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2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

Editorial license permits us to exaggerate any continuity that might exist from post to post. So now, we'll attempt to tie this 4C in with the Ferrari 360s posted last weekend. It's not too much of a stretch though - both employ the same mid-engine chassis configuration, offer automated manuals, and are evenly matched in performance figures.

When evaluating the difference between the two models, the 4C begins to make a case for itself. In place of the aluminum monocoque on the 360, the 4C utilizes a carbon fiber composite for it tub chassis. Its turbocharged 4-cylinder, not nearly as powerful as the flat-plane V8 in the Ferrari, makes up for its lack of peak power with a much broader power band. And, its chassis dynamics and aerodynamics benefit from 15 years of advancement in computation power, meaning that engineers were able to optimize the setup at a fraction of the cost, a benefit reflected in the MSRP.

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package rear view gray
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Year: 2015
Model:  Alfa Romeo 4C
Engine: 1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Mileage:  14,248mi
Price: $38,900
Location: Reynoldsburg, OH

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package
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CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C

Super Clean car tons of Options! Hard to Find Color combo! Tons of Service Records! Clean Title and Carfax! $69k WINDOW. We are a small dealer who specializes in High-End Vehicles. We charge a $250 DOC Fee and Have to Collect Tax where Applicable! Shipping Options Available!

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA black interior track package engine bay rear trunk
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The 4C's more advanced chassis is not without its drawbacks. It is serviceable in the case of a collision, but don't expect your car to make it back from the body shop for 6+ months. Between sourcing panels and the factory support required for any chassis repairs, the endeavor will require some time to complete with any level of quality. Routine service will prove equally challenging, as the car was designed with performance and cost at the forefront, much to the detriment of serviceability.

For below $40k, we think this 4C is a good buy. The selling dealer seems to have put in the minimum effort to the sell the car, but the case for this 4C still stands. The exotic Italian experience - both on the road and in the repair shop - is rare to come by. And where it can be found in such good condition and for reasonable cash, we are all for it.

-Graham

Alfa Romeo

2015 Alfa Romeo 4C – First Impressions

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My colleague Carter suggested that he wished Alfa Romeo was producing cars like the lovely Giulietta Spider. I don't disagree but since Alfa is in the process of reinventing itself I think a car like the 4C is exactly what they need. I was recently fortunate enough to spend some time gazing upon it and following it on the open road and came to the conclusion that this car is an instant classic.

(Forgive my photography skills)

Year: 2015
Model: Alfa Romeo 4C
Engine: 1.7 liter turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed dual dry-clutch semi-automatic
Price: $68,400 (Launch Edition)

CLICK FOR DETAILS:2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

First impressions of the 4C are great. It looks stunning in person. The only awkward styling bit is the C-pillar/rear buttresses. They are rather chunky when viewed from the side but this seems to be required for current crash standards and is really the only blemish on an otherwise truly lovely car.

The interior is very sparse. Think Lotus Elise, not Porsche Cayman. This is not a daily driving kind of car but a track car or a blast through the hills on Sunday morning kind of machine. Headroom was tight for me but I am longish of torso and legroom was adequate for all who sat in it. There is plenty of exposed carbon fiber and the seats are thinly padded and not for the wide of backside. Ingress and egress is not very graceful with a very low car and very wide sills.

Luggage space is not what one would call generous either. If you’re going away for the weekend with your sweetheart, wait until you get to your destination and unpack before you buy any wine. Forget about bringing home souvenirs too. This really won’t be a problem since since a weekend away in a 4C will create more memories than any of the bric-a-brac that gets collected and later junked.

Manufacturer liability prevented me from driving the 4C but following it on rural roads is an aural and visual treat. It doesn't sound sharp like a 6 cylinder Porsche, it’s more punk-rock than opera. It pops, growls, whooshes, shouts and the back side is entirely enjoyable to gaze upon. I’ll let you, dear reader, draw your own conclusion if that sounds like a good time or not. I enjoyed it immensely!

Any other knocks against the car? For some, the elephant in the room is the lack of a manual transmission. Fair critique, but if one looks at how many Porsches (for example) are sold with manual versus the manumatic gearbox it’s understandable why Alfa chose to offer the 4C with a semi-auto gearbox.

The true significance of the 4C is that Alfa is back on the path that made them a great company for so many years. The 4C is a sports car. It’s not a GT, it’s not a sports sedan, it’s not a super car, hyper car or your mothers car. It’s sort of like an Exige and sort of like a Cayman. What it really is, however, is its own thing, which is exactly what it needs to be. You can already buy a Cayman or an Exige and they are brilliant in their own way but you wouldn't say one is better than the other because they are different cars. That’s what the 4C is, its own thing.

For those that want a hand built Italian exotic but fear the hefty price tag, here is your chance to get an instant classic AND it will have a warranty! Given that some Alfa-Romeo Giuliettas are selling north of $100k, the 4C has to be the bargain of the decade.

-Jim