Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept Sports Car


2011 Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is a compact “supercar” which represents the true essence of a sports car, according to the brand’s values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety. The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has a length of approximately 4 meters and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters. These dimensions emphasize the compact size of the car and also accentuate its agility, Alfa says.

The car concept is packed with a 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline borrowed from the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. This engine develops 200 horsepower and is mated to a twin dry clutch transmission dubbed “Alfa TCT”.

Alfa points out that the 4C has been engineered to weigh less than 850 kilograms (1,874 lbs) for a power to weight ratio of around 4 kg/hp, an impressive figure made possible by the extensive use of carbon. The body is made completely of carbon fiber, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively.

It doesn't mean that with 200 ponies in a sports car is a little lame, The 4C can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. Alfa also claims that the suspension ensures “maximum agility and road handling.” Add the weight distribution (40% on the front, 60% on the rear) to the equation and you have the most interesting Alfa Romeo in years.