ALFA ROMEO 4C Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Designed as a contender against Porsche Cayman and Lotus Elise, the 4C opened a new chapter for the Italian automaker who dared to attack a segment dedicated to motorsports enthusiasts in a mid-engined sports car.

The 4C was one of the most audacious projects made by Alfa Romeo after the world financial crisis from 2008-2010. It represented the company’s ambition to get back on its feet not just fast but in style as well. While it wasn’t a true supercar, the 4C was that kind of two-seater made mostly for track, but also good enough to travel with it from home to the event and back. In addition, by sharing most of its major parts with other Alfa Romeo products, the 4C managed to keep its price low enough to afford the carmaker to make a profit from it. Unfortunately for the carmaker, it was not as successful as expected, but it deserved a big credit for being the first Alfa Romeo to enter the U.S. market after the 1995 Alfa Romeo 164.

Built on top of a carbon fiber tub made by the Italians from Adler Plastic, the 4C featured a light construction that barely tipped the scale with its 1,973 lbs. (895 kg) dry weight. For the U.S. models, in order to get specific requirements, the automaker had to put in more reinforcements, which added another 342 lbs. (155 kg.). The front of the vehicle resembled the Giulietta hatchback, and the tri-lobo front grille featured wider lower air intakes included in the bumper. From its profile, the 4C showed a distinct bodywork with a short greenhouse and wide air scoops placed behind the cabin. The wider rear fenders created a muscular look for the vehicle, while the sloped rear end included a generously sized windscreen. Finally, at the back, the automaker added two round taillights and a pair of side-mounted pipes underneath the bumper.

The interior was cramped, with just enough room for two occupants separated by a low center tunnel. Here, Alfa Romeo installed the buttons for the gearbox, the handbrake, and two cupholders. Behind them, the 4C also featured a small storage compartment. It was the only one in the cabin since it didn’t have a glovebox. Behind the thick, flat-bottom steering wheel, the automaker installed two paddles that allowed the driver to manually shift gears.

Behind the cabin, Alfa Romeo installed a turbocharged, inline-four engine. It was similar to the one placed under the hood of the Giulia GV, but the engine block was made from aluminum. Thanks to the improved cooling system, the revised electronics, and a better turbocharger, the 4C provided 240 ponies (237 HP) to thrill its owners. Power went to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox. Later, in 2015, the Italian automaker introduced the open-top version of the 4C.