Manual shift would have ruined this car - and the idiot punters would have loaded up and abused the drivetrain. Alfa knew what they were doing when it comes to driving - you obviously don’t. Other than that, great review 👍
This is one of those designs that you need to see in person. Walking around this car in real life is much more exciting than seeing it on film or in pictures. This is a truly gorgeous car.
I saw a BUSTED one at a Costco tire center a few weeks ago. If you see a matte sky blue wrapped 4C for sale in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, run. Run fast.
i drove one of these as a porter at the porsche dealer i worked at when i was 19. Gassing up 911 Turbos all day I forgot how dulled the Germanic automotive experience is, regardless of the numbers on paper. I drove one of these about a mile or 2 and i specifically remember laughing hysterically to myself at a stoplight after a nice pull and a couple of "cracking" downshifts, i dont think any other car has gained that type of pure joy from me since.
I think you're really taking these videos in the right direction. I think myself and others really appreciate someone who gets really technical about the car they are discussing. Keep up the great work!
Owner of LE 49 here. Agree with your review, with only a few notes: The carbon fiber tub was shipped to Maserati in Modena. Alfa & Maser were both FCA brands, and the 4C was made in Modena at the Maserati factory - with a subtle reference in the trunk pull. You messed up the DNA modes a little. There are 4: Dynamic, Natural, All-weather, & Race (Advanced Efficiency is the "A" in newer Alfas). All-weather mode is useful if it's pouring rain or if there's a little snow on the road as it makes the traction control jump in much earlier and delays the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal. Race mode is activated by putting it in Dynamic and then holding the switch for an extra 5 seconds. Race is manual only. Speaking of race mode, the engine is shared with the old Euro Formula 3 car, the W-Series race car, and the Abarth 124 Spider Rally. Cheers!
One of the other neat things about the 4C is that it’s assembled in Italy using 95% Italian parts content. Considering that most modern cars are an amalgamation of parts from all over the world, it’s cool that this car was mostly all completed in-house, so to speak.
As a Owner of 4C. 4 years now! I can tell You that: This Car is Mega. DCT is perfect with Manual steering. You will die with a manual steering that feel every change of the road.. yours hands have to stay always on the steering. Mine now is 100 kg less of the original and 335 hp by the help of Scara. And it is like a Gt3 as performance. 972 kg with full tank and all the others liquid. Best investment for me.
This was my FIRST Cars and Bids video. Awesome job. I have a 2016 4C. A couple notes about driving the car. The transmission is wonderful in dynamic mode. In natural mode everything slows down a bit. There are amazing suspension pieces available for the car for very little and they provide a great handling experience. Without them the car can be a handful for novice drivers. The ECU is easily and inexpensively tuned, and with a new intake the car can gett well under 4 seconds 0-60. I timed my 0-60 stock at 4.2 seconds. Finally< Its great to see the video creator genuinely having fun. I hope that you can keep that demeanor throughout all of your videos because its really infectious.
I would someday love to own one so I can finally, according to Jeremy Clarkson, be a true Petrolhead. And thanks for talking up the Double Wishbone suspension. Honda lost me as a customer when they dropped it in their cars.
I saw this car in yellow in Pensacola. It was so beautiful that I couldn't stop looking at it. The owner was nice enough to let me take pictures and till today I smile when I see it.
I always thought this car having a DCT kinda made sense. It felt pitched like the lightweight, baby-Ferrari, and given (for better or worse) Ferrari had entirely switched to DCTs, it fit in that image, where as I think having a manual would pitch it more as an exotic Miata competitors, which online enthusiasts would probably love, but I'm honestly not sure whether that would have converted into sales. I also think at the time DCT/padel shifters were seen as exotic and quite cool, though they became more and more prevalent in commodity cars across the VW-group range and others, and lost that appeal.
Just 2 days ago I walked across the street in front of a 4C and the owner made some noise for me - perfectly timed for me as I’ve been meaning to learn more as it made an impression
I remember being SO EXCITED when this car was first announced.... And then they disclosed that it WOULD NOT be available in a manual. :( It just never made much sense since I assume most customers were considering it for a 'fun' car. I doubt many potential customers were all that concerned about the PRACTICATLITY of a tiny 2 seater sports car? Or did they think it made the vehicle more 'upscale', and couldn't afford to develop a second transmission option?
The flappy paddles do not take away from the fun in this car. The manual steering and all the feedback through the CARBON FIBER tub, makes this an experience.
