The 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C is almost here, and it’s set to end the brand’s 19-year exile from the U.S. in spectacular fashion.
Alfa announced the establishment of 82 U.S. dealers (plus four in Canada) to sell this low-slung, carbon fiber sports car, while Autoblog revealed a couple of important details about the version North American customers will actually buy.
First, the price. As we learned a few months back at the 2014 New York Auto Show, 4C sales will initially be limited to 500 Launch Edition models, and these will start at $69,695 (including destination). The regular 4C will start at a less eye-watering $55,195.
Aside from the price, the other big variable for U.S. 4C buyers is weight. With its carbon-fiber tub, one of the Alfa’s main selling points is a light curb weight, but the car was expected to gain a few pounds on the way to showrooms on this side of the Atlantic.
Sure enough, the U.S.-spec 4C will reportedly weigh 342 pounds more compared to the European version. This is attributed to thicker carbon fiber in the structure, and added safety equipment.
U.S. customers shouldn’t feel too bad though. The lighter Euro model was allowed to skirt certain regulations because Alfa is capping Continental sales at 1,000 units per year, for now.
Plus, with an anticipated curb weight of 2,495 pounds, the 4C is still a lightweight.
The 4C should still be a great performer, too. Alfa claims a 0 to 60 mph time in the mid-4 second range, a top speed of 160 mph, and the ability to generate 1.1 g of lateral grip in corners. Driver will get to experience all of that when the 4C arrives in U.S. showrooms later this year.
