Tuesday 17th September 2013

Alfa 4C UK price announced

Yes, it's less than a Cayman S, but will it be better?

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It's been a long time coming, but the Alfa has finally revealed a UK price for the 4C. It will be available from October from £45,000, with first UK deliveries expected in early 2014.

And it's the same price as a TT RS...

Not only does that make it slightly cheaper than the initial c. £50K estimates, it also undercuts the Cayman S by £3,783. Add PDK to the Porsche (the Alfa is only available with a twin-clutch, remember) and that gap becomes £5,705. Whether buyers will be willing to accept a relatively humdrum drivetrain in exchange for the 4C's exotic construction methods of course remains to be seen.

All 1,000 Launch Edition 4Cs sold for 60,000 euros (around £52,000), which certainly augurs well for the standard car. But there will always be those who covet a limited edition so perhaps we shouldn't read too far into that. Global production is limited to 3,500 units.

Other rivals? For those after beautiful mid-engined handling, the Lotus Evora must be considered. It's more expensive than the 4C at £52,500 but the Alfa will be doing exceptionally well to match the Lotus's dynamics.

Let's hope it can deliver out here

Closest on price is the Audi TT RS at £46,160, and comes to battle with a fabulous engine. Everywhere else though, we'd like to hope the Alfa is the more desirable and compelling car. Indeed, Alfa's invite is to 'just drive' the 4C and we'll be doing that very soon...

Furthermore, dynamics feature extensively in Alfa's launch blurb. Not a new technique to promote a sports car, but here you'd hope it's meaningful. There's talk of a 'far more intense driving experience' thanks to the layout plus 200,000 hours of wind tunnel and track aero development.

The 4C's is a tantalising recipe. Can it be brought together?

 

[pauly]

Had a good look at this yesterday in Frankfurt. Ok it's less than a Cayman but it's very spartan inside, belts as door handles for example. Even the engine cover doesn't have gas struts just as single metal bar to hold it open.
The whole car feels extremely light but to be honest not very solid although the carbon tub looks very funky and sturdy. Will have to wait for a test drive but at this time it's not fair to compare it to a cayman, more on the lines of an Elise or Exige.

[cmbayes]

Alfa 4C vs M135i.........coming soon ;-)

[ZOLLAR]

That really is a beautiful car.

[Mermaid]

Good looking car.

[2354519y]

Belts for door handles? That is really appealing! I like the focus on cutting weight.

[SpeckledJim]

Mmm. It's really, really nice.

It's a good 100% flasher than a Cayman. If it's within 20% to drive they've cracked it.

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

2354519y said:

Belts for door handles?

Yep, no worse than jumpers for goal posts...

[Ian974]

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

2354519y said:

Belts for door handles?

Yep, no worse than jumpers for goal posts...

Well, if a Porsche gt 3 can get away with it at it's price level...

[BBS-LM]

Carbon fiber chassis mid engine sports cars for £45K, bargain of the century if you ask me.

[GC8]

Overpriced Itlian cars sell. Look back at the Lancia Fulvia! Shockingly poor value but they sold.

[Evoluzione]

"Yes, it's less than a Cayman S, but will it be better?"

Certainly better looking, reminds me of an Elise from the side and back.

[Zyp]

Love it.

Could prise me out of the Spyder, possibly.

(And I'd retain the belt door handles. Yay. )

[will-w]

The only part that ruins it for me are the headlights...

Other than that I think it's perfect and incredibly well priced, providing it performs as well as it looks

[B17NNS]

will-w said:

The only part that ruins it for me are the headlights...

My thoughts too. Would look better painted body colour.

Other than that. Wow!

[Zyp]

Shame a front number plate will ruin the looks slightly.

[TVR-Stu]

will-w said:

The only part that ruins it for me are the headlights...

Totally agree, not sure why it is but Alfa seem to have struggled with headlight styling for a while. The Mito and Gulietta have weak looking headlights too, but the rest of their styling looks superb to my eyes.

[ellroy]

Sorry to say I'm not as keen on the real thing as the concept, not sure what, but its lost something in translation.

Much prefer the Cayman, if you have to have a tintop of course......

Edited by ellroy on Tuesday 17th September 21:43

[geoffphead]

It maybe quirky but an alfa is always a joy to drive, this one looks gorgeous
mid engine and carbon chassis. wow sounds fantastic you can keep your porkers thanks

[GC8]

This will retain its value better, I think.

[matpilch]

buttonless steering wheel, thank god