RE: Alfa 4C UK price announced
Discussion
E38Ross said:
downr said:
SWoll said:
downr said:
given a choice between an alfa and the really unimaginative alternatives of a Porsche or an Audi (or heaven forbid a BMW). I'll take the car with some character every day of the week
How far does character go if the unimaginative alternatives are better built, better to drive and better value for money though?Doesn't make sense to me if all of the above ends up being accurate. I'd take the best car and not worry about being 'imaginative' personally.
You say boring alternatives like porsche or BMW.... But porsche do some cracking drivers cars and some of the models bmw do are also very good for what they are, often (not always) better than the competition. The M3 being a prime example.
kambites said:
crostonian said:
Find it a bit ironic that the people questioning Alfas reliability and build quality seem to be in awe of Porsche. Of course the 997 Carrera S and Cayman S never have any mechanical faults and the dealers aren't at all arrogant in their response as a quick search on google will confirm......
But... but... German!!Reading all that reminded me of this, look at 2:24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGiFQPGwRxE
errek72 said:
That would be a front engined spider, designed by Mazda and built by Mazda but badged Alfa. How Fiat wants to sell that off as a "co-development"...
Alfa styling on a Mazda platform, at the very least, so your claim of 'designed' is a bit off. I'd expect to see Alfa engines like the 1750 but who knows. Soupie69uk said:
I see Chris H has been tweeting about an event he was at for the 4C. Looks really nice in his pics. Like the dark grey one also!
I think its cool how the car has different diameter wheels on the front to the rear.
Can not wait to see one in the flesh, hope some phead users buy one to so can share the running experience stories.
Was ogling that too. But did you see the pic with the numberplate? I think its cool how the car has different diameter wheels on the front to the rear.
Can not wait to see one in the flesh, hope some phead users buy one to so can share the running experience stories.
Almost as much of a dealbreaker as the headlights. Clearly an afterthought and with Belgian plates being over half a meter wide...
errek72 said:
That would be a front engined spider, designed by Mazda and built by Mazda but badged Alfa. How Fiat wants to sell that off as a "co-development"...
Well, the reality will be more that it will be a RWD roadster, built by Mazda, chassis designed by Mazda, interior and exterior designed by Alfa and badged by Alfa.I also wouldn't be surprised to see this 1750 engine (for example in it's 170hp tune) in it.
The chances Mazda will replace it's MX-5 with a FWD car are slim to none. It's one of the few cars that has stayed true to it's design ethos:
- That the car would be as compact and as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements.
- That the cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full-stature occupants with no wasted space.
- That the basic layout would continue with the original's front-midship rear-drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for 50:50 weight * distribution.
- That all four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension systems to maximize tire performance, road grip, and dynamic stability.
- And that a power-plant frame would again provide a solid connection between the engine and rear-mounted differential to sharpen throttle response.
I for one look forward to such a car, but with the 1750 engine and some Alfa styling.
errek72 said:
Was ogling that too. But did you see the pic with the numberplate?
Almost as much of a dealbreaker as the headlights. Clearly an afterthought and with Belgian plates being over half a meter wide...
hmm, in that case you should look at porsches or ferraris.Almost as much of a dealbreaker as the headlights. Clearly an afterthought and with Belgian plates being over half a meter wide...
And yes, the new EU reg belgian plates are HUGE.
If it comes to me needing to swap mine, depending on my car then, I'll probably opt for a smaller (yet illegal) sticker plate you often see (again, mainly on 911s).
ZesPak said:
hmm, in that case you should look at porsches or ferraris.
And yes, the new EU reg belgian plates are HUGE.
If it comes to me needing to swap mine, depending on my car then, I'll probably opt for a smaller (yet illegal) sticker plate you often see (again, mainly on 911s).
It's a shame we're not allowed those half size Italian front plates you sometimes see. I hear it's only a £30 fine if you're stopped for a missing front plate, and probably blaggable if you keep a tatty one in the boot that 'just fell off officer'.And yes, the new EU reg belgian plates are HUGE.
If it comes to me needing to swap mine, depending on my car then, I'll probably opt for a smaller (yet illegal) sticker plate you often see (again, mainly on 911s).
Esseesse said:
I hear it's only a £30 fine if you're stopped for a missing front plate, and probably blaggable if you keep a tatty one in the boot that 'just fell off officer'.
I've heard that before, though I don't now how legitimate that is. Can't imagine many Ferrari (or even Porsche for that matter) owners seen one running one them, and just put it into running costs (I know I would). Heck, you'll have a hard time actually finding a pic of an Aventador sporting front plates!errek72 said:
Was ogling that too. But did you see the pic with the numberplate?
