I am sure the Alfisti would much rather see
a melodious six reside in the 4C's engine bay, but the same levels of
efficiency and mass-saving would not have been possible with a larger engine.
Alfa quotes a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 6.8 litres/100 km.
Alfa Romeo SA must have been really
confident to choose Kyalami as the venue for our ride-and-drive event. Not only
is there a risk factor thanks to various levels of driver skill, but any
dynamic failings would quickly be highlighted within the 13 turns of SA's most
famous racetrack. Thankfully, that confidence is well-founded.
Central
driver information screen displays digital dials
Across the full spectrum of corners that
Kyalami dishes up in 4.24 km, the 4C was not found wanting. The stiff platform
provides an excellent base from which to work and allows pliancy within the
ride that should translate to good on-road behaviour. The 350 Nm is more than
enough grunt to sling the lightweight car across the blacktop and, with so
little mass to contain, braking zones are challenged and apex speeds rise with
each passing lap. The basics are so good that you feel the bespoke Pirelli
rubber is the weakest link in the equation; on track, anyway. During the day,
neither demonstrator vehicle required new brakes or footwear, such is the
benefit of low mass.
The
Alfa Romeo 4C comes with Alfa's DNA drive select system
Interestingly, the steering is completely
unassisted, which means that there is a level of feel here that few modern cars
can match; the tiller bristles with information that constantly keeps you
abreast of what the front wheels are doing and where the edge of traction is.
Along with signals being telegraphed through your twin-cheek yaw sensor and
grip limit breaches signaled through the helm, impending slides are easily caught.
Underlining the focus, the electronics will allow the rear-end to step out of
line, although there is intervention when the ECU senses matters are getting a
little too lurid.
Button-selected
gears are located on the centre console
Unlike some other small mid-engine cars I
have piloted on road and track, the 4C has a keenness to turn-in that's akin to
that of a pukka racecar. There is no discernable understeer even at track
speeds. Those wide hips sashay easily around the central axis and you can pile
on the gas with the knowledge that the rearward mass bias (40:60) is providing
traction over the rear axle. To drive, the 4C is sublime, much like the way it
looks.
You
can stay cool even when your pulse is racing
For many years now, Alfa Romeo has been
floundering between lacklustre products and stifled R&D, which has left the
Alfisti and petrolheads in general with a sense of indifference towards the
brand's newer, better products. The 4C heralds the company's return to the fray
as a genuine sportscar manufacturer and a product to be lusted over by anyone
with an ounce of petrol in their veins. According to Alfa, all 20 4Cs destined
for SA this year have been spoken for. Supposedly, so is all of next year's
allotment, too.
