Italian sports car—what image do these words conjure in your mind? If the image is a great looking curvy beauty with two seats and a powerful mid-engine powerplant, then you’ll be glad to learn the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C could be the Italian mistress your wife will let sleep in the garage.
One does not simply ‘get into’ the 4C. The action is more like sinking, as the car sits low to the ground. Exposed carbon fiber gives visual reassurance that this car is light and nimble. Leather seats are firm and supportive with large bolsters for spirited driving.
The gauge cluster has a video image of an analog tachometer and digital speedometer that also displays the current transmission gear. Ventilation is three-rotary-knob simple. The audio system is easy to use, though you may forego it to better enjoy the beautiful music coming from the engine. The interior is cozy, but not tight. With a small trunk, a very stiff suspension tuned more for handling than comfort and a muffler delete option, it’s not really a road trip car. It’s more oriented for the track or maneuvering through city streets and winding country roads.
Rear visibility is pretty poor, but decent mirrors ensure you can view the cars you’ve passed. Back-up sensors let you know if you’re getting close to something when reversing, but there’s no back-up camera. Because the 4C is so low to the ground, you have to make sure you can see the other cars and they can see you.
Driving the 4C is a blast. To top it off, it’s gorgeous and gets lots of attention. You’ll also yearn to get it on a track to see what it can really do. Fortunately, at a recent media event at the Road America track in Wisconsin, I got to take a 4C on a speed lap, and it truly is like a go-kart, hugging the pavement like a race car with incredible responsiveness and feedback thanks to the absence of power steering (hurray!). From a standstill, 60 mph can be reached in only 4.2 seconds. Unfortunately, only an automatic transmission is offered, but it does include quick shifting paddle shifters on either side of the thick, flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel if you want to select the gears yourself.
According to Pedro Torres at Fiat of Metro East in Fairview Heights, Illinois, “The 4C has a unique style. And for the money, it’s hard to beat its speed and handling. It’s like a race car.”
Though maybe not the best daily driver, this is a fun weekend or track car for those who are serious drivers. As a bonus, it can double as sculpture while sitting in your garage.
technicals >> alfa romeo 4C hardtop
price:
Base: $54,000
As driven with options: $68,300
gas mileage:
24 city
34 highway
drivetrain:
Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
1.7-litre turbo 4-cylinder engine, 237 horsepower
6-speed automatic twin clutch transmission with paddle shifters
Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.
