Alfa 4C - "Without The Heart We Would Be Mere Machines"

Yes, 30f/32r on the 4c improves the ride quality a good bit, not sure why but it is definitely noticeable.

 

I agree. I had the warning light go off and 2 tires had 25 PSI. I put in 32 and it was much better. I've never had car so sensitive to tire pressure but I think that's what no power steering does.

 

4c owners,

If you have a few minutes and wouldn't mind sharing updates on your experience with the car and how you are using it or what role it fills (DD, "A to A", etc). Also would appreciate any thoughts on coupe vs spider. Planning to keep it longer than usual for a car, or shorter? Anything really...

I'm finally in a spot where I can get one of these if I want. I sat in one for the first time this weekend and was happy to report I fit (more or less). I like it, but don't have crazy gotta have it (I guess I never do w a car). So, kinda torn, and it would mean getting rid of a car to make space. Anyone tracked theirs? Comments in that regard would be appreciated too.

Thanks in advance.

They

 

Traded my 997 for the 4c and haven't looked back. Mostly "a to a" driving with one weekend trip. It's perfect for the twisty roads around here and had no problem hanging with the others on a Ferrari club trip on the Tail of the Dragon. It's character reminds me of an older car where you get out tired, sweaty and with tinnitus. So you really feel like you're part of it.
No track time.
Does draw Ferrari levels of attention.
I have the coupe as I didn't want to overlap too much with my 308 gtsi.
Plan to hold long term. It's a car you wake up wanting to drive, something I felt was lacking in my 997.
I don't think it would be a good daily car, at least not for me.
Too much concentration needed. Not something for cruising around while chatting on Bluetooth.

 

Question -- I am in the market for a spider. Do I have any negotiating ability off of msrp in today's market? Looking at 2016 model. Thanks.

 

I haven't heard of it on spiders. Some coupes go for a few grand off. Spiders are still hard to get.

It all depends on the dealer. If you want to shop around outside your area you might save. But then you have to go and get it or ship it.

Dealers are under orders not to discount "much". Alfa is trying to hold up resale values. Dealers only get one or 2 cars to sell so they aren't stuck with inventory they have to unload.

 

Thanks. I do see some spiders on Autotrader from dealers that appear to be discounted, but yes, they are out of my area, so,then shipping becomes part of the price. One looks to be $3k off msrp. I am specifically focused on yellow as well.

 

Comments....
Bought my coupe in June 2015. All options, like all that were coming in at the time. Paid MSRP. Car has 1300 miles on it now and most of those came from a 500 mile road trip to have the clear bra done. It added the eurocompulsion ecu at about 1200 miles. It woke it up. The car has been problem free. My biggest gripe is that the paint is incredibly soft, hence the full clear wrap. It is my intention to keep this car for about a year, maybe slightly longer.

Bought my spider (MP over red) in November. Paid significantly under MSRP. It has about 100 miles on it. No problems. The alpine head unit is much easier to operate than the parrot in the coupe. The top was on the car at delivery but has never been on since. It looks goofy with the top on, in my opinion. The open cockpit is nice but it is not roadster like. Just my opinion...but I do not like the spider lines nearly as much as the coupe. I already have an offer on this car and will likely sell it within a month or so, and make a few bucks.

Not that it matters, but fuel mileage is ridiculously good on both cars. It is well in the 30 mpg+ range. That always shocks me.

The cars each turn heads. More so than the gallardo, and that amazes me.

 

Any warranty worries re chip?

 

It does give me some concern. However, the unit is a total replacement ecu and all memory for the vehicle is held within the ecu. While it added nice power, I am not intending to push it too hard due to my general feel that the car is sensitive.

 

Is it confirmed that the 4c will end in 2016 due to the new federal laws coming into effect?

 

I believe it is the last year for the coupe. The spider, from what I understand, will be made for 2017 and 2018

 

I spoke with a salesman at the Alfa dealer in town and he said that is not true.

The plot thickens...

 

A new 4C with a larger engine was talked about in Geneva last week. It sounds like the Giulia 4C Turbo will end up in the 4C, with upgrades if required by law. I would guess over 300hp from the new engine.

 

I just had my first multiple orgasm, possibly the first by a male.

 

Indeed, Harald Wester did;

https://www.autoedizione.com/presentation-alfa-romeo-stelvio-november-2016/

And by the way the Giulia 2.0 turbo engine delivers 280 hp.

 

At this point yes, but they are talking about getting more from this Chysler based 4C, so that version will most likely find it's way into the 4C by 2017...We can only hope, but the car might be a few hundred pounds heavier......



2016 Hurricane Fours: Turbocharged (Again)

 

NO... NO!!

 

+1 million.

So sad, and I don't hate the Chrysler brand but just wrong and has no place powering an Alfa Romeo!
Pete

 

Care to elaborate on the federal laws? I'm curious.

 

There's a new reg coming about airbags in the front columns supporting the windsheild. Convertibles are exempt from it but coupes are required to have it. Apparently the 4c cannot be modified to have this change, most likely because the front columns are molded plastic.

So, they can make spiders but no more coupes when that reg goes into effect

 

Nothing radical about this tune. Just more juice:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S_3-xBNsIw[/ame]

 

It is a shame that buyers can't opt to own a lightweight, de-contented car with a waiver program or the like. Folks can buy motorcycles, but can't have a sub 2000 lb car without mandatory safety gear. I can see emissions being mandatory for the public good, but if I want to take a risk, why can't I? I can see mandatory safety for economy cars, too, so manufacturers can't cut corners to save pennies. But for a car like this or the Elise, the buyer is making sacrifices for the driving dynamics already.

Everyone seems to take a fatalistic view toward safety, as if a crash is inevitable. A more capable driver, car and simply paying attention would eliminate almost all crashes. But we devote no resources or regulations to making drivers safer and more competent. You can get a license with no car control skills or emergency training. And without a doubt driving is the most dangerous thing people do every day.

Rant over

 

Small-volume carmakers get a big break in Motor Vehicle Safety Act | Autoweek



Mark

 

The fact that Mazda could make a Miata US version with a weight of 2332 pounds without carbon fiber and Alfa can only do a 4C spider US with carbon fiber at 2337 makes me wonder what is going wrong in Italy. Ferrari's are pushing north of 3500lbs and Maserati's are all at or above 4000lbs... I bet the Giulia 6C will be over 3500lbs in US trim, unless you buy the diesel or 4C Euro versions.