2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Review | Track Test | Edmunds

Edmunds Senior Writer Carlos Lago tests and reviews the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. It's difficult to deny the appeal of a carbon-fiber mid-engine sports car like the 4C. Its low weight and absence of features — such as power steering — should make for an engaging driving experience. But how does it work in practice? We'll take this sharp-looking two-seater to our test track to find out.

Q: What kind of engine and transmission does the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C have?
A: The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has a turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder (237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Q: How much does the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider cost?
A: The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider starts at $67,495, including destination. The vehicle tested in this video has a few options, including a pricey Akrapovic exhaust and a track package with a firmer suspension and a flat-bottom steering wheel, that bring the price close to $80,000.

Q: How fast is the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider?
A: During testing, the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider reached 60 mph in 5.0 seconds (4.8 seconds with a 1-foot rollout, as on a drag strip) and clocked a quarter-mile time of 13.3 seconds at 105.4 mph.

Q: What are the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's main competitors?
A: The closest sports car in terms of price, engine type and layout is the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster S. It starts at a slightly higher price, but it's a superior car in terms of handling, refinement and build quality. It also offers vastly more features, too. If you don't mind having a coupe, the 2018 Audi TT RS looks similarly dramatic, and it's quicker in a straight line.

[BirdArvid]

This review shows clearly why Americans aren't the right clientele for an Alfa Romeo. Go drive your Mustang, why don't you.

[flyt]

It wasn't actually put into launch mode, hence the higher than expected 0-60. One of the steps is to click the left paddle. This bumps the RPM from 3k to 6k, and also enables auto shifting for launch control. I didn't see the paddle click, hear the RPM rise, or see that it shifted itself. It would be worth re-doing or adding a comment about the error and the impact on the results, as it was a major discussion in the review (and the comment that you have to shift manually in launch control, which isn't the case)

From the Alfa 4C 2018 manual:

Launch Control

The Launch Control strategy permits high-performance
acceleration from stand still.

This strategy can be activated with vehicle at a stand-
still, Race mode selected and FIRST (1st) gear engaged.

The sequence of operations to perform is as follows:

1. Press the brake pedal and hold it down.
2. Press the accelerator pedal and hold it down.
3. Press the - paddle behind the steering wheel. (This
allows the engine to rev above the 3000 RPM limit.)

When the brake pedal is released, the vehicle will start
with maximum acceleration. Despite the MANUAL
mode, the vehicle will automatically shift the gear to
guarantee maximum acceleration, once the correct shift-
ing speed has been reached.

[dflet]

With motor trend making you pay for most of its content this would be great opportunity for you guys to reclaim your throne

[TheJavonplayer]

This car is like it was designed for me. I love the manual steering, i love the minimalistic styling, that is just me all day

[gonzalesg]

Come on Carlos. To use launch control you click the left paddle while on the throttle to get the RPMs up to 6k for the proper launch and not bog the hell out of it. It runs low 4s in 0-60 and 12s in the 1/4. I expect you to get that right in a review of yours

[mariano]

Italian cars building philosophy are : sensation

[canto_v]

This is the second time Carlos Lago has reviewed the 4C. I guess he was paid to "change his opinion" and rag on the interior, and even complain about the manual steering.

[tommyj]

FYI you used launch control wrong! you have to do the pedals as you did then click the left paddle and it will rev to 6500rpm and yes it will auto shift in the launch control

[swanblake]

If there was ever a car that begged for a manual transmission option, this would be it. Hardcore manual steering with no assist but then they have an engaging dct transmission.

[JimmyPtheman]

Dude, you didn't do the launch control right!!! Senior editor??? Come on. Before you review any car, please learn how to properly drive it. The Alfa 4c is an awesome car.

[ittotaq]

i think this guy is numb from all the modern cars and called the steering "heavy"

[massimobernardo-]

how to shoot with the launch control.
the first thing is set in "race" with the manettino, then you press the brake to the bottom with the left foot (the 4C has no clutch pedal) and at the same time you squeeze the gas pedal to the bottom with the first gear engaged

[Jaysun]

Some expert! How do you a put out a "Professional" review and screw up utilizing launch control? Do your research next time. My 4c does 0 - 60 in the low 4's because I read the manual.

[CrossRutFilms]

All of the negatives are positives for me haha!

[shahulhusman]

I really wanted a 4c coupe.. Bought a c7 grand sport instead because I could get a manual.. Also didn't love the 4c steering.. My exige had no power steering either.. High revving engine and a manual and I would have bought the 4C..

[tighthams]

You did not do launch control correctly. RTFM! Better options in sports cars? Not if you want pure sports car. You want luxury grand tourer? Lots of options. Add 500+ pounds and get a Cayman. Heavy steering? Did you have air in the front tires? The only time it is heavy is when it's standing still. Why manual steering and no manual transmission? What does one have to do with the other? The tiny engine boosted within an inch of its life has no lag BECAUSE the transmission shifts instantly. Right now, the 4C is in a class by itself. Yes, it is a toy. No, it is not a daily driver luxury cruiser. That's why I love it. Oh, and because it is stunning to look at. Oh, and because the rarity is a bonus.

[colinhawks]

“Requires you to shift manually in Race Mode” ...they should be given a damn award for that right there! Sure I get it, it’s technically an “automatic” but damn that is something that should be standard on any dual clutch sports car! Why is that so hard to figure out? ...and yet this guy wants to complain about it...and then he complains about it not being a manual...make up your damn mind bro!

[JJs_playground]

I'm not sure why he's complaining about the unassisted steering so much?

[WTF_]

Wow, didn't the 4C ranked 2nd in the 2014 Motor Trend Best Driver's Car? Did Carlo got paid that time or this time?
Watched so many review videos and 90% of them rated the 4C poorly with irrelevant things like cheap plastic used for the center tunnel, lack of trunk space and 90s stereo etc.
That's not the point of the 4C! Who cares about those things! The 4C is all about that unfiltered driving experience.
I test drove one recently and I was super impressed after. All those minor flaws are absolutely irrelevant.
All I can say is if you're interested in the 4C, definitely go test drive it and will realize most of these journalists are biased.

[Fluterra]

He looks so bored during the 0-60 run. Like “how much longer will this take”, like he’s driving a Corolla.