The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will make its European debut alongside the updated 4C coupe on March 3 at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. While the coupe now benefits from a number of big changes for 2015, including more standard features and a wider range of options, it’s the convertible 4C Spider that will eventually dominate the limelight in Geneva.
Like its coupe sibling, the 4C Spider is built around an ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis, comprising of carbon fibre layers that are three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel. Because of its inherent rigidity, Alfa Romeo says its engineers were able to minimise structural differences between the 4C Spider and the 4C Coupe.
The 4C Spider shares much of its exterior design with the standard 4C. The changes are focused purely on the metamorphosis from fixed to open-top. The coupe’s glazed engine cover gives way to a more traditional spider form, with pronounced buttresses and a body-coloured engine deck-lid with three functional heat extractors and an aerodynamically tuned spoiler.
Other new features to debut on the 4C Spider include a titanium exhaust system, mounted centrally with switchable modes which can be altered.
The 4C Spider is powered by the same all-aluminium, 240bhp, 1750cc engine as the coupe. Performance, as a result, is on par with the standard model with a top speed of over 250kmph and a zero to 100kmph sprint time of around 4.1 seconds.
Besides the 4C Spider, Alfa Romeo will also display the MiTo, Giulietta and the 4C Coupe during next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
