Anyone have any 'inside' info on the Alfa 4C?
Discussion
Just popped into my inbox £52k for launch edition:
http://e-alfaromeo.co.uk/szoqxA32~ry2TfB3VqmWBm8Zi...
http://e-alfaromeo.co.uk/szoqxA32~ry2TfB3VqmWBm8Zi...
SturdyHSV said:
So looks like 240hp and 895kg 
Yep, this should be good enough ooomph-wise. It's SC Elise/Exige territory, so it should handle really nicely.£52k seems a little steep to me, but if the interior and quality of build is there, then this could be a stunning car.
Off to Geneva on Thursday to see it in the flesh!! - and am about to buy a SC Elise to tidy-me-over until Sept!!
Just posted this elsewhere on Pheads...
I've just got back from Geneva.
As someone stated earlier, the 4C really is the star of the show. It's the only car I could find that showed really innovative tech available in the real world (if £52k is real world). This is the car Lotus would build if they had the cash to develop it. A Carbon tub with all-ali engine and gearbox, which happens to be twin-clutch, is really stunning. It should perform similar to a SC Elise/Exige I think.
The interior didn't photograph well, it's actually really nice. Lots of leather and carbon, switches didn't feel cheap, it was a nice place to sit.
The carbon bits on the launch model look great, even the headlights. The headlights on the standard model look under-thought in comparison, so I'd expect a lot of punters to option a carbon pack (if they make it available). I loved it, and have a deposit down.
The REAL problem is the price - £52k for the launch edition is a LOT of cash and pitches it against a Boxster/Cayman, which whilst they look dull in comparision, they do offer more "solid" reputation. I love light cars, I love the elise/exige, but fully specced these are £38/40k new, which in itself is a lot of money for a basic performance car with no frills. I'd think of the Alfa as a grown up elise, but not as grown up as the Porsches - The 4C has more integrity than the Lotus IMHO, being all italian, all alfa (no Toyota engine!) its a really well engineered car - but £52k...!!!?? That price tag has got me reconsidering BIG TIME
The matt white paintwork looked amazing!! - other option for the launch model is flat red - how do you maintain flat white paint..?
I've just got back from Geneva.
As someone stated earlier, the 4C really is the star of the show. It's the only car I could find that showed really innovative tech available in the real world (if £52k is real world). This is the car Lotus would build if they had the cash to develop it. A Carbon tub with all-ali engine and gearbox, which happens to be twin-clutch, is really stunning. It should perform similar to a SC Elise/Exige I think.
The interior didn't photograph well, it's actually really nice. Lots of leather and carbon, switches didn't feel cheap, it was a nice place to sit.
The carbon bits on the launch model look great, even the headlights. The headlights on the standard model look under-thought in comparison, so I'd expect a lot of punters to option a carbon pack (if they make it available). I loved it, and have a deposit down.
The REAL problem is the price - £52k for the launch edition is a LOT of cash and pitches it against a Boxster/Cayman, which whilst they look dull in comparision, they do offer more "solid" reputation. I love light cars, I love the elise/exige, but fully specced these are £38/40k new, which in itself is a lot of money for a basic performance car with no frills. I'd think of the Alfa as a grown up elise, but not as grown up as the Porsches - The 4C has more integrity than the Lotus IMHO, being all italian, all alfa (no Toyota engine!) its a really well engineered car - but £52k...!!!?? That price tag has got me reconsidering BIG TIME
The matt white paintwork looked amazing!! - other option for the launch model is flat red - how do you maintain flat white paint..?
Price is a problem. Also there is not much innovation in the expect of anti-lag and that it is light compared other car released recent years.
Engine is from Giulietta and so is the transmission. Alfa 1.7t engine has been described as uninspiring and it makes me worry a bit. Also this car does not need base editions with ugly headlights, that is the last thing they need in 52k car.
Engine is from Giulietta and so is the transmission. Alfa 1.7t engine has been described as uninspiring and it makes me worry a bit. Also this car does not need base editions with ugly headlights, that is the last thing they need in 52k car.
richyd said:
Just posted this elsewhere on Pheads...
I've just got back from Geneva.
As someone stated earlier, the 4C really is the star of the show. It's the only car I could find that showed really innovative tech available in the real world (if £52k is real world). This is the car Lotus would build if they had the cash to develop it. A Carbon tub with all-ali engine and gearbox, which happens to be twin-clutch, is really stunning. It should perform similar to a SC Elise/Exige I think.
The interior didn't photograph well, it's actually really nice. Lots of leather and carbon, switches didn't feel cheap, it was a nice place to sit.
The carbon bits on the launch model look great, even the headlights. The headlights on the standard model look under-thought in comparison, so I'd expect a lot of punters to option a carbon pack (if they make it available). I loved it, and have a deposit down.
The REAL problem is the price - £52k for the launch edition is a LOT of cash and pitches it against a Boxster/Cayman, which whilst they look dull in comparision, they do offer more "solid" reputation. I love light cars, I love the elise/exige, but fully specced these are £38/40k new, which in itself is a lot of money for a basic performance car with no frills. I'd think of the Alfa as a grown up elise, but not as grown up as the Porsches - The 4C has more integrity than the Lotus IMHO, being all italian, all alfa (no Toyota engine!) its a really well engineered car - but £52k...!!!?? That price tag has got me reconsidering BIG TIME
The matt white paintwork looked amazing!! - other option for the launch model is flat red - how do you maintain flat white paint..?
With regards deposit. I have had a letter of intent in with my Alfa dealer for quite a while - ensuring that I'm No.1 on their list (even if not on Alfa's!). They (dealer) contacted me yesterday to say Alfa's order books are now formally open and that they (Alfa) require a hefty £16k deposit - if you want a launch edition car ( limited edition, 400 destined for Europe, 1000 Worldwide). Does this stack up with the deposit you were asked for? Apparently deposit will be less for subsequent cars that follow the initial launch edition.I've just got back from Geneva.
