2014 Alfa Romeo 4C detailed – 177kW, 0-100 in 4.5s

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C front quarter

Alfa Romeo has released full details about the highly anticipated 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C. Set to launch in Europe in October, the 4C will come in one model powered by a 1.75-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder direct-injected engine that generates 177kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

Paired with Alfa’s latest-generation “Alfa TCT” dry twin-clutch automatic transmission, it will propel the 895kg sports car from a standstill to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 258km/h.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C carbon fibre chassis

Its feather-light weight is thanks to the use of carbon-fibre, aluminium, SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) and PUR-RIM (injected polyurethane). Further weight is cut by using lightweight windows that are approximately 15 per cent lighter than usual. Most notably, the Alfa Romeo 4C is built on a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis that weight just 65kg.

The Italian company said owners can expect to average 6.8L/100km while emitting 157g/km of polar ice melting CO2 from the small thoroughbred car that marks the return of the brand to the world of lightweight sports coupés.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C white rear quarter

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and made at the Maserati plant in Modena, the two-seater 4C uses materials and design solutions derived from the 8C Competizione, along with technologies from Alfa Romeo’s latest models.

Measuring approximately 4 metres with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres, the dynamic qualities of the Alfa Romeo 4C are confirmed by a supercar-like weight to power ratio of less than 4kg/HP. With a 40:60 front to rear weight distribution, the car will generate over 1.1g of lateral acceleration.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C silver and red

The brand’s engineers have also worked hard on the car’s soundtrack, with emphasis on low frequency sound from the engine for that classic exhaust roar.

Special attention is paid to the seat which is designed so that the car can be ‘felt’. Its unassisted, progressive and direct steering has also been engineered to deliver as much ‘feel’ as possible.

Alfa Romeo will build just 3,500 units annually with 1,000 of them earmarked for Europe.

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