2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: First Look

Competes with: Porsche Boxster, BMW M235i convertible, Audi TTS Roadster

Looks like: A thrilling way to get a tan

Drivetrain: 237-hp, turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed dual-clutch transmission; rear-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2015

Alfa Romeo made its return to the U.S. market late last year with the launch of the mid-engine 4C sports car, and the Italian brand is quickly following up on it with the debut of the 4C Spider roadster at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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Driver involvement is a key aspect of the 4C experience, and the new Spider looks ready to ratchet up the intensity even more by adding a wind-in-the-hair component to it. The 4C Spider is offered with a removable cloth roof or carbon-fiber hardtop, and it arrives at dealerships this summer.

Exterior

The 4C Spider retains all the exotic looks of its coupe sibling, but there are a few changes centered on the cockpit and rear deck lid. Where the coupe’s rear hatch window lets you look down at the four-cylinder engine, the Spider has a body-colored panel with functional extractors that remove heat from the engine underneath. Also, just behind and above the driver and passenger is a basket-handle element that’s available in a black or carbon-fiber finish. It covers an aluminum roll bar. The 4C Spider also has a carbon-fiber windshield frame.

Like the 4C coupe, the 4C Spider is extensively constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, aluminum and composite body panels. This gives it a curb weight of just 2,487 pounds, which is only 22 pounds more than the 4C coupe. The 4C Spider’s next-lightest competitor is the Porsche Boxster and it’s about 400 pounds heavier.

Interior

The 4C Spider’s cabin has the same driver-focused layout as the coupe. The driver and passenger sit in composite-framed sport seats that are finished in standard leather upholstery. A full-leather interior is also standard, and there are unique carbon fiber ventilation surrounds.

The driver faces a 7-inch screen that takes the place of a conventional analog instrument panel; information like vehicle speed, engine speed, engine temperature and fuel level are represented by graphics on the screen. An Alpine premium stereo incorporates Bluetooth streaming audio and iPod connectivity.

Under the Hood

A turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine makes 237 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque from 2,200 rpm. Maximum boost pressure is 21.75 psi, and power is routed to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission operated by steering-wheel shift paddles. The transmission also has an automatic mode if you’d rather let it shift for you. A conventional manual transmission isn’t offered.

The suspension uses a double-wishbone design in front and MacPherson struts in back. Unlike most modern cars, the 4C Spider has manual steering; perform a couple of three-point turns and you can skip the gym for the day. Three exhaust systems are available, including a dual-mode setup from Akrapovic that’s made of titanium and has two center-mounted outlets surrounded by carbon fiber.

A handling-focused Track Package is available and includes high-performance shocks, larger sway bars, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel with microfiber inserts, and extra carbon-fiber trim.

Alfa Romeo says the 4C Spider can go from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph. EPA-estimated gas mileage is respectable: 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined.