Readers' Photos # 70: Alfa 4C
As far as I know, the 4C is Alfa's only ever mid-engined road car and, sadly, looks like being the company's last ever sports model (gasp!), with an announcement from Turin that future manufacturing will focus SUVs and - wait for it - electric cars (groan!).
That makes the 4C a contemporary classic, given that there isn't even a glimmer of a hope that it'll be replaced or even updated, spelling the end of one of the world's most revered sports car lineups.
That said, what a way to exit the scene!
The 4C is classically Alfa with a signature heart-shaped grille that's particularly reminiscent of those of the 1950s Giulietta, bold five-hole wheels and all round Italian flair, although in terms of concept, it's more akin to Fiat's X1/9.
Inspiration from the 1950s |
The cars not just sexy Italian-styling, though; it's built around a carbon fibre monocoque chassis that keeps its weight down to a bee's penis plus or minus 1,000 kg and its 1,750 cc (an evocative number for the Alfiisti) aluminium twin cam, multi-valve turbo engine is a tour de force.
Today's feature car - a pristine example photographed in suburban Canberra - is the perfect illustration of what a complete, utter and total mistake Alfa have made by abandoning their sports car roots!
Maybe the bean-counters at parent company the Fiat Chrysler Automobile Group imagine that Alfa buyers are attracted to the brand by its reputation for reliability and value, and that this will be the marque's saviour?
Or they're delusional.
U M P H
(uppermidlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)
Photos by the Correspondent for the ACT.
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