Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (5)

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (2)Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (3)

 

 

  • Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (1)Convertible evolution of Alfa Romeo’s award-winning supercar revealed
  • Preview an exercise in style to select the contents to be implemented in standard production scheduled for the beginning of 2015
  • Exclusive three-layer shiny white livery combined with top-quality leather upholstery
  • Mid-engined rear-wheel drive configuration and genuine two-seater concept
  • Study into a dual-stage central exhaust system with titanium and carbon tailpipe
  • Clamshell headlights
  • New differentiated diameter 18-inch and 19-inch alloy rims
  • Specific carbon windscreen ring and roll-bar cover
  • Exhilarating performance delivered by 1750 turbo petrol four cylinder engine and Alfa TCT

A striking preview of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, the convertible evolution of the award-winning coupe, has debuted at the 84th International Geneva Motor Show.

The preview, which is characterised by special details and distinctive finishes, is an exercise in style aimed at selecting the contents for standard production scheduled for the beginning of next year.

Spiders have traditionally occupied a prime place in Alfa Romeo’s heritage and the same spirit is expressed in the preview of the 4C Spider.

Alfa Romeo’s long spider history is focused on cars that are capable of delivering great excitement, outstanding driver satisfaction, striking design and powerful, flexible engines.

The preview inherits the distinctive winning characteristics of the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe, the brand’s modern icon that represents the essential sportiness embedded in the ‘Alfa Romeo DNA’.

Exterior style
The mid-engined 4C Spider preview, designed by Alfa Romeo Style Centre, confirms the brand’s Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (4)excellence in this sector as demonstrated by some of its recognisable spiders.

These vehicles are among the most beautiful in the history of the automotive world, including the Giulietta Spider from the 1950s, the mythical Duetto that was made famous by the film, The Graduate (1967), and the captivating Alfa Romeo 8C Spider.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider projects the technological and emotional values that are part of Alfa Romeo’s heritage into the future.

The exclusive Three-layer Glossy White livery, with its depth and iridescence, is one of the vehicle’s most outstanding features.

Other features include a specific carbon roll-bar cover and the striking carbon windscreen ring, which combines the concepts of minimal weight and rigidity.

The search for brand-new stylistic solutions can also be seen in the new clamshell headlights, the distinctive differentiated diameter (18″ at the front and 19″ at the rear) alloy rims and large Pirelli tyres.

Interior design
The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is designed and built for maximum driver satisfaction.

The carbon fibre of the interior immediately stands out; it is used to make the central cell and has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, technology and minimal weight.  

Alfa Romeo’s designers also chose the finest Italian crafted leather to further enhance the unique quality of the spider preview.

Dimensions and aerodynamics
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider preview is approximately four metres long with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres.

These dimensions emphasise the car’s compact attributes while also accentuating its agility. The spider achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels to maintain the downforce levels of the coupe. This contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

Engineers also achieved minimal air turbulence in the passenger compartment with the soft top open to provide a pleasant drive even at high speeds.

Minimal extra weight thanks to high-quality materials from 4C coupe
The 4C Spider will guarantee a category-leading power/weight ratio with striking performance thanks to a total dry weight of less than 1000 kg, just like the 4C coupe.

The glass rear window was replaced by a continuation of the bodywork in SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) which houses the headrests and roll-bars.

Low-density SMC, at just 1.5 g/cm³, is significantly lighter than steel (~7.8 g/cm³) and aluminium (~2.7 g/cm³), as well as being more malleable. In addition, it does not deform in minor collisions and is extremely resistant to chemical and atmospheric agents. It also disperses sound efficiently, increasing acoustic comfort.

Titanium and carbon exhaust system study
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider preview adopts a dual-stage central exhaust system concept with titanium and carbon tailpipes by Akrapovic, a company that produces competition exhaust systems for MotoGP, Superbike, Supersport, Motocross and Enduro machines.

The electrically operated valve with wireless technology is among its most distinctive features, and the study into a ‘dual mode’ exhaust is in full spirit of a spider variant, where the pleasure of driving in the open air can be magnified according to the choice of the driver through a dual exhaust set-up.

Potent performance from four-cylinder 1750cc turbo petrol engine and Alfa TCT
The 1750cc turbo petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block that allows a 22kg weight saving for maximum performance. Specific intake and exhaust systems have been optimised to further enhance the vehicle’s sports appeal. It additionally boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that eliminates turbo lag.

The 1750 turbo petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which boasts low weight and rapid fire changes. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

Finally, and as with all latest-generation Alfa Romeos, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider preview is equipped with the DNA selector. This device lets the driver change the car’s temperament to adapt it to the conditions. In addition to the three settings available up until today – Dynamic, Natural and All-Weather – the Alfa Romeo supercar has a fourth mode: ‘Race’, which is designed to further enhance the driving experience on a track.

Handling
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider preview’s handling makes it one of a kind. The vehicle can be enjoyed in all situations; not only during extreme use on the track thanks to its feel and ease of driving on the limit.

A specific suspension set-up was developed for the convertible Alfa Romeo to ensure the same feeling and driving pleasure as the 4C coupe.