I own a 4C (so take this opinion with a big grain of salt) but I think the TCT (what Alfa calls their DCT) is the best transmission they could have gone with considering the rest of the drive train. This is a pretty small engine with quite a lot of boost (21+ psi) so there is turbo lag. The TCT keeps you on boost and is very fun with the loud brap from the exhaust and never interrupting the loud turbo and intake noises. This car is kinda sensory overload, it is just a different experience than the satisfaction of rowing your own gears in a true manual. That said, Alfa Works in the UK has apparently fitted a manual to their development 4C but that is way down the customization rabbit hole for sure.
I am going to take a guess and say you have not driven a 4C yet? As an owner of 4yrs I can assure you that a manual transmission will take away from experience. I am normally a purist that love my manual classic Alfas, but this is just different. You need both hands on the wheel at all times... sensory overload.
I am going to take a guess and say you have not driven a 4C yet? As an owner of 4yrs I can assure you that a manual transmission will take away from experience. I am normally a purist that love my manual classic Alfas, but this is just different. You need both hands on the wheel at all times... sensory overload.
It does offer manual flappy paddle, It also has RACE mode. PLUS, it's a 4 Cyl, but not to be confused and lumped with what one would normally think of when thinking of a 4 Cyl. It's NOT a Civic, VW, or Ford 4 Cyl. Its a 4 cylinder built under the Italian ethos of engineering like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, etc...
@@AlexRMcColl Not the same engine at all. They are 4Cyl, but not the same. Product sharing is an American thing for saving money, however with the new ownership, we just might start seeing more of such.
@@ranc6349Unluckily Kennan did not give more details to back up the fact that this 1750 is a very special engine. To start, it is oversquare, like an F1 or a motorcycle engine, that is why it sounds so different from other 4 cylinder engines.
Hi Kennan, great video as always. See? this is an Alfa Romeo. These cars, the racing team back in the day had working for them some guy called Enzo Ferrari. It´s a brand full of tradition and loved for generations of car enthusiasts. I remember back in the day, early 80´s a buddy of mine had a GTV 3.0 V6 coupe which I drove for hundreds of kms and oh boy, those cars have soul. However, there were many of them with an incredible amount of reliability issues. However, this is the spirit of the brand. High revving cars very lightweight and extremely agile, happy to go to the top of rev counter with screaming exhaust pipes and a hard core car fan at the wheel with a huge grin all over his face. just like you Ken. Anyway wishing you a very well deserved successful 2024 with much love of course from West Spain ❤
Nice review! I might have seen you out driving this 4C in my neighborhood. It's not everyday that I see another rosso 4C driving down my street. I live in Normal Heights and also own a 2015 4C LE #441 in Rosso Competizione. I am usually a hardcore manual transmission type of guy but I really don't miss it when driving my 4C. The manual steering keeps me so engaged that I am glad that I don't have to reach down to shift. Plus the DCT is an aid in keeping the 0-60 acceleration at a low 4.2 seconds. The beautiful aesthetics, carbon fiber monocoque, great sounding engine, and the mechanical simplicity of the 4C attracted me to it. I plan to keep my 4C for the rest of my life.
Fantastic review. I remember when the 4C came out, I configured one, yellow, with brown (tobacco) seats, with black wheels and exposed carbon roof panel. I've always respected what people do to get the most out of what they have. I love what Alfa did with their 1.75 litre engine because Italy has a tax cap on 2.0 litres. The first time I saw a 4C was on Top Gear (you really got a reference to it's girth) Hammond driving one against Clarkson in a speed boat!
Actually, Italy doesn't tax based on engine size but on power. Cars with over 245 hp have to pay an extra amount for every extra hp over in addition to the normal car tax. That's why the 4c has that exact amount of power. The engine could very well handle 280+ hp
I almost caughed water all over my PC when u showed the Maserati picture, I have the same car, rims and exterior color haha and I want to buy an 4C. What a coincidence xD.
Beautiful car, sounds great, light and nimble. So much potential to be an exciting, pure, analog sports car. Truly a crime to not fit it with a 6spd manual
The 4C has actually 4 driving mode. Once in Dynamic you need to push again and hold it for 3 sec and the car will unlock the "magic" of the RACE driving mode, just like a Quadrifoglio. And don't forget to mention the car has launch control as well ;)
My dream car. The little downfalls it has (acceleration, top speed, handling some) can be easily fixed with upgrades out there that can sort those elements out (handling packages, ECU mods, up to 2.0 litre engine etc). If modified right and in the right hands, it can be an exceptional track car capable of some eye watering times and embarrassing some far more expensive supercars.
I can't afford a second sports car, hell, I can't even afford a main car, but this should be one of main choices for people who are after a small, agile and throwable sports car. It also looks absolutely beautiful.
Thanks for not sticking with the Doug format--it works for him but I'm glad they let you find your way with these reviews. I like the extra focus on performance specs. Keep up the good content. Next up--8C?
