Alfaise / Alfora 4c - Competitor?

[Sven76]

I've seen it in flesh on the IAA. Matchbox size. Much smaller than an Evora and looks childish even compared to an Elise.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

Bloody hell, sounds like a carbon Smart Roadster! 

[AnthonyBraham]

http://issuu.com/sjharrison13/docs/issuu_sept_preview/7?e=0

 

Yes, it's difficult to judge by the pictures, and of course the Alfa is much smaller. I view it more like a mid-engined MiTo. So if it's priced like an Audi TT or a Boxster I would think twice before laying out the cash, because lots of the switchgear looks the same as in my wife's red city rocket. The MiTo's TCT gearbox is good, though, so if it's similar in the 4C it should be fun.

But Stirling you're damn right about Lotus having to wake up. Of course the budget needed to develop, produce, and sustain a car like that is easier for the Fiat group than for Lotus. But making good cars is not enough - marketing them is just as important for survival. And keeping ahead of the curve.

In the same issue CAR do a review of the Exige S Roadster - a good review that made me think: hey, I could I live with one of those every day AND have some serious fun on the track. But I will need a personal test drive to determine whether, for me, this is more than a V6-powered spine-breaking Exige.

Edited September 14, 2013 by Anthony27

[jimblob]

The lights look very tvr to me, overall I think it looks like a cracking little car change the grill and the badge could quite easily read TVR or Lotus

[softlips]

I said the same when I first saw at the IAA. I like it - but not the front lights.

[Justin182]

It looks like a melted Evora to me.. Think I'd need to see one in the metal

[auRouge]

Headlamp change from the prototype saved Alfa just over 4 million euro!

Shame as its the only thing I also don't like, the rest is gorgeous! It's an everyday Ferrari.

I've had a few Alfa's, the badge brings a smile to your face every time you sit in it! Just like the Lotus badge.

Let's hope it drives well, if its like a Masser then won't be for me. But if its inbetween an Elise and a Cayman as suggested... :-0

[Bibs]

Topics merged

Headlamp change from the prototype saved Alfa just over 4 million euro!

 

While I'm sure there will be a net saving I think it will cost a decent amount too in lost sales. They are awful!

[Snoopy1969]

@@@Bibs:

If people would have taste than you would be right...but - and this is a huge b u t : Why do people buy touayennes? Of course of the badge from stuttgart not because they have taste.....:-)

[Bibs]

Does Alfa have that cache? 

 

You can pick up a Cayenne for sub £10k too, shows what you're paying for! 

[Bibs]

http://www.pistonheads.com/roadtests/doc.asp?c=47&i=28496

 

[Advantage]

Monkey has done a video for your delight and delectation.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnuNv77rB0Q

[TBD]

Ca I order those headlights with the machine guns installed?  006-Style. 

[USAndretti42]

To me it looks more and more like Alfa's answer to the last Lotus Europa.  The two seats are close together so you are on elbow-rubbing terms with your passenger.  The sills are high.  It's light and not full of gadgets but it's trimmed to a nice level..  The final touch is it's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  Sounds like a Europa to me.

[Bibs]

[FredP]

it looks they have a proper product plan, hopefully Lotus will react by positioning an Exige NA roadster in the 40k bracket

New headlights
Targa
More powerful version

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113101164280/

"A new report indicates Alfa Romeo has some updates in tow for the recently introduced 4C."

Auto Edizione is reporting the Italian marque will offer the 4C with a new set of headlights derived from the 2011 concept. This is great news since the headlight design has been the subject of many disputes revolving around what we consider as being a very beautiful car. This piece of information has actually been confirmed by the car's design team leader Marco Tencone..."

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

it looks they have a proper product plan, hopefully Lotus will react by positioning an Exige NA roadster in the 40k bracket...

 

Lotus react? Firstly that's not DRB's style and secondly Alfa are streets ahead with this one. 

 

A n/a Exige is pretty much an Elise S so what's the point? Lotus need to think ahead but it's not going to happen while the pen pushers are in charge.

 

Sure Alfa is part of a big organisation but the 4C is driven by people who understand what the future holds for sport cars. To bad the 4C's not available for a while, initial UK launch cars are all sold out, ( 1 per dealer ), and the dealer I spoke to said full production models are at least a year away.  Shame, get rid of those daft headlights and it's a stunner, as well as being a technical bargain the price.

[FredP]

From this article, it sounds they will address the headlights, enhance the interior, offer a targa version and a more powerful model

[USAndretti42]

Am I the only one who thinks that the side view of the convertible makes it look a bit beetle-backed?  I would hope an Evora drophead would be better looking.

[Mysterae]

Whenever I see an Alfa, I can't get past the murkin on front grill. Be careful if you're going to google that!

[FredP]

 

 

Am I the only one who thinks that the side view of the convertible makes it look a bit beetle-backed?  I would hope an Evora drophead would be better looking.

 

There is no official picture of the targa 4C so I guess you refer to some photoshop assumptions? I hope the Evora convertible will be similar to the spyker venator, as they share the same platform & engine.

[Stirling_Villeneuve]

On the cover of this month's Top Gear mag, big article inside too, the Hamster loves it but the interior's SO cramped it makes him look like Clarkson! 

 

 

...plus as someone else said, that interior is plastic heaven, shame as the carbon tub should be the main feature in there. Please tell me Lotus are secretly planning a new Elige, super lightweight carbon tub, drop dead gorgeous looks and a decent, yet stripped out interior for similar dosh? 

Edited October 19, 2013 by Stirling_Villeneuve

[Advantage]

The configurator was launched today with the soundtrack from a 1990's cop show. Time to spec a flat green car with cloth.

 

http://4c.alfaromeo.com/

[Snoopy1969]

I have to admit that this video configurator is really nice - but as long as you can´t delete this front lamps...:-)

 

As often said : the lotus configurator, esp the paint options are not helpful - Lotus should keep in mind that a configurator is often a typical "desk toy" which helps for the first contact with a brand / car.

 

@@@Advantage: green? not here...........

[Bibs]

Following on from Top Gears review last week, I've just checked and the 4c is 10 inches wider than an Evora, that's only 2 inches thinner than a standard UK garage door!