless, it should be able to keep up with other mid-engine sports cars like the new 275PS (271hp) Porsche Cayman and perhaps even the Cayman S which, despite boasting 325PS (321hp), is much heavier at 1,320 kg (2,910 pounds) and has a power to weight ratio of 3,78 kg/PS.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Moreover, our source said that Alfa is targeting a price between €56,000 and €64,000 (equal to US$76,400-$87,300 at today's rates), depending on the trim level, in Switzerland.

This means that the 4C will be priced closer to the base 275PS Cayman, which costs €57,500 (US$79,000) in Switzerland rather than the 325PS Cayman S, which at €71,230 (US$97,300) is far more expensive. To get an idea of what it may cost in the States, the base Cayman has an MSRP of $52,600, and Cayman S, $63,800.

Even if signore Marchionne doesn't change his mind on the 4C pricing policy, he probably won’t have a problem shifting all the cars Alfa will make.

That’s because, according to our insider, global production will be limited to just 2,000 units, equally split between the coupe (1,000 units) and the roadster model (1,000 units) that was also confirmed during the Alfa Romeo dealer meeting.

This number also includes the track-only “Racing” version as well as the road-legal Stradale, both of which will be introduced in 2014 featuring a more potent engine delivering 270PS (266hp).

Last, but certainly not least, having recently snapped a lightly camouflaged test car, we know that the production 4C will remain faithful to the gorgeous concept in terms of design and will also retain its compact dimensions, with only subtle changes such as the shape of the rear diffuser and the exterior mirrors.

Articles Source : Carscoop