Alfa Romeo 4C Arrives in Japan | Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C

A Muse Descends

Alfa Romeo 4C Arrives in Japan

The Alfa Romeo 4C is finally arriving in Japan, with sales commencing on Tuesday, July 1st. The 4C, which features a 1.75-liter inline-4 turbo engine producing a maximum output of 177kW (240ps) mounted in the center of a carbon monocoque chassis, is also a more attainable two-seater lightweight sports car, priced from ¥7.83 million. This highly anticipated new model, born as an homage to the legendary "Tipo 33 Stradale," will soon be gracing Japanese roads.

Text by SAKURAI KenichiEvent Photographs by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro

The "Tipo 33 Stradale" Reborn for the 21st Century

Following itsWorld Premiereat theGeneva Motor Showin March 2013, the Alfa Romeo 4C has made its long-awaited debut in Japan. Sales will begin on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, through the official Alfa Romeo dealer network nationwide.

At the announcement event for its Japan launch, Pontus Hegstrom, President and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Japan, first took the stage, introducing the company's performance: "Fiat Chrysler Japan, which encompasses Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Abarth, Jeep, and Chrysler, has seen sales increase by 98 percent compared to 2009 through last year, making us the most dynamic import car manufacturer right now." He further elaborated on the vision for 2014, stating, "Fiat, Jeep, and Abarth hold the top three positions in terms of growth rate. Our goal this year is to surpass 20,000 total unit sales across all five brands."

Following him, Alessandro Maccolini, Alfa Romeo Exterior Chief Designer at Fiat Chrysler Group, spoke about the design of the 4C: "When designing the '4C,' the most significant influence was the 1966 prototype, the 'Alfa Romeo Scarabeo.'

However, on the other hand, it is also a mid-engined model revived in the 21st century as an homage to the mid-engined machine 'Tipo 33 Stradale,' of which only 18 units were sold in 1967. With an appearance composed of design elements that share a commonality with the '8C Competizione' released in 2007, while respecting a long history and tradition, the design is sporty and distinctive, immediately recognizable as an 'Alfa Romeo' to anyone."8C Competizionehe explained.

The body, evoking a muscular athlete, measures 3,990mm in length, 1,870mm in width, and 1,188mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,380mm, and despite its compact size, it exudes an overwhelming presence. The rear fenders, a hallmark of mid-engined cars, feature air intakes on both sides just before the rear wheel arches, and the sculpted shape of these fenders is an essential detail when discussing the '4C.'

The interior features a sporty design with the center console angled towards the driver. The meters can display four types of information on a liquid crystal display. As it is equipped only with a dual-clutch transmission, there is no shift lever; only the DNA system selector and TCT transmission selector are placed on the center console.

The seats are bucket-type, characterized by their supportive shoulder bolsters. The standard interior features black fabric, with options including black leather with red stitching, red leather, and a combination of black leather and Alcantara with red stitching.

Alfa Romeo 4C

A Muse Descends

Alfa 4C Arrives in Japan (2)

Thorough Weight Reduction to Improve Power-to-Weight Ratio

Following the design introduction, Alfa Romeo Chief Engineer Domenico Bagnasco took the microphone to discuss the mechanics.

The core of the vehicle is a carbon monocoque tub, which Alfa Romeo calls the "carbon fiber passenger cell." This cell itself weighs only 65kg. The front and rear aluminum frames, as well as the frame supporting the rear bulkhead and roof, are also made of aluminum. The exterior panels use SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), achieving approximately a 20 percent weight reduction compared to conventional steel plates. These measures represent a thorough commitment to weight reduction.

The suspension features double wishbones at the front and struts at the rear. The tires are 205/45R17 at the front and 235/40R18 at the rear, with the possibility of expanding to 205/40R18 at the front and 235/35R18 at the rear. The wheels include 17-inch front and 18-inch rear 10-spoke alloy wheels, as well as an option for 18-inch front and 19-inch rear 5-hole gunmetal finished wheels, known as Alfa Romeo's "dial wheels."

The engine isGiuliettaan all-aluminum block, 1,750cc inline-4 direct-injection turbo engine, also used in the Giulietta. It produces a maximum output of 177kW (240ps) at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 350Nm (35.7kgm) at 2,100-4,000rpm, achieving 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.It has recorded a time of 8 minutes and 04 seconds on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, demonstrating its formidable capabilities.

The gearbox is a 6-speed "Alfa TCT" dual-clutch transmission; a manual gearbox is not offered. Like other Alfa Romeos, it is equipped with the DNA selector, but the program is specific to the '4C.'

It features three driving modes: 'D' for Dynamic driving, 'N' for Natural city driving, and 'A' for All-weather conditions on slippery surfaces, in addition to the ultimate performance mode, 'R' for Race.

Alfa Romeo 4C

A Muse Descends

Alfa 4C Arrives in Japan (3)

Muse Masami Nagasawa Also Appears

Supporting these performance figures is a highly tuned braking system. It features Brembo brakes with drilled rotors measuring 305x28mm at the front and 292x22mm at the rear, achieving a stopping distance of just 35 meters from 100km/h. The calipers are available in three colors, allowing for coordination with the body color. Incidentally, the front-to-rear weight distribution is announced as 40 percent front and 60 percent rear.

The Alfa Romeo 4C models being introduced to Japan come in six body colors: standard solid colors of White, Alfa Red, and Black, with optional metallic finishes in Basalt Gray and Madreperla White, as well as a tri-coat metallic in Competizione Red. These can be paired with brake calipers in red, or optionally in black or yellow finishes.

At the end of the vehicle presentation, there was a surprise appearance by actress Masami Nagasawa, who serves as the Alfa Romeo image character, the "Muse." Nagasawa, dressed in a pure white one-piece dress that created a striking contrast with the vibrant red '4C,' graced the stage as if a goddess had descended.

Nagasawa will be involved in Alfa Romeo's promotional activities, with the slogan "One second, and my heart races. I WANT ALFA ROMEO." She commented, "I am truly delighted to be the Muse for the historic and wonderful Alfa Romeo. I personally enjoy going out to various places by car. I hope that when people find a car that makes them happy and allows them to shine, it will be an Alfa Romeo. I will do my best to convey the excellence and charm of Alfa Romeo to everyone from now on."

The Alfa Romeo 4C, a mid-engined car that is accessible with a price tag of ¥7.83 million, incorporates mechanisms such as a mid-ship layout and a carbon monocoque tub, previously found only in supercars costing upwards of ¥20 million. At the time of its release, a Launch Edition will also be available for ¥8.91 million, featuring numerous special equipment, including a carbon fiber interior, dedicated front bumper, carbon headlight covers, carbon door mirrors, and a Hi-Fi sound system.

Alongside the '4C,' the lineup of the renewed 'Giulietta' and the new pricing for the 'Mito' set from April 1st were also introduced. The 'Giulietta Sprint' (¥3.114 million) and 'Giulietta Sportiva' (¥3.528 million), which feature a redesigned front grille and an enhanced interior, will go on sale on Saturday, June 7th, through the official Alfa Romeo dealer network.Giulietta Sportiva