Alfa 4C Concept - Que bella machina !
One of the outstanding stars of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show was this new Alfa Romeo 4C. Fact is, its forms seduced both the public and members of the specialized press. Italians have their way of saying things but in colloquial English one might be tempted to describe the 4C concept car as a smashingly beautiful car.
Indeed, its stocky shape, its elongated nose, bent forward, its high beam lights profiling out, give it a particularly aggressive look. Otherwise, this vehicle is very compact since its overall length is less than 4 metres (13.1 feet), while the wheelbase is 2,4 metres (7.8 feet) The rear section is extremely well done with two embedded round lights highlighting the contour of the hatchback the form of which reminds us somewhat of the Mazda RX8 profile. Among other design inspired tricks, two air ducts were placed behind each door.
This two seat coupe is equipped with a central engine and these air intakes allow fresh air to reach and cool the centrally mounted motor. The C4 model proposes an impressive weight-power ratio due to its extra light weight because of the use of carbon fibres in its construction. Aluminium, light steel and composite materials are also used in order to decrease the vehicle’s weight.
Power is thus sufficient because of this difference in weight. This allowed this constructor’s engineers to use a four cylinder vehicle with 1 750 cc in power, direct injection and a turbocharged engine that moves from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Finally, the good news is that this Alfa will be commercialized in 2012. What remains to be known is whether this elegant Italian will one day be offered on our continent. After all, Alfa Romeo is Fiat and Fiat is managing Chrysler !
