Sub-$90k pricetag for Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe

ALFA Romeo’s much-lauded 4C Coupe hits showrooms in February, priced from $89,000 plus on-road costs, with a special edition version also on offer to tempt the Alfisti.

A special Launch Edition – limited to 75 units from 1300 worldwide – will be available, featuring a host of mechanical and exterior extras and priced at $109,000, plus on-road costs.

The 4C will have few competitors in the local space, with Lotus’s elderly 1.8-litre, manual-only Elise S retailing for $84,990, while Porsche’s Cayman 2.7-litre entry variant is $106,600 plus on-roads.

The diminutive rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined sportscar comes in just one drivetrain configuration an all-new turbocharged 1.7-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is backed by Alfa’s own TCT (twin-clutch transmission). No manual gearbox option exists here or overseas for the 1025kg 4C.

The direct injection-equipped, all-alloy motor that the 4C shares with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV makes 177kW at 6000rpm and 350Nm at 2200rpm, giving the 4C a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

The carbon-tubbed two-seater features alloy front and rear sub-frames, composite body panels and the aforementioned alloy engine to reduce weight.

Suspension is double-wishbone up front with MacPherson struts in the rear, and there’s an electronically controlled rear diff between the rear wheels.

Conversely, there is no power assistance of any sort at the steering wheel. The brakes are steel items supplied by Brembo.

The driver can select four driving modes via Alfa’s DNA switch, mounted on the centre console - All-weather, Natural, Dynamic and Race – which will change throttle, diff and transmission maps accordingly.

There is also a launch control function built into both Dynamic and Race modes, while the latter setting completely turns off both stability and traction control.

The 4C’s rims are staggered in size, with 17-inch up front and 18-inch at the rear. Tyres are Pirelli P-Zeros measuring 205/45/ZR17 up front and 235/40ZR18 out back.

Sports bucket seats dominate the sparsely-equipped cabin. The leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel is devoid of controls, but a pair of shift paddles nestle behind it. There is a 110-litre luggage bin in the rear, but no storage is available in the 4C’s nose.

There are few other toys in the stripped-out 4C, but the TFT dash features multiple screens capable of displaying performance data. A Bluetooth audio head unit is fitted to Australian-delivered cars, as are rear parking sensors. There is no reversing camera available for the 4C.

The Launch Edition will come equipped with a host of interior and exterior upgrades, including upsized rims in matte black, uprated dampers and sway bars, a muffler-less exhaust, sports seats, carbon interior trim, Bi-LED headlights, a carbon rear wing and carbon mirror caps.

FCA Australia president and CEO Pat Dougherty said the 4C offered affordable sportscar performance, and added that it was the beginning of a new period for the famed Italian brand.

“The 4C marks the dawn of an exciting new era for Alfa Romeo,” he said. “This is a true Italian supercar offered at a price that is within reach of many Australians.”

Alfa Romeo global CEO Harald Wester highlighted the racing heritage of the brand in developing the 4C.

“With its technological solutions derived directly from Formula 1, the Alfa Romeo 4C creates a fusion of body and machine, an extension of its driver’s soul that is ready, capable and willing to respond and deliver,” he said.

The 4C will be built in the Maserati factory in Modena, Italy.

Alfa Romeo 4C pricing*

Coupe	$89,000
Launch Edition	$109,000

*Excludes on-road costs.