Just 15 examples of Modena’s convertible are being made as production nears an end
It feels odd describing the Alfa Romeo 4C as a bit long in the tooth because it looks as youthful today as it did back in 2013. But the sports car is closing in on the final leg of production with no direct successor due, so forgive us if we begin to reappreciate its stunning form via a pair of rose tinted spectacles. Before we get all teary-eyed, however, Alfa’s not given up on the pretty two-seater just yet, as shown by a new model, of which only 15 examples are due to be made.
The 4C Spider Italia – which we suspect is named as such to link the model with the supercars from Alfa’s more sporting cousin from down the road – is a US-only model with some extra bits as standard to set it apart from the regular cabriolet. The Italia is finished in Misano Blue Metallic, a shade that’s exclusive to the variant, and gets a piano black front air intake and rear diffuser. There are also Italia decals on the rear quarters.
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Inside, there’s an aluminium dash insert with the 4C Spider Italia logo and a numbered plate on the centre console, to remind your passenger that only 14 other cars are finished in this specification. And, well, that’s all, because the rest of the car is standard 4C Spider, meaning Alfa’s 1.7-litre turbo four lives just behind your head and produces 240hp with 258lb ft of torque. 62mph comes in 4.5 seconds and top speed is still 161mph.
That six years after the Alfa 4C was first launched it remains an exotic-looking package, both in terms of design and hardware, speaks volumes for the original effort. Although despite its compact dimensions and carbon tub-enabled lightness, it never managed to invigorate driving enthusiasts like, say, the Alpine A110. Sales for the 4C coupe weren’t enough to ensure its survival beyond 2018, and the Spider’s demise could be months, rather than years, away.
Alfa plans to indirectly replace the 4C with a coupe version of the Giulia, which could be a mighty fine thing indeed. The top version of that car will go toe-to-toe with the next BMW M4 armed, if we’re to believe the rumours, with a V6 hybrid boosted by an energy recovery system. Quite the contrast to the comparably pared-back 4C, but as the Giulia Quadrifoglio saloon has shown, one that has much potential to thrust Alfa back into the enthusiast spotlight.
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