For those seeking an unadulterated and passionate driving experience, look no further than Italy. Forget the usual suspects like the Boxster, Miata, or even the Corvette. The answer is the 4c Alfa, a machine that redefines pure driving pleasure.
Stepping into the Alfa Romeo 4C for the first time is a revelation. While it might superficially resemble conventional sports cars, the 4C is something altogether different. It’s a throwback to the essence of what sports cars once were, and perhaps should always be: a machine meticulously crafted for elemental driving joy, first and foremost. Beyond its core mission, the 4C also succeeds spectacularly in being undeniably beautiful.
The cockpit of the Alfa Romeo 4C is built for purpose. The seats are lean, composite-frame buckets, offering minimal adjustments – just fore, aft, and a slight recline. The steering is a direct connection to the road, unassisted and pure. To get moving, you engage ‘1’ from the push-button transmission, then select ‘M’ for manual or ‘A’ for automatic. The dual-clutch transmission is a marvel, delivering a driving experience that arguably surpasses even the most engaging manual gearboxes. A touch of the throttle ignites the 4C’s spirit, especially with the optional racing exhaust. The sound is reminiscent of a Bugatti racing bike, a visceral, race-bred growl that announces its intentions.
The Alfa Romeo 4C possesses a personality unlike almost any other vehicle on the road. This isn’t a grand tourer disguised as a sports car; it’s a stripped-down, mid-engine racer at its heart, and it makes no apologies for it. In photographs, its captivating bodywork might lead you to believe it’s a softer, more refined machine – perhaps a baby Ferrari. While there are echoes of that Italian pedigree, the 4C’s soul is closer to a Lotus Exige: a focused, performance-oriented weapon. The infotainment system is almost an afterthought – an optional Alpine unit perched on the dash. At idle, it’s barely audible, and once you’re moving, the engine and exhaust dominate the soundscape. Forget about a backup camera or navigation system; these are luxuries deemed unnecessary in the pursuit of driving purity. There’s air conditioning and heat, and power windows – concessions to modern comfort, but the focus remains resolutely on the driving experience.
Don’t mistake the 4C’s lack of opulence as a weakness. Quite the opposite. It’s a testament to its dedication to driving. Behind the wheel of the 4C Spider, your entire focus narrows to the act of driving itself. Setting off, the engine’s assertive bark, followed by the thrilling after-burble on upshifts, guarantees attention. Push the accelerator, and the sound transforms into a full-throated roar, akin to the soundtrack of a track day filled with race cars pushed to their limits. The 4C is a magnet for attention, and for those who appreciate automotive passion, it’s overwhelmingly positive attention. As the saying goes, “If you don’t want people looking, don’t dress that way.” And the 4C is dressed to thrill.
The steering in the 4C demands respect, particularly at low speeds. Parking maneuvers require momentum, as the unassisted rack can feel heavy at a standstill. However, once on the move, the steering becomes telepathic. The level of road feedback is astonishing. You can feel every nuance of the tarmac, from painted lane markings to the subtle scrub of the tires in corners. Under acceleration, the steering lightens as the front end lifts, while braking and turning brings a sense of the car’s weight shifting forward. It’s a visceral experience that words struggle to capture; it must be felt to be truly understood.
The Alfa 4c is not a car with dual personalities. It’s consistently intense, always ready to deliver a raw, unfiltered driving experience. However, it truly comes alive when you’re actively driving it, rather than simply cruising. On the highway, in a relaxed state, it can feel restless, requiring constant minor corrections to maintain a straight line. Crosswinds and the wake of trucks can nudge it off course. But this slight nervousness transforms into agility when you need it most. Miss an exit? A quick glance, a decisive turn of the wheel, and the 4C responds with laser-like precision.
Around town, the same duality exists. Driven casually, it can feel slightly unsettled, tracing every imperfection in the road surface. But when driven with intent, it sharpens into a scalpel. Find a series of tight corners, summon your courage, and the Alfa 4C becomes an extension of your will, carving through the curves with breathtaking agility. It feels like the pinnacle of road-car handling. However, let’s be clear: this is not a grand touring machine. Rough pavement will send shivers through your spine. Railroad crossings are met with a jarring impact, a reminder of the 4C’s uncompromising nature. You quickly learn to navigate truly challenging road surfaces with caution. If there are conventional springs in the suspension, they are remarkably subtle; the 4C feels intimately connected to the road surface, almost riding directly on its chassis.
