Alfa Romeo 4C – The Car that Marked the Return of Alfa Romeo

by Keith Krehel

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a two-seater sports car that was sold between 2013 and 2020.

It was the first car sold by Alfa Romeo in America since 1995. This car has a rear/mid engine along with rear-wheel drive, and was available both as a coupe (hardtop) and a roadster (open top). The 4C concept car was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, while the production car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. The car was designed by Marco Tencone and Lorenzo Ramaciotti at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, their global design headquarters. Power was supplied by a 1.750L turbo-charged all-aluminum engine with direct injection, producing 240 HP. Performance was impressive, as 0-62 was obtained in 4.5 seconds.

Production began in May 2013 with the name 4C attributed to its four-cylinder inline engine. Although this was designed and badged Alfa Romeo, it was actually built by Maserati. The transmission was an automatic six-speed dual dry clutch. Production expectations were between 1,000 to 3,500 per year, but wound up being closer to the 1,000 mark as only 9,117 were built over a seven year span. Production for the US market ended in 2018, but new vehicles remained available until 2020.

The chassis is made of carbon fiber, giving it a superb strength-to-weight ratio, with aluminum subframes both front and rear for a cumulative total frame weight of just 236 pounds. The body is made of carbon fiber and composite materials, resulting in the European model having a curb weight of just 2,070 pounds. Weight distribution is not so desirable, however, with 38 percent at the front and 62 percent at the rear axle. Front tires are smaller 205/45/17 than the rear 235/40R18. As expected, all four wheels have (vented) disc brakes, and were supplied by Brembo, which is known for high performance braking systems. Manual steering is standard, allowing a good feel along with weight savings. The engine was designed for high performance, with minimal weight (all aluminum) and an excellent fuel economy rating around 35mpg, while capable of a top speed of 160mph.

When new, the car went for around $60,000 for the coupe, while the spider went for around $70,000-plus. Years ago, I remember visiting the local Alfa dealer to see one and thought it was certainly a good looking car that reminded me a lot of the Lotus Elise. I recall, however, the interior was rather spartan and cramped, and the car was somewhat difficult to enter and exit. See the chart, for a comparison of the 2015 4C to the 1983 Lotus Esprit (which I own). Although three decades apart, they are both similar in their successful efforts to build a fast and light sports car that handles well.

In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo certainly earns a spot on my potential roster of desired autos (for what it’s worth) as it’s a sleek sports car that looks like it’s “doing 100” even while parked in the driveway.

Want more? Check out the July 2026 issue of New Jersey Automotive!