Alfa Romeo 4C Spider lands in Australia from $99,000
The open-top Alfa Romeo 4C Spider arrives in Australian showrooms in November 2015, priced below $100,000 and offering a carbon-fibre chassis with 177kW turbo power.
Alfa Romeo has confirmed the 4C Spider for Australia, with a starting price of $99,000 plus on-road costs. The open-top sports car arrives in showrooms in November 2015, undercutting the Porsche Boxster and demanding a $10,000 premium over the 4C coupe.
At $99,000 before on-road costs, the 4C Spider limbos under the six-figure barrier and positions itself between the Lotus Elise ($74,990 and up) and the Porsche Boxster ($102,800 and up). The price is $10,000 more than the hardtop 4C coupe, which launched earlier in 2015. The Spider’s arrival follows shorter waiting lists and improved supply compared to the coupe’s initial launch.
Performance and construction
The 4C Spider shares its core mechanicals with the coupe. It uses a 1742cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 177kW at 6000rpm and 350Nm from 2200–4250rpm, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters. Alfa Romeo claims 0–100km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 256km/h. The Spider weighs 1035kg, just 10kg more than the coupe, thanks to its carbon-fibre monocoque and aluminium subframes.
| Engine | 1.75-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Power | 177kW @ 6000rpm |
| Torque | 350Nm @ 2200–4250rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1035kg |
| 0–100km/h | 4.5 seconds |
| Top speed | 256km/h |
Roof, options and equipment
Unlike some rivals, the 4C Spider features a manually removable fabric roof that can be rolled up and stowed behind the seats. An optional carbon-fibre hardtop is available for those wanting extra rigidity or weather protection. The Spider can also be specified with an Akrapovic sports exhaust for a more aggressive sound.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels, black leather sports seats, cruise control, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and a four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth. Buyers can opt for larger wheels, special paint finishes, coloured brake calipers, and interior upgrades such as red or brown leather. A Racing pack adds stiffer suspension, a sports exhaust, track tyres and bigger wheels.
- Seven exterior colours, with optional tri-coat finishes
- Three interior colour choices: black (standard), red or brown (extra cost)
- Carbon and Leather pack: carbon-fibre mirrors, transmission tunnel, instrument cluster, stitched leather dash
- Racing pack: stiffer suspension, sports exhaust, track tyres, larger wheels
Market context and supply
The 4C Spider’s pricing strategy puts it in direct competition with the Porsche Boxster and Lotus Elise, but with a unique carbon-fibre chassis and Italian styling. Early supply for Australia is expected to be better than the coupe’s initial allocation, with shorter waiting lists anticipated. All cars are hand-built in Modena, Italy.
Alfa Romeo’s Australian sales were down 41.5 per cent to the end of August 2015, with the Giulietta hatchback accounting for most volume. The 4C Spider’s arrival comes as the brand prepares for the Giulia sedan’s launch in 2016.
