Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition marks a day we never thought we'd see
Thu, Apr 17 2014
By now, you should know the brief on the 4C – ultra-lightweight, mid-engined, turbocharged and with non-power-assisted steering. It's a driving instrument, and one we've admired from afar since it hit the European market.
The 4C Launch Edition is the opening volley of Alfa's US return and adds a number of items to the already appealing sports car. The 500 Launch Editions will be limited to three colors - Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White. It sports standard bi-xenon headlamps, which do away with the polarizing covers that highlighted European models. A carbon-fiber spoiler and mirror caps and unique forged wheels round out the changes for first US-spec 4Cs.
The suspension is firmer, with performance-tuned shocks and stiffer front and rear sway bars. Meanwhile, a racing exhaust should help the turbocharged, four-cylinder engine make its presence known. It doesn't seem like the power output is changing thanks to the new exhaust, although we're expecting the 4C's already throaty warble will sound even better.
You can take a look up top for our full gallery of live images of the new 4C or you can scroll down and take a look at the official press release from Alfa Romeo. Then, hop into the Comments and let us know if you think of the latest Alfa to be sold in the US.
All-new Alfa Romeo 4C Debuts at the 2014 New York Auto Show, Marks the Iconic Italian Brand's Return to North America
2014 New York Auto Show debut of all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe and limited-edition 4C Launch Edition marks the Italian sports car brand's return to the North American market
Mid-engine proportions and inspiration from the brand's racing traditions highlight Alfa Romeo 4C's purposeful design for maximum performance
Alfa Romeo engineers leveraged advanced materials and technological solutions from Formula 1, including a carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum chassis structures and a composite body shell for an ultra-lightweight coupe with supercar-level performance
State-of-the-art powertrain technology: all-aluminum 1750 cc direct-injection turbocharged engine with intercooler, dual variable-valve timing and advanced scavenging technology is paired to a blistering fast Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission
Alfa DNA selector optimizes the Alfa Romeo 4C's powertrain and chassis control calibrations to the level of driving performance and capability needed
Excellence made in Italy: Alfa Romeo 4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of two brands, Alfa Romeo and Maserati
Available this June and designed for America's "Alfisti," the Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition includes unique appointments and is limited to 500 serialized coupes
April 16, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Marking the Italian brand's highly anticipated return to North America, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C makes its New York Auto Show debut – 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.
"The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C delivers supercar-level performance in its most elemental form," said Harald Wester, President and CEO of Alfa Romeo. "With its ultra-lightweight materials and technological solutions derived directly from motorsports, a mid-engine proportion for maximum agility and purposeful styling cues to enhance performance – the all-new 4C coupe marks Alfa Romeo's return to sports cars and the brand's return to North America."
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.
Acronym 4C
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. The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C model's designation continues this tradition with the latest all-aluminum 1750 cc four-cylinder engine.
A tradition of essential beauty and function
The inspiration for the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C dates back to the 1967 33 Stradale, the homologated version of the racing Type 33, which is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Like the 33 Stradale that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with undeniable Alfa Romeo style and performance – the 4C coupe shares its body forms and follows this performance tradition with an undoubtedly Italian-styled composite body "clothing," a state-of-the-art carbon fiber
and aluminum structure, and a high-performance turbocharged engine.
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 7-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.
Ultra-lightweight: carbon fiber, aluminum and composites structures
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.
Finally, two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and seating position needed for performance driving.
High-tech powertrain for exceptional track performance and drivability
The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo, and for the 4C, it beats to an all-new 1750 cc direct-injection 237 horsepower aluminum 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.
A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. A waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine's efficiency. Advanced scavenging technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 N•m); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm.
Teamed to the all-aluminum engine is 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.
