The first Alfa Romeo to reach our shores in two decades, the 2015 4C reintroduced Americans to the joys of the little Italian sports car. Now the automaker is following up with the topless 4C Spider, an even louder shout-out to the performance purists among us.
What's New for 2015
The 4C Spider is an all-new model.
Choosing Your Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Although the mid-engine Spider isn't technically a convertible, removing the canvas roof panel provides a satisfying open-air effect. Just don't expect any fancy electronic assists. You simply roll up the panel, stuff it into the duffle bag provided, and stow it in the trunk (which leaves room for little else). The optional carbon fiber roof ($3,500) must stay at home. The roll bar is fashionably disguised by a black plastic or available carbon fiber halo behind the passenger compartment. Despite additional structural bracing, the Spider is just 22 pounds heavier than the coupe and stays under the 2,500-pound mark.
The rear-drive 4C is powered by a 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 237 horsepower, matched to a six-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shifters. Zero to 60 mph happens in just 4.2 seconds. You also get a racing-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, electronic launch control, and 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels with high-performance tires. Consistent with its track-ready personality, the 4C is one of the few cars left with manual steering. That's right, no power assist whatsoever.
The 4C is offered in base and loaded Launch Edition trims:
The 4C is bred for the track, no question, and performs brilliantly in that context. If you intend to use yours for civilian driving, the Convenience package and removable hardtop will make your commute a lot more comfortable. The Launch Edition (or any model with the sport exhaust) is simply too raucous for tooling around town.