Alfa Romeo 4C

Overview: Is the Alfa Romeo 4C a Good Sports Car?

The Alfa Romeo 4C, a lightweight mid-engine sports car, marked the Italian automaker's return to the U.S. market in 2015 after a nearly two-decade absence. Sold in the U.S. from 2015 through 2018, the 4C offers driving enthusiasts an exotic and engaging experience, prioritizing performance and handling over luxury and comfort. With its carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, turbocharged engine, and race-inspired design, the 4C competed against other compact sports cars like the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Elise. Alfa Romeo is one of the automotive brands owned by Stellantis.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Alfa Romeo 4C cars for sale.

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Key Features

The Alfa Romeo 4C offers:

• Compact, lightweight coupe body style (hardtop and Spider)
• Two-seat cabin
• Mid-engine layout with rear-wheel drive
• Turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four (I4) engine
• 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Carbon-fiber monocoque chassis

Trims

The Alfa Romeo 4C has two main variants: the 4C Coupe and the 4C Spider (convertible). Both models share the same powertrain and performance features, with the Spider offering an open-air driving experience. The limited-run Launch Edition, available in the 4C's first year, added unique styling elements and premium amenities.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

As a focused sports car, the Alfa Romeo 4C interior targets performance over practicality. The minimalist cabin has tight accommodations for two and limited storage space. The bare carbon-fiber tub is visible throughout the interior, emphasizing the car's lightweight construction. Standard features include manual air conditioning, a 7-inch TFT display, and a four-speaker audio system. The 4C's compact dimensions and lack of a traditional infotainment system reflect its dedication to driving over comfort and convenience.

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How It Drives

The Alfa Romeo 4C's driving experience is more akin to being a go-kart than a sports car, a throwback to simpler times. Its mid-mounted turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four engine produces 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, propelling the lightweight 4C from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (TCT) provides quick and precise shifts, while the DNA drive mode selector allows drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Meanwhile, the 4C's unassisted steering and firm suspension deliver exceptional feedback and responsiveness, making it a joy to pilot on twisting roads.

Safety

The Alfa Romeo 4C was not rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to its low production volume and niche market status. As a minimalist sports car, the 4C does not offer advanced driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control. However, it does include standard safety equipment such as airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control.

Reviews

Consumer reviews on the Alfa Romeo 4C are overwhelmingly favorable on Kelley Blue Book, with an average rating of 4.8/5. The car gets near-perfect reliability, quality, and performance scores, with only comfort ranking substantially lower.

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FAQs

Is the Alfa Romeo 4C rare?

Yes, the Alfa Romeo 4C is a rare car, particularly in America. During its four-year run in the U.S. market (2015-2018), Alfa Romeo sold just over 1,500 examples of the 4C. The car's limited production, exotic styling, and niche market appeal contribute to its rarity and collectibility.

Is the Alfa Romeo 4C fast?

Yes, the Alfa Romeo 4C is a fast car, especially considering its compact size and lightweight construction. With a turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four (I4) engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the 4C can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph.

What is the Alfa Romeo 4C price?

According to CoPilot’s marketplace listings, a used Alfa Romeo 4C costs $50,000 to $60,000.

Why was the Alfa Romeo 4C discontinued?

Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) discontinued the Alfa Romeo 4C in the US market after the 2018 model year due to several factors, including low sales volume, changing consumer preferences, and the automaker's shifting priorities. Alfa Romeo's focus on expanding its lineup with more mainstream models, such as the Giulia sedan and Stelvio and Tonale SUVs, likely contributed to the decision to end 4C production.

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