Alfa DNA selector offers advanced technological solutions
The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C features the brand's innovative Alfa DNA selector with "Race" mode – enabling the driver to optimize the right level of performance through four modes. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the character of the Alfa Romeo 4C can be changed to (in order of increasing capability):
All-weather – designed to ensure maximum control under adverse weather conditions and enables gentler accelerator input and special engine and brake control logic to match road speed and prevent skidding
Natural – enables grand touring comfort and smooth drivability for the Alfa TCT gearbox
Dynamic – enables improved driving performance via a more aggressive powertrain calibration and less intrusive electronic stability control (ESC) setting
Race – is the most extreme performance mode, putting the driver in total control of the car under race conditions. ESC and anti-slip regulation (ASR) are deactivated to allow the driver to control traction through the accelerator pedal. The Alfa Romeo Electronic Q2 differential control system remains active for fast exits out of corners or bends
In Race mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C to deliver supercar-level 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in the mid-4 second range
For driving convenience in Dynamic, Natural or All-weather modes, the Alfa Romeo TCT gearbox can utilize an "auto" mode.
Supercar performance, compact size
Thanks to Alfa Romeo 4C's advanced technological solutions and compact size, the coupe demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in the mid-4 second range, 1.1 g of side acceleration on corners and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.
4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of Alfa Romeo and Maserati
The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. Teamwork between the two brands included the integration of the Alfa Romeo Style Center design with the well-known craftsmanship of the Maserati brand's Modena production plant. In addition, the Alfa Romeo 4C was boosted by the technological contributions of Italian suppliers, who are international leaders in manufacturing high-performance components.
This 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 around the world.
Limited to 500 serialized units: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition
For "Alfisti" in North America, a special 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition will be made available this June. These first 500 Alfa Romeo 4C coupes will be serialized and include the following appointments:
Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White exterior paint
Bi-xenon headlamps with LED illuminated daytime running lights
Carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps
Aluminum rear diffuser
Race suspension tuning with front- and rear-sway bars and performance-tuned shock absorbers
Racing exhaust
Staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Dark Gray
Red lacquered brake calipers
Sport seats with black microfiber
Leather-wrapped instrument and door panels
Red or White interior accent stitching on the instrument panel, steering wheel, handbrake, floor mats and door handles
Serialized "Launch Edition" plaque
2014 New York Auto Show debut of all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe and limited-edition 4C Launch Edition marks the Italian sports car brand's return to the North American market
Mid-engine proportions and inspiration from the brand's racing traditions highlight Alfa Romeo 4C's purposeful design for maximum performance
Alfa Romeo engineers leveraged advanced materials and technological solutions from Formula 1, including a carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum chassis structures and a composite body shell for an ultra-lightweight coupe with supercar-level performance
State-of-the-art powertrain technology: all-aluminum 1750 cc direct-injection turbocharged engine with intercooler, dual variable-valve timing and advanced scavenging technology is paired to a blistering fast Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission
Alfa DNA selector optimizes the Alfa Romeo 4C's powertrain and chassis control calibrations to the level of driving performance and capability needed
Excellence made in Italy: Alfa Romeo 4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of two brands, Alfa Romeo and Maserati
Available this June and designed for America's "Alfisti," the Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition includes unique appointments and is limited to 500 serialized coupes
April 16, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Marking the Italian brand's highly anticipated return to North America, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C makes its New York Auto Show debut – 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.
"The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C delivers supercar-level performance in its most elemental form," said Harald Wester, President and CEO of Alfa Romeo. "With its ultra-lightweight materials and technological solutions derived directly from motorsports, a mid-engine proportion for maximum agility and purposeful styling cues to enhance performance – the all-new 4C coupe marks Alfa Romeo's return to sports cars and the brand's return to North America."
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.
Acronym 4C
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. The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C model's designation continues this tradition with the latest all-aluminum 1750 cc four-cylinder engine.
A tradition of essential beauty and function
The inspiration for the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C dates back to the 1967 33 Stradale, the homologated version of the racing Type 33, which is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Like the 33 Stradale that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with undeniable Alfa Romeo style and performance – the 4C coupe shares its body forms and follows this performance tradition with an undoubtedly Italian-styled composite body "clothing," a state-of-the-art carbon fiber
and aluminum structure, and a high-performance turbocharged engine.
