2016 Alfa Romeo 4C – Exquisite Design and Dynamic Driving at Its Finest

The Alfa Romeo 4C coupe starts at a base price of $55,900, while the 4C Spider starts at $65,900. Both cars compete with sports cars like the Porsche Cayman and Boxster, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette. Rather than try to outmuscle its competitors, Alfa Romeo has instead opted for an approach centered on finesse and beauty, which the 4C serves up in spades. With its ultra-lightweight carbon fiber monocoque construction, the 4C is among the lightest cars sold in the United States. The upshot is that despite a relatively modest power output, the 4C is still plenty fast in a straight line.

Following its U.S. debut last year, the 2016 Alfa 4C carries over with a new Carbon Fiber Trim Package, which adds carbon fiber to interior trim pieces. Premium leather in tobacco or black is also new, as is an upgraded stereo system. Finally, an optional dual-mode exhaust will be a late arrival in the model year.

The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is mounted behind the cockpit, in the tradition of the best Italian sports cars. The engine is capable of producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While that may seem rather modest for a sports car of this caliber, Alfa Romeo claims that the 4C is still capable of 0-60 times in about 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. The only transmission available is a six-speed dual-clutch unit with paddle shifters.

The 4C utilizes various exotic construction techniques, including a structure composed of carbon fiber and aluminum as well as composite body panels. The engine, already physically smaller than those used in most of its competitors, is also an all-aluminum design and as a result, the car's total weight is kept down to about 2,000 pounds.

Stunning looks; amazing handling; powerful turbocharged engine; lightweight construction

While the 4C's light weight keeps straight-line performance figures competitive, it also pays huge dividends in other areas. With so little weight over the front tires, Alfa has chosen not to fit the 4C with power steering, meaning the car offers better feedback and more steering feel than just about anything on the road these days. It should also be relatively fuel efficient when compared to its competitors.

The 4C is sold in two basic trims, the Launch edition and the standard 4C. Though the 4C tends to eschew luxury features in its quest to keep weight down, there are limits to this philosophy, and the standard 4C still comes equipped with powered windows and mirrors, air conditioning, a 7-inch thin-film transistor instrument cluster with a lateral acceleration G-meter and a 4-speaker sound system with USB and audio input jacks.

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Prices

TRIM

Starting MSRP

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C 2-Door Convertible Spider

$65,900

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C 2-Door Coupe

$55,900

Launch Edition 4Cs include bi-xenon headlights, a slightly altered front fascia, a carbon fiber spoiler, carbon fiber and leather interior accents, bigger wheels, leather seating and a commemorative plaque.

There are several option packages available on the 4C. A Convenience Package adds cruise control, an alarm and parking sensors, while a Leather Package includes leather seating and contrasting stitching. The Track Package consists of some reworked suspension, bigger wheels, and track oriented seats, while the Carbon Fiber Package adds more of the material to the interior