As someone stated earlier, the 4C really is the star of the show. It's the only car I could find that showed really innovative tech available in the real world (if £52k is real world). This is the car Lotus would build if they had the cash to develop it. A Carbon tub with all-ali engine and gearbox, which happens to be twin-clutch, is really stunning. It should perform similar to a SC Elise/Exige I think.
The interior didn't photograph well, it's actually really nice. Lots of leather and carbon, switches didn't feel cheap, it was a nice place to sit.
The carbon bits on the launch model look great, even the headlights. The headlights on the standard model look under-thought in comparison, so I'd expect a lot of punters to option a carbon pack (if they make it available). I loved it, and have a deposit down.
The REAL problem is the price - £52k for the launch edition is a LOT of cash and pitches it against a Boxster/Cayman, which whilst they look dull in comparision, they do offer more "solid" reputation. I love light cars, I love the elise/exige, but fully specced these are £38/40k new, which in itself is a lot of money for a basic performance car with no frills. I'd think of the Alfa as a grown up elise, but not as grown up as the Porsches - The 4C has more integrity than the Lotus IMHO, being all italian, all alfa (no Toyota engine!) its a really well engineered car - but £52k...!!!?? That price tag has got me reconsidering BIG TIME
The matt white paintwork looked amazing!! - other option for the launch model is flat red - how do you maintain flat white paint..?
Cheers.
Pugsy - Yes, this all stacks up with what I've been told - I paid a £1k deposit a few months ago and was emailed yesterday afternoon (having sat in the 4C an hour earlier) asking for a £16k deposit to secure my build slot. Problem is A) - The price seems a little high to me and B) they want me to commit to a colour, and whilst the matt white looked AMAZING in Geneva, I really wonder what it could be like to live with....????
richyd said:
Pugsy - Yes, this all stacks up with what I've been told - I paid a £1k deposit a few months ago and was emailed yesterday afternoon (having sat in the 4C an hour earlier) asking for a £16k deposit to secure my build slot. Problem is A) - The price seems a little high to me and B) they want me to commit to a colour, and whilst the matt white looked AMAZING in Geneva, I really wonder what it could be like to live with....????
I'd go with racing red and a clover.richyd said:
Pugsy - Yes, this all stacks up with what I've been told - I paid a £1k deposit a few months ago and was emailed yesterday afternoon (having sat in the 4C an hour earlier) asking for a £16k deposit to secure my build slot. Problem is A) - The price seems a little high to me and B) they want me to commit to a colour, and whilst the matt white looked AMAZING in Geneva, I really wonder what it could be like to live with....????
Thanks for that. I'm going to be a traditionalist and go Red. It would be my first choice anyway plus, when the car arrives, if it's not for me I suspect that Red be the easiest colour to 'move on'. Must admit I can't remember the last time I was asked for such a big % deposit on a car in this price range. £2k is all BMW want for the next M3/4 for example.It's a fantastic car. I had two tours on it & sat in bot sides. It's very special for sure but with my back (I had more surgery yesterday), access to/from, while a lot easier than say to lotus (the sill is low but wide) rules the car out for me 
The LE is loaded & worth the £51.7k IMHO. My concern, even though I was prepared to put it down was the £16k deposit for a car that's not been tested by press or Alfisti.
The new Cayman S is a belter but it's far from unique in a follow the herd way. The 4c is pretty magical & very hi tech.
Once in, the interior is lovely. The right balance between sporty & comfortable. Driving position is spot on. Downside is the Parrot Asteroid Ice.
Other than the carbon headlights, the rest look munting. Body colour them or encase them in plastic.
Overall, I love the car but it's a shame I can't get in & out without assistance.
The LE is loaded & worth the £51.7k IMHO. My concern, even though I was prepared to put it down was the £16k deposit for a car that's not been tested by press or Alfisti.
The new Cayman S is a belter but it's far from unique in a follow the herd way. The 4c is pretty magical & very hi tech.
Once in, the interior is lovely. The right balance between sporty & comfortable. Driving position is spot on. Downside is the Parrot Asteroid Ice.
Other than the carbon headlights, the rest look munting. Body colour them or encase them in plastic.
Overall, I love the car but it's a shame I can't get in & out without assistance.
Squadrone Rosso said:
It's a fantastic car. I had two tours on it & sat in bot sides. It's very special for sure but with my back (I had more surgery yesterday), access to/from, while a lot easier than say to lotus (the sill is low but wide) rules the car out for me
The LE is loaded & worth the £51.7k IMHO. My concern, even though I was prepared to put it down was the £16k deposit for a car that's not been tested by press or Alfisti.
The new Cayman S is a belter but it's far from unique in a follow the herd way. The 4c is pretty magical & very hi tech.
Once in, the interior is lovely. The right balance between sporty & comfortable. Driving position is spot on. Downside is the Parrot Asteroid Ice.
Other than the carbon headlights, the rest look munting. Body colour them or encase them in plastic.
Overall, I love the car but it's a shame I can't get in & out without assistance.
just get in it and stay in itThe LE is loaded & worth the £51.7k IMHO. My concern, even though I was prepared to put it down was the £16k deposit for a car that's not been tested by press or Alfisti.
The new Cayman S is a belter but it's far from unique in a follow the herd way. The 4c is pretty magical & very hi tech.
Once in, the interior is lovely. The right balance between sporty & comfortable. Driving position is spot on. Downside is the Parrot Asteroid Ice.
Other than the carbon headlights, the rest look munting. Body colour them or encase them in plastic.
Overall, I love the car but it's a shame I can't get in & out without assistance.
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