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Alfa Romeo 4C full details


It was at the Geneva Motor Show just two years ago where Alfa Romeo first unveiled its stunning 4C concept car. Now, just a week out from this year’s show, Alfa Romeo has revealed full specifications for the production 4C, which heralds the return of the illustrious Italian brand on U.S. soil when it lands in showrooms later this year.

The production Alfa Romeo 4C, which will arrive as a 2014 model, looks every bit as breathtaking as the original concept, right down to its mid-engine layout and jet fighter-style cockpit.

The 4C also maintains most of the concept’s drool-worthy specs, including the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 4 metre length and full carbon fiber monocoque chassis.

Power comes from a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder engine, which rates at 178 kW. That may not seem like a lot but the power to weight ratio is impressive, which the final curb weight of just over 950 kilograms for the Alfa Romeo 4C.

The 4C engine features an aluminium block and special intakes designed to deliver a sporty note and good throttle response. Alfa Romeo also boasts that the engine features a ‘scavenging control system’ that said to get rid of any turbo lag.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels only, with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used to swap gears. The transmission offers full automatic mode as well as a manual mode that relies on paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.

Performance estimates include a 0-100 km/h time of around 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The handling, meanwhile, is taken care of thanks to lightweight aluminium suspension frames that get mounted to the car’s carbon tub. These feature double-wishbone and MacPherson strut designs. The Alfa Romeo 4C also comes with a driving ‘DNA’ selector, which will allow the driver to select from Dynamic, Natural and All Weather modes, plus a special Race mode.

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