The 4C’s acceleration is intriguing. In automatic mode (‘A’), it operates with a constant sense of urgency. Every input feels dramatic, as if you’re channeling a racing legend. Regardless of throttle input, the sound is always intense. There’s no way to drive the 4c discreetly; its aural presence ensures you’re always making an impression. Yet, the actual thrust doesn’t always match the auditory drama. Easing onto the throttle results in a dramatic engine scream and a rapid shift to second gear, but the acceleration is more assertive than explosive. However, when you fully commit, burying the throttle, speed builds rapidly, and the road ahead shrinks quickly. The 4C is quick, but it demands an assertive driving style, using the throttle with purpose. The 1750cc, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, nestled behind you, produces a modest 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In a car weighing just 2,500 pounds, this is sufficient for impressive performance figures. However, it lacks the sledgehammer-like punch of some competitors in the $70K price range, such as the BMW M4 or Camaro ZL1. A launch control system helps achieve a 0-60 mph sprint in a claimed 4.1 seconds. The drive mode selector offers All-weather, Dynamic, Natural, and Racing settings, hinting at its track day potential, something we eagerly anticipate exploring.
The 4C’s measured power delivery is actually a strength. Like a Mazda Miata, it provides immense driving pleasure at real-world speeds, making it enjoyable on public roads. The sensation of speed is amplified; you feel faster than you are. When you do unleash its full potential, the feeling is exhilarating, truly engaging your senses and quickening your pulse. More than once, while enjoying a spirited drive in the 4C, a glimpse of a police car prompted a glance at the digital speedometer, only to reveal speeds well within legal limits. The 4C delivers thrills without necessarily requiring law-breaking speeds.
Alfa Romeo’s dedication to craftsmanship is evident throughout the 4C. The carbon fiber components are exquisitely finished with a deep gloss. Even the windshield surround is crafted from carbon fiber. Compared to other cars employing carbon fiber, the 4C showcases its lightweight construction with greater pride. The interior and seats have a bespoke feel, setting a benchmark for cars in this price bracket. The exterior is replete with subtle details that enhance its allure. Note the carbon fiber trim accentuating the lower intake vents, or the purposeful front grille design, revealing the meticulous attention lavished on the 4C.
Inside, the Alfa Romeo 4C is remarkably compact, roughly Miata-sized, though with a higher windshield line. There’s no center armrest, and finding a comfortable resting place for the driver’s left arm can be a challenge. The high door sill worked adequately for a 6-foot driver, but again, the focus is on the driving task, demanding both hands on the wheel and shifter. The open-top experience of the targa-style convertible (Spider) is integral to the 4C’s charm. Wind management is commendable, making highway driving enjoyable. If considering a coupe 4C, strongly consider the Spider; a fixed roof might diminish the overall experience.
The removable roof is a fabric panel that rolls out to cover the 4C, and it’s not an operation performed from within the car. It stows in the rear trunk, behind the engine, occupying about a third of the available space. This underscores the 4C’s nature as a fair-weather companion, or a car capable of handling unexpected showers to get you home.
The test car was equipped with the optional racing exhaust. On the highway, its volume is intense enough to warrant earplugs. Around town, after an hour, it can become mentally taxing. If Alfa Romeo were to offer more comfortable seats (at least with lumbar support), a backup camera, and a switch to modulate the exhaust note – features found in cars like the Jaguar F-Type – it would elevate the 4C’s everyday usability without compromising its core character.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now Stellantis, boasts a US lineup brimming with personality, and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider fits perfectly within a stable that includes Vipers, Hellcats, Jeeps, Ferraris, and the Fiat 124 Spider. These are vehicles that grab your attention and demand to be driven. The 4C is an ideal weekend escape and a thrilling track-day machine. Experience the 4C, and even if you don’t end up purchasing one, you’ll leave with the gratifying feeling that somewhere, someone is still committed to building true, uncompromising sports cars.
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Options:
- Rosso Alfa $1,500
- Convenience Package $1,800
- Carbon Fiber Cluster Bezel $300
- Racing Exhaust $500
- Xenon Headlamps $1,000
Price: $70,595 including destination
Likes:
- Striking Exterior Design
- Unapologetically Raw Personality
Dislikes
- Driver’s Seat Comfort
- Highway Noise (From Optional Exhaust)
Photography by John Goreham
