Revised Alfa Romeo 4C Coming Next Year
Alfa’s carbon fiber go-kart will get an overhaul next year.
Planned for a late 2018 debut ahead of sales commencing in January 2019, the lightweight two-seater is in line to receive revised suspension and steering, with the potential for a new engine as well–but no manual gearbox.
The plan was confirmed by Alfa Romeo and Maserati engineering boss Roberto Fedeli, who spoke to Autocar at the launch of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Even though the automotive media has a love-hate relationship with the 4C, Fedeli says instead of killing off the coupe, he wants to transform the 4C into the car it always should have been.
“We are coming back to Formula 1,” Fedeli added, “and we need the 4C to be our halo car.”
SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo Returning to F1 Next Year
While he was at it, Fedeli also took the opportunity to reiterate that in the future no high-performance Alfa Romeos, Maseratis or Ferraris will be made available with three pedals because no one wants them anymore. It’s unclear if Fedeli’s statement points to the demise of the Giulia QV’s European exclusive six-speed manual transmission option.
[Source: Autocar]
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There is a huge disconnect between the Alfisti and the dealer/manufacturer. Yes, Ferraris are being bought up by gold chained oil infused posers that have no clue how to drive a stick in the first place. That said, true automotive aficionados will always prefer the manual gearbox to the computer slushbox. The problem today is that we have a instant gratification need that makes us buy cars off the showroom floor instead of custom ordering them like in years gone by. I have been at the local Alfa dealership when another customer came in asking "who the hell do I have to talk to to get a stick in a G Quad post haste!" People want manuals but the dealer networks don't care about anything but selling what's in stock. Well I hope the factory is reading this because they are making a huge mistake. Had they come out with a manual on the 4C they would have moved a lot more product! Don't kill the manual! Offer both and see what sells. Gas cars are on the way out. Don't let them go out with a whimper.. Give them their due. Especially when we are talking about one of the most important names in automotive history. Alfa Romeo!
By leaving out a manual option Fiat has kicked manure on the face of the Alfisti. FIAT.. Please take note of your own acquisitions. Your American effort with Chrysler has been profitable because you are giving the unwashed what they want. The typical Mopar fan would have no clue what a Philistine was if they saw one in the mirror, yet they know that bigger is better to them. "Super size me" .. Put the biggest engine you can into a box with wheels and they will buy it! its simple and it works. Its what they want and you give it to them. Perfect. Now you take over Alfa and decide the buyer is just some guy looking at numbers. And the computer controlled transmission is faster than the manual. Well yes, that may be true. But the typical Alfa owner does not sit at stop lights waiting for someone to race! I have owned several Alfas and joy came from getting from A to B and extending the drive to C. Not waiting for biff in his Charger or Hantz in his Bimmer at a stop light. Sure the G Quad can beat most of the best at this childish game but the true enthusiast wants to saver each moment behind the wheel. This involves being in tune with the vehicle and that involves a manual gear box. You have taken over one of the most important names in automotive history and you have a solemn duty to do right by them. What you have created with the Giulia and the 4C is wonderful, but don't stop short and just create a car with a Alfa Badge. Make a statement for the masses that they can look up to. Make a Alfa Romeo!