Alfa Romeo's long-awaited 4C sports car is due to lob in Australia next month, priced from $109,000 for the Launch Edition or $89,000 for the standard model. For that money, the buyer gets a carbon-fibre-bodied rival to the Lotus Elise with a 177kW, 350Nm four-cylinder engine that, according to Alfa Romeo, will dispatch 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. The all-alloy engine, displacing 1.8 litres, is turbocharged and intercooled, driving through a standard dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. According to Alfa Romeo figures, the 4C – with a drag coefficient of 0.335Cd – will hit a top speed of 257km/h and, due in part to its light weight (1025kg tare), can generate 1.1g of lateral force and braking deceleration of 1.25g.
Just 1300 units of the Launch Edition will be built for global consumption, with 75 coming to Australia. That's the initial allocation for the local market, the importer says.
In addition to the specification of the standard car, the 4C Launch Edition also offers two new exterior paints – Ross Alfa and Madreperla White – and a host of other cosmetic and dynamic features.
These comprise: Bi-LED carbon fibre headlights; front fascia with side air intakes; carbon-fibre rear spoiler and mirror caps; race suspension tuning for the front and rear anti-roll bars/shock absorbers; sports exhaust; 18-inch (front) and 19-inch (rear) forged wheels painted in Matte Black; red lacquered brake callipers; sport seats with black microfibre upholstery, red or white interior accent stitching on the instrument panel steering wheel, floor mats and door handles; interior carbon-fibre trim plates; carbon-fibre cluster bezel; carbon-fibre gearshift bezel; and carbon-fibre passenger side trim plate.
"Coupled with our dealers, we are thrilled to be bringing this sensational new Alfa Romeo to Australia," said FCA Australia CEO Pat Dougherty, as quoted in a press release.
"The 4C marks the dawn of an exciting new era for Alfa Romeo. This is a true Italian supercar offered at a price that is within reach of many Australians.
"The 4C is the first of an outstanding fleet of Alfa Romeo products and all will share the 4C's focus on style, performance and luxury".