Alfa Romeo 4C Spider concept unveiled at 2014 Geneva show
Alfa Romeo has revealed the 4C Spider in concept form at Geneva, previewing a production open-top model to join the 4C coupe later in 2014.
Alfa Romeo used the 2014 Geneva Motor Show to introduce the 4C Spider in concept form, previewing an open-top version of its lightweight sports car. The 4C Spider is set to join the existing 4C coupe in the Alfa Romeo range, with a production model confirmed for 2015.
The 4C Spider concept keeps the coupe’s carbon fibre chassis and mid-engined layout, but features a removable canvas roof and carbon fibre rollover bars. Alfa Romeo has also used carbon fibre for the windscreen frame and spoilers, helping keep weight down despite the extra reinforcement required for an open car. Even so, the Spider gains around 60kg over the coupe, according to Alfa Romeo.
Design and engineering changes for the Spider
Visually, the 4C Spider concept is close to the coupe but introduces carbon fibre clamshell headlights in place of the coupe’s controversial clusters. The concept also features a centrally positioned dual exhaust system with titanium and carbon fibre tailpipes, along with new alloy wheel designs shod in Pirelli tyres. The rest of the bodywork remains true to the coupe’s compact, purposeful proportions.
The removable roof is a canvas soft top, rather than a folding hardtop, to keep weight and complexity to a minimum. The carbon fibre rollover bars provide additional protection and structural rigidity. Alfa Romeo has not quoted a final kerb weight for the production version, but the increase over the coupe is expected to be modest given the continued use of lightweight materials.
Performance and powertrain
The 4C Spider concept uses the same 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the coupe, producing 240hp and 350Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch TCT automatic gearbox. Alfa Romeo claims 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, matching the coupe’s figures despite the slight weight gain.
| Engine | 1.75-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 240hp |
| Torque | 350Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 250km/h (electronically limited) |
Production plans and market position
Alfa Romeo confirmed at Geneva that a production version of the 4C Spider will follow the concept, joining the coupe in showrooms. The open-top 4C is aimed at buyers seeking a lightweight, focused sports car with the added appeal of open-air driving. The Spider will compete with rivals such as the Porsche Boxster, but will offer a more stripped-back, driver-focused experience thanks to its carbon fibre construction and compact dimensions.
For a wider view of new models at the show, seeGeneva Motor Show 2014: A-Z of Key Premieres and Concepts.
