When Alfa Romeo brought a 4C coupe to the 2014 New York auto show, we announced the car's presence as a sign that Alfa was really and truly coming back to the U.S. Finally. Except, given the brand's multi-year, oil-on-water flirtation with America, we couched Alfa's supposed return this June—initially only with the 4C—as highly flexible. It just so happens that Alfa Romeo wasn't too far off on delivering: cars sporting the famed badge with the red cross of Milan (Italy, not Michigan) and the Visconti serpent will officially go on sale soon. In advance of this historic event, the brand has released base pricing and detailed specs on the U.S.-market 4C.
First up, the stunning 4C's price tag. The Launch Edition coupe will cost $69,695, while the regular 4C, which goes on sale in the fall, will start at $55,195. Keep in mind that the Launch Edition's serious price premium comes thanks to a bevy of optional included extras, as well as the special edition's rarity: Just 500 of the cars will be sold. Another detail that slipped out is the 4C's claimed curb weight, which in the U.S. will be just 2465 pounds, by the manufacturer's estimates. That's seriously light, albeit as we predicted, it's also heftier than the European-spec model. Our car wears standard knee and side airbags and comes with air conditioning, all of which tack on the extra pounds.
We've only driven the Euro car, but even saddled with some love handles, we expect our version of the 4C to still be a transcendent drive. It'll get the 1742-cc turbo four (transversely and mid-mounted) making 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as the six-speed dual-clutch automatic and manual (!) rack-and pinion steering. Buyers can choose from six paint colors: Rosso Alfa, White, Basalt Gray, Rosso Competizione, and Madreperla White. Were it us checking options boxes, either of the two Rossos would be the way to go.
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Four as-yet-unpriced option packages will give buyers even more variety. The Convenience package adds cruise control, a premium sound system, a security alarm, and rear parking sensors. For lusher interior appointments, there's the Leather package, which brings leather-wrapped seats, instrument and door panels in either red or black colors. The Track package looks like a must-have choice, given that it comes with unique front and rear anti-roll bars, performance-oriented shocks, a flat-bottom leather and microfiber steering wheel, sport seats wrapped in either black leather with microfiber inserts or full red leather jobs, and a choice of several different wheel styles. Finally, the Exterior package comes with a rear spoiler, Satin Titanium–colored door mirrors, and three different wheel choices.
While we wish the 4C were slightly cheaper, there's no question those who buy it will be satisfied. After all, you're getting a brand-new, mid-engined sports car with a carbon-fiber monocoque that's built in Modena, Italy, for about the same dough as a run-of-the-mill Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. We rest our case.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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