Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Study Previews 2015-Bound Production Model [w/Video]

The mystery has been solved: Alfa Romeo’s big Geneva Motor Show debut is the 4C Spider, a study previewing the drop-top version of the 4C coupé, scheduled for production for the beginning of 2015.

Alfa Romeo says the car is an exercise in style “aimed at selecting the contents to be implemented in standard production”. With that in mind, one can’t help but notice the new clamshell headlights, which in my view, look much better than the current units.

A particular feature of the soft-top study is the exclusive three-layer Glossy White livery that adds depth and iridescence to the car’s sculpted bodywork. The 4C Spider features specific carbon roll-bar cover and windscreen ring, as well as 18-inch alloys at the front and 19-inch alloys at the rear. The interior features a special leather upholstery.

According to Alfa Romeo, the 4C Spider maintains the downforce of the coupe version, which makes it stable at higher speeds, even with the soft-top open, thanks to minimal air turbulence in the passenger compartment. Just like the 4C coupé, the car is built around a carbon chassis, weighing less than 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs).

The 4C Spider study features a dual-stage central exhaust system concept with titanium and carbon tailpipes by Akrapovic, which has electrically operated valve with wireless technology. It is powered by the same 1.75-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to Alfa’s TCT double-clutch gearbox.

Handling-wise, Alfa Romeo says the 4C Spider features a specific suspension set-up in order to ensure “the same feeling and driving pleasure as the 4C Coupé.”

By Dan Mihalascu

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