Just a thought: Alfa 4c twin air
Discussion
Given the wonderfully light wieght of the 4c its bhp/tonne is rather impressive despite its modest 230bhp output, the 4c is set to be really quite quick.
Yet most car enthusiasts understand that feel and fun are more important than speed and 0-60 times, surely then the obvious thing for Alfa to do once the reviews start coming in of how its a 'true drivers car' and 'brings Alfa back as a sporty brand' (yes I really am banking on that...) would be to downsize the engine.
With the twin in a more sporty mapping, 110 plus hopefully, the 4c should be able to achieve hot hatch levels of acceleration,with low 7's to 60.
Every one who has driven the Toyota GT86 has been talking about how its a car for drivers and how its what all car fans have been asking for, surely then a rival 4c twin air would be most welcome? If all said, a little slower.
Oh, and no road tax as well.
Yet most car enthusiasts understand that feel and fun are more important than speed and 0-60 times, surely then the obvious thing for Alfa to do once the reviews start coming in of how its a 'true drivers car' and 'brings Alfa back as a sporty brand' (yes I really am banking on that...) would be to downsize the engine.
With the twin in a more sporty mapping, 110 plus hopefully, the 4c should be able to achieve hot hatch levels of acceleration,with low 7's to 60.
Every one who has driven the Toyota GT86 has been talking about how its a car for drivers and how its what all car fans have been asking for, surely then a rival 4c twin air would be most welcome? If all said, a little slower.
Oh, and no road tax as well.
If they were doing it at <£15k it might work (I have a 109ps Smart Roadster so I definitely see the appeal) but I think the fancy body would make it far too expensive to get away with a low output engine 
Who'd spend £30k on a Alfa twin when the Elise CR in that price range already combines better performance with good economy?
Who'd spend £30k on a Alfa twin when the Elise CR in that price range already combines better performance with good economy?
moribund said:
If they were doing it at <£15k it might work (I have a 109ps Smart Roadster so I definitely see the appeal) but I think the fancy body would make it far too expensive to get away with a low output engine
Who'd spend £30k on a Alfa twin when the Elise CR in that price range already combines better performance with good economy?
Whats your view on the Toyota?Who'd spend £30k on a Alfa twin when the Elise CR in that price range already combines better performance with good economy?
I think it sounds a great idea and I even like the looks, but I worry that it won't sell. An enlightened few will make it a cult car, but I think the bulk of the market will think it's too expensive for too few bragging rights.
I run an RX8 as well as the Smart and the RX8 seems quite close to the GT86 on paper. I enjoy it, but the general consensus on the internet is they aren't fast enough. I can understand that coming from turbo cars in the past. The appeal of high-revs and low torque comes with time not with a test drive.
I don't think the Alfa and the Toyota are similar though, even if it came with the twin-air engine you're suggesting. The Alfa has a lot more sex appeal and will need firepower to back that up for the less enlightened among us
I run an RX8 as well as the Smart and the RX8 seems quite close to the GT86 on paper. I enjoy it, but the general consensus on the internet is they aren't fast enough. I can understand that coming from turbo cars in the past. The appeal of high-revs and low torque comes with time not with a test drive.
I don't think the Alfa and the Toyota are similar though, even if it came with the twin-air engine you're suggesting. The Alfa has a lot more sex appeal and will need firepower to back that up for the less enlightened among us
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