Fantastic review and the most favorite driving experiences in my collection (#75 LE). Maybe mentioned in the other comments; but it does have Race mode as well, which kills all the traction control, gives you zero rev limiter (it’ll bounce) and makes for a wildly different experience altogether(hold in D for 5s). Put a stage 2 ECM tune, intercooler, intakes and swap out the race exhaust with center exit and you’re in sub 11s 1/4 mile territory-not that it matters; however throw some turns in and you’ll be gapping V12 cousins. Truly a remarkable experience. Unparalleled. I compare everything to its performance and price ratio. Getting into GT3 RS money before I can think of anything that can beat the thrill of the 4C. One of the pieces (besides the DCT, no third pedal) I see as a negative, particularly on the 18/19 setup are the Pirelli AR (yes, special tires) P-Zeros front P205/40R18, rear: P235/35R19 - popular to move a bit wider to 215/245 for a bit more contact without messing with camber.
I’m a former 4C owner, and I’ll push back against the trunk heat thing. If you intend to get some groceries, you can’t buy anything cold. The trunk gets warm enough to melt frozen food in about 10-15 minutes.
Current owner, and I agree. My wife and I went on a multi day driving tour and the first night when we got to the hotel, all of her cosmetics had melted and exploded into a mess in her bag. Everything in the trunk gets very, very warm.
15 years ago when I last lived in Bulgaria, Alfas had a reputation of a cheap Italian car, just slightly above Fiat. People were driving Breras, and these were always super cool. But the streets were full of crappy 147s. Now fast forward and they’re almost legendary across the pond. I remember telling my real estate agent who was from Milan that I wanted to buy an Alfa. OMG she was shocked and told me in Italy they’re considered garbage :D
To be fair, Alfa Romeos in the US are also known for frequent visits to the service center. Because it's so much work to certify and import cars to the US, Alfa Romeo at least sends decent cars over here.
This car is so unique. No luxury features and just feels like an oversized go-cart when you're driving it. I once got up to a very high speed on the open highway and the car felt like it was coming off the ground due to its weight. Drop dead sexy looking in person and videos/pictures don't do it justice.
Off Topic: Are we ever ging to get a tour of Cars And Bids' concrete bunker or lair or whatever you call this new studio headquarters that is not Doug's home house garage ?
You said it’s a bargain for what it is and then you say you’re not sure if it’s worth it 🧐. I’m willing to have a safe bet that these won’t lose much value if any at all in years to come
Please, go to Europe or Israel and film a review to the Giulietta hatchback that shares the engine with this 4c and has some loud and fun base versions
It doesn’t ride very well and the front end takes a lot of concentration to keep straight while cruising around, but it is one of the most exciting cars I’ve ever driven. It looks great in person, like a little F430.
I would hoping Kennan would mention the main structure of the vehicle. I know it’s lightweight and strong made out of a weave of sorts. Maybe I missed it.
@@carsandbids ok 👌🏻 you do have a great point. But I am sure that wouldn’t stop him. I’m 5ft 10 and fit like a glove in a Countach. I don’t know how Hoovie and Doug do it but the experience is totally worth it.
The Alfa 4C only makes a compelling choice if you like automatics, turbocharged 4-cylinders, and unassisted steering. I'd personally rather a revvy naturally aspirated flat-6 with a manual transmission and hydraulically assisted steering. There are plenty of second-hand Porsche 911's fitting that description, available for the same price or less than an Alfa 4C. I drove a 4C on track, and it was good for what it was... that being said, there are much better enthusiast vehicles for the money. It also tried to bite me once it started raining and the back end stepped out. That was just cruising behind our instructors car as well, making super light inputs.
I was looking at both--I came away from the experience with the thought that the Porsche, while a well built, great car, felt a little pedestrian and boring compared to the little Alfa. For a fun, weekend car the Alfa is much more unique and exciting......
I have a 2016. It’s ok. But it’s not something I feel like I have to keep. Especially with mandatory bolt tightening services every 12,000 miles per the manual.
Please Please Please put the Reviewer’s face in video Thumbnail! It’s the reviewers that make me want to watch these videos be it Kennan or Alanis or whoever else. I tune in for their PERSONAL takes on the cars … educational and entertaining!! Without thier faces, I almost miss the videos amongst the RU-vid feed of car reviews
These make about as much sense to own as a Lotus. Theyre incredibly bare bones for a modern vehicle especialy one at that price point. Both are equally cool though
If only they turned everything up a notch. If the overall profile was larger and if they had at least a 3.0L would have been better, and of course, a manual
437.5cc is the perfect size for a cylinder in Gasoline Engine (combination of power and efficiency).. make it 4 x you will get 1750cc..1750 engines at Alfa Romeo have a history.