[New Alfa 4C]

Sorry about the title... loose nut behind the keyboard

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C Photos and Info – News – Car and Driver

I'm really disappointed to hear that there will not be an option for a manual transmission, but I thought I would share anyway.

 

It won't be fun driving it auto...

 

No turbo lag, 230+ hp, 2200 lbs, and a dynamic engine and transmission tuning switch, and you don't think that will be fun to drive? But yes, I hate the fact that Fiat Corp is taking Alfa Romeo the same direction they took Maserati and Ferrari.

I'm waiting for official US prices before deciding one way or another.
It's between this and a Porsche Cayman.
If US pricing starts in the $60+ range, then my money's going with the Cayman.

BC.

 

I hear you BC... I just think the fun factor of a 6-speed Corvette might make more sense if I'm going to put down that kind of money. I'm sure the 4C will be a blast (I'm thinking Lotus Elise) but I have to have a manual transmission to maximize the fun

 

For quite a while now I have been very excited about the return of Alfa Romeo in the US. I also do like the 4C and I could see it as my new car in a few years. The news that it there will not be a manual transmission version has definitely reduced my excitement I guess we need to wait until we test drive one of these and see how it feels.

 

...read somewhere the US price starts around 80K!!! Kind of seems like a rip to me

 

^Oh boyyyyy Excitement decreases more

 

Hmm, the weight and the footprint sounds like it's similar to the ND Miata? Might this be the model that they are buying chassis for from Mazda? Or a variant of that.

 

Nope.

The 4C is a mid engine rear drive chassis that they have been developing in the Maserati house for a couple of years, now. There will be a Maserati version of the 4C with possibly either V-6 or V-8 engines in a couple more years.

Maserati said that their version will be aimed right at the Porsche 911 segment.

BC.

 

What you read was the equivalent in US dollars of the version that is going to be available in Switzerland. That doesn't mean that it will cost $80k in the US Market.

More in the range of $50k to $65k for the US, would be my guess.
Right up against the Porsche Cayman.

BC.

 

The new Corvette looks interesting, but I'm still not interested in a car that is overweight, oversized in width and length, and built using 1990's suspension technology, if you're lucky.

For Corvette money, I'd rather have a well equipped Cayman.
Or, this 4C.

BC.

 

I can see your point; and the Cayman is a very nice car. I even like the Boxster (flame suit on) except for the depreciation factor.

Honestly, part of me wants to step up to a Porsche because I feel like there are too many d-bag teenagers ruining perfectly good cars with lame "mods." It makes me crave something more exclusive. I will gladly pay >60K for the next gen rotary, if it is made to be worth it.

 

oh, ok, thanks BC...still seems a bit pricey though

 

It is unfortunate that GM considers ~3000 lbs no longer practical in a v8 sports car. Meanwhile the new 2013 Cayman continues to improve by lowering weight.

It is funny that GM finally got around to dressing up the interior, but if rumors are true, of course ends up heavier than the previous generation. Cylinder deactivation and direct injection, the new engine is known to be heavier as well.

This is despite using lighter materials elsewhere, like the aluminum frame now coming standard on the base model.

The suspension costs more to manufacture than steel coils, but has certain benefits. It has more compact form factor, reduces unsprung weight, acts as an anti-roll bar, lowers center of gravity, and will not wear out over the life of the vehicle.

The lack of metal body panels, means the doors remain free of dings year after year. Pet peeve of mine.

 

I know it's an old thread, but better to post here than to create a whole new thread...


What a car...