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 7-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.
Ultra-lightweight: carbon fiber, aluminum and composites structures
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.
Finally, two sport seats feature a carbon fiber and fiberglass reinforced-composite structure to deliver the strength and seating position needed for performance driving.
High-tech powertrain for exceptional track performance and drivability
The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo, and for the 4C, it beats to an all-new 1750 cc direct-injection 237 horsepower aluminum 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.
A new generation turbocharger features a pulse-converter exhaust manifold to exploit pressure waves and boost torque at low-engine speeds. A waste gate valve adjusts turbo pressure and improves the engine's efficiency. Advanced scavenging technology enables the Alfa Romeo 4C to maximize torque at low engine speeds and deliver more response to driver input by increasing combustion efficiency and turbine speed, all while eliminating turbo lag. As a result, torque delivery is instantaneous, with a peak of 258 ft.-lb. (350 N•m); 80 percent of which is available at only 1,700 rpm.
Teamed to the all-aluminum engine is 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.
Alfa DNA selector offers advanced technological solutions
The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C features the brand's innovative Alfa DNA selector with "Race" mode – enabling the driver to optimize the right level of performance through four modes. With a touch of the Alfa DNA selector, the character of the Alfa Romeo 4C can be changed to (in order of increasing capability):
All-weather – designed to ensure maximum control under adverse weather conditions and enables gentler accelerator input and special engine and brake control logic to match road speed and prevent skidding
Natural – enables grand touring comfort and smooth drivability for the Alfa TCT gearbox
Dynamic – enables improved driving performance via a more aggressive powertrain calibration and less intrusive electronic stability control (ESC) setting
Race – is the most extreme performance mode, putting the driver in total control of the car under race conditions. ESC and anti-slip regulation (ASR) are deactivated to allow the driver to control traction through the accelerator pedal. The Alfa Romeo Electronic Q2 differential control system remains active for fast exits out of corners or bends
In Race mode, launch control can be activated, allowing the Alfa Romeo 4C to deliver supercar-level 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in the mid-4 second range
For driving convenience in Dynamic, Natural or All-weather modes, the Alfa Romeo TCT gearbox can utilize an "auto" mode.
Supercar performance, compact size
Thanks to Alfa Romeo 4C's advanced technological solutions and compact size, the coupe demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in the mid-4 second range, 1.1 g of side acceleration on corners and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.
4C combines the best technical and manufacturing competencies of Alfa Romeo and Maserati
The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C. Teamwork between the two brands included the integration of the Alfa Romeo Style Center design with the well-known craftsmanship of the Maserati brand's Modena production plant. In addition, the Alfa Romeo 4C was boosted by the technological contributions of Italian suppliers, who are international leaders in manufacturing high-performance components.
This 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 around the world.
Limited to 500 serialized units: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition
For "Alfisti" in North America, a special 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition will be made available this June. These first 500 Alfa Romeo 4C coupes will be serialized and include the following appointments:
Alfa Red, Rosso Competizione or Madreperla White exterior paint
Bi-xenon headlamps with LED illuminated daytime running lights
Carbon fiber rear spoiler and mirror caps
Aluminum rear diffuser
Race suspension tuning with front- and rear-sway bars and performance-tuned shock absorbers
Racing exhaust
Staggered 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Dark Gray
Red lacquered brake calipers
Sport seats with black microfiber
Leather-wrapped instrument and door panels
Red or White interior accent stitching on the instrument panel, steering wheel, handbrake, floor mats and door handles
Serialized "Launch Edition" plaque
By Brandon Turkus
See also: Alfa Romeo considering Ferrari-developed engines for new product lineup, Alfa Romeo to launch new versions of 4C each year, Alfa Romeo to offer 4C buyers choice of headlights [w/poll].