This is for me the "New Dino"

I've had both and I would agree. If it had a Dino badge and a copy cat Dino grill it would sell for 50 grand more.

The 4c is "just plain sports car" like they haven't built since the 70's. It's not for everyone but neither was the Dino. It has it faults and the Dino had many as well.

Several things are really similar though.

1) Seating position (although the 4c obviously as more side support)
2) The lightness of driving feel
3) No power steering (hurray! I HATE these new electric systems!!!)
4) The location of the trunk release (same place!)
5) The trunk gets really warm (hey! Just like a DINO!)

The 4c a lot faster obviously and has a paddle shifter which I'm sure some will poo-poo. But like the original Dino, it uses off the shelf Fiat parts to help keep costs low, the gearbox one of them. Honestly, I like this gearbox better than the F430 and it has a lot more emotional feel than the 458.

The 4c is probably the most fun car to actually drive as I've had in a long time. It's not so fast that you can't floor it and think you are going to get tossed in jail. Try that with a 458.

The biggest single difference though: NOTHING sounds like a Dino. This car has its own character but it's not a Dino in the sound department.

The biggest advantage: The 4c has NOTHING to rust! Like ---- NOTHING. I don't think there's a piece of steel on it aside from the suspension. And the coming "spider version" -- which will be much like the 246 Dino GTs -- will have zero cowl shake because of it's CF tub. The roof in the 4c now is basically decorative.

I'm taking my 4c on a 2000 mile trip in about 2 weeks. I drove my Dino GT on long runs also several times too. It will be a journey down memory lane.
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What a totally cool car !! Hmmmmmm .............

Enjoy your road trip, Mayor.

Cheers,

Hank

 

Interesting how what by modern standards is a very small car still looks bulky next to a Dino.

 

True but... you don't want to get in wreck with a Dino, even a small one.

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkK07lz6MKM[/ame]

 

Alfa Romeo has had a checkered history here as dealerships have come and gone. If they were here, I would be looking at the 4C seriously. At the moment, for a fun, go-anywhere, use-in-the-rain sports car, the new Miata is looking very interesting.

 

I love mine and doubt I will ever sell it.
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It looks great in white, Iain.

Andy

 

Thanks Andy. Mine is a launch edition car in the 3 layer pearlescent matt white, an option not offered in North America. Everyone who sees it loves the colour. The white seems to make the car look lower and longer than either of the red options.
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and like the Dino, there will be a second iteration sporting a bit larger engine!

Enjoy hearing about your upcoming trip, pls keep us updated

Superb - Is the white Bianco Fuji?

 

It's a colour called Carrara White and is quite a bit bit different to Bianco Fuji.

 

Any interior shots?

Love these

 

Here are some of mine.
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Spider video at Balocco

http://video.alfaromeopress.com/p/it/it/alfaromeo/post/30767/video/150041?embedded=1&mini=&medium=

 

Driving impressions vs. the Cayman? I considered the GT4 but found the Cayman interior dimensions a bit cramped (I'm 6'3")... I've only seen the ARs in car shows, and never sat in one...

 

Replacement for the Dino ? No way. Hate it..Looks like a puffed up Lotus Elise. ,and I bet it is nowhere so much fun to drive. All hype---no substance !

 

You couldn't be more wrong.

 

I bet its an absolute blast to drive!

 

Having owned both, you are dead wrong.

Let's face it... nothing "is" a Dino but a Dino. But this is as close as you can get to the spirit of one today. That's the point.

And, it is a lot of fun to drive.

 

Like you Mr Mayor,I have owned both Dino,and Elise. I have not driven the Alfa (have not even seen one),I wait to see how it sells. My present road car has paddles,cant be bothered. However I accept that I am a grumpy old man.

 

The press have panned the dynamics however

 

Not all of them have A week with an Alfa Romeo 4C « Sniff Petrol

 

Lol! Someone dig up the complaints about the Dino circa 1974.

No car is perfect. The Dino sure wasn't.

The Alfa 4c is as close to a modern day interpretation as you will get. And unfortunately may be the last time we ever see anything like it again.

It should be welcomed by true Dino and Ferrari fans as it flies in the face of what Ferrari has become and reminds us of what they have forgotten how to make.