Almost as much of a dealbreaker as the headlights. Clearly an afterthought and with Belgian plates being over half a meter wide...
I'd mount it centrally with the bottom hanging slightly below the level of the splitter. Very useful when approaching dubious speed humps because the plate hits first, saving you from expensive damage to the clam. Almost as much of a dealbreaker as the headlights. Clearly an afterthought and with Belgian plates being over half a meter wide...
fwiw TG have more driving impressions..
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/alfa-romeo-4c-f...
needs a v6 and a manual box then ;-)
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/alfa-romeo-4c-f...
needs a v6 and a manual box then ;-)
ZesPak said:
Well, the reality will be more that it will be a RWD roadster, built by Mazda, chassis designed by Mazda, interior and exterior designed by Alfa and badged by Alfa.
I also wouldn't be surprised to see this 1750 engine (for example in it's 170hp tune) in it.
The chances Mazda will replace it's MX-5 with a FWD car are slim to none. It's one of the few cars that has stayed true to it's design ethos:
I for one look forward to such a car, but with the 1750 engine and some Alfa styling.
It will probably a really nice car. Possibly one of the best. But I can't see the point of an Alfa version. Actually Mazda's current design looks much nicer than Alfa's. So the only real difference would be the choice between a Mazda and a Fiat engine? Perhaps if cheaper, otherwise...I also wouldn't be surprised to see this 1750 engine (for example in it's 170hp tune) in it.
The chances Mazda will replace it's MX-5 with a FWD car are slim to none. It's one of the few cars that has stayed true to it's design ethos:
- That the car would be as compact and as light as possible while meeting global safety requirements.
- That the cockpit would comfortably accommodate two full-stature occupants with no wasted space.
- That the basic layout would continue with the original's front-midship rear-drive configuration with the engine positioned ahead of the driver but behind the front axle for 50:50 weight * distribution.
- That all four wheels would be attached by wishbone or multi-link suspension systems to maximize tire performance, road grip, and dynamic stability.
- And that a power-plant frame would again provide a solid connection between the engine and rear-mounted differential to sharpen throttle response.
I for one look forward to such a car, but with the 1750 engine and some Alfa styling.
ZesPak said:
Esseesse said:
I hear it's only a £30 fine if you're stopped for a missing front plate, and probably blaggable if you keep a tatty one in the boot that 'just fell off officer'.
I've heard that before, though I don't now how legitimate that is. Can't imagine many Ferrari (or even Porsche for that matter) owners seen one running one them, and just put it into running costs (I know I would). Heck, you'll have a hard time actually finding a pic of an Aventador sporting front plates!errek72 said:
Imagine the aerodynamics on that Bug going full chat.
And, tbh, I think the new EU reg plates are even bigger than that!
Can't see me putting anything else but a sticker plate on a car like that. Even got one (full size) on my 159, never been stopped/marked for it, not even on the MOT. They probably don't care as long as it's not ridiculously small or noticeable.
I don't know for other markets, but are front plates often "stamped"? As in, do they have to be official? Here you can just buy a £10 plate for the front that's perfectly legal... (has some regs re colour, font, size, reflective,...)
GTRene said:
thats from a 345hp Exige S you can not really compare that to the 240hp 4c
the Exige with 243hp can be compared with the 240hp 4c me thinks, but I guess even a 260hp Exige would not touch the 4c time when you look at the 243hp Exige's time I guess.
The point is, the time you're quoting is from an Exige seven years ago. I don't think you can buy that model any more. The Exige is heavier, but it has a more powerful engine - you buy the package, not a specific power output.the Exige with 243hp can be compared with the 240hp 4c me thinks, but I guess even a 260hp Exige would not touch the 4c time when you look at the 243hp Exige's time I guess.
errek72 said:
It will probably a really nice car. Possibly one of the best. But I can't see the point of an Alfa version. Actually Mazda's current design looks much nicer than Alfa's. So the only real difference would be the choice between a Mazda and a Fiat engine? Perhaps if cheaper, otherwise...
I agree, the new "6" is a brilliant looking car. They've ditched the smiley face which is a good thing. But current Alfa s are great looking as well. And they've always done some very nice designs, it'd be great to see them doing their magic on a lightweight small rwd roadster. Maybe a contemporary take on the classic Spider? To bad it'll always look bland next to that Tuonanetta-something concept. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff