The all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has made its official debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Like the coupé, the open top 4C will feature a mid-engine layout and powered by an all-aluminium 1750cc direct-injection, dual intercooled, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 176kW – an impressive 101kW per litre, and 350Nm of torque; promising supercar-level of performance. It is mated with Alfa’s TCT (twin-clutch transmission) driving the rear wheels. The 4C Spider is available with an Akrapovi? dual-mode, titatnium exhaust system as an option.
“With a removable carbon fibre hardtop, the 4C Spider takes the Coupe’s supercar level of performance and technology and ‘opens it up,’ allowing the driver to experience the incredible 4C from an entirely different perspective,” said Head of Alfa Romeo North America.
The 4C Spider is capable of rushing from 0-100km/h in an estimated 4.1 seconds, on route to a top speed of 257km/h. It generates 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25g of maximum braking deceleration.
Its monocoque chassis, at 107kg, is made entirely of unilateral, “pre-preg” carbon fibre layers that are hand-laid for extraordinary stiffness and strength. In fact, its three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel. It lightweight architecture is further enhanced with front- and rear-chassis structures and an engine-mounting frame made from lightweight aluminium.
For a technical look, header strength and to keep the centre of gravity low, the 4C Spider features a unilateral carbon fibre windshield frame that is adhered and bolted to the monocoque chassis.
The lightweight regime continues with use of side windows glass that are 10 per cent thinner to reduce weight by up to 15 per cent, while the pair of sport seats feature a carbon fibre and fibreglass reinforced-composite structure.
The 4C Spider’s race derived suspension is comprised of a “superimposed” double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson suspension at the rear, both made from aluminium and high-strength steel.
A Track Package which includes high-performance shock absorbers with larger front- and rear-sway bars, larger and staggering 18 x 7-inch (front), 19 x 8.5-inch (rear) forged aluminium wheels with Pirelli P-Zero AR Racing tyres, performance flat-bottom steering wheel with microfiber inserts, carbon fiber exterior mirrors and carbon fiber gauge cluster bezel, plus the availability of Black leather performance seats with microfiber inserts and Red or Yellow accent stitching is also offered.
The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will hit showrooms in the U.S. and Canada in the middle of the year.