2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Previewed In New Concept At Geneva

Alfa Romeo has previewed a new soft-top version of its stylish 4C sports car, with the unveiling of the 4C Spider concept.

Following reports late last month, the concept has been unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, and Alfa Romeo makes no secret of the fact that a 4C Spider is set for production in 2015.

While the 4C Spider may not look identical to the concept seen here, you can bet that the finished product will be very close.

The additional reinforcement required for open-top vehicles sees the Spider concept carry a 60kg weight penalty over the regular 4C.

Weight has been kept to a minimum, however, through the use of a lightweight canvas folding roof along with carbon fibre rollover bars, spoilers and windscreen frame.

Power comes from Alfa Romeo’s new 180kW mid-mounted 1.75 litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed dual clutch ‘TCT’ automatic transmission.

The 4C Spider matches the 4C’s zero to 100km/h time of 4.5 seconds with a top speed exceeding 250km/h, and Alfa says the 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution “remains unaffected by the evolution from coupe to Spider”.

External differences for the Spider over the 4C include a new alloy wheel design along with a new twin exhaust system from competition exhaust manufacturer Akrapovic, which sees both titanium tailpipes exit the vehicle in the centre, rather than one either side.

The new exhaust system features electrically-operated valves, which can improve performance and enhance the exhaust note at the push of a wirelessly-linked button.

The 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C debuted at Phillip Island last week, ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms later this year.

No word yet on whether the 4C Spider will also be heading to Australia in 2015 or beyond.

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