Gotta say, we’re liking the 4C more and more..
..warts and all. We just have to say we’re glad we’re not in the market for a new mid-engine sports car, because that would provoke some serious internal warring as to which manufacturer most deserves our hard-earned car-buying dollars. This new Alfa would have to be right up there.
Motoring Con Brio 
I can’t watch the video at work (it’ll interrupt more important things when I get home), but I eagerly await ruminations on and comparisons to the Porsche Cayman.
If it were my money, I’d walk straight past this and into a few years used Aston V8. I’m not even sorry, and I won’t be till they give me the (mandatory) option of a clutch pedal.
Cactus said this on September 24, 2013 at 7:49 am
Good point— this sucker is offered with flappy paddles only.
motoringconbrio said this on September 24, 2013 at 8:08 am
If I wanted a racing transmission, I’d call Xtrac or Hewland. I’m really disappointed that our laws make it impractical or not cost effective to offer manual transmission options in many cars. From a manufacturing standpoint, it’s not hard or particularly expensive to introduce the option. Just imagine how much better an F Type would be if you could row your own. Even if they only sold a handful, I’m sure Jag would chase those sales if they didn’t have to shell out a big check for EPA testing.
Back on topic, I understand the 4C will put on a hundred or more pounds when it hits the NA market. That’s a big percentage when your total weight is that low. I also hear there’s no power steering, I’d love to see that in more cars.
Cactus said this on September 24, 2013 at 10:07 am
It’s all about keeping CO2-emissions low and keeping the marketing-department happy. On the other hand, even when there’s a manual option, most buyers take the flappy paddle one…
Still would have preferred a decent manual though.
pieterameye said this on September 24, 2013 at 2:28 pm
You hit the nail on the head: it’s nothing to do with cost or engineering. The take rate for manual transmissions is less than 10% in the US IIRC, & not particularly high anywhere else. With fuel economy standards getting higher, it’s not gonna get any better. A lot of auto/driving enthusiasts have trouble coming to grips with the fact, but we are very much the minority. That’s why the best selling vehicles in the world are family cars & pickup trucks. For most people, a car is little more than an appliance. I don’t mind driving an older car to get my manual fix though… matter of fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Franz said this on September 24, 2013 at 3:57 pm
I’m sold. Anyone can buy a Porsche. This will be a special car for special people.
Automobiliac said this on September 24, 2013 at 11:13 am
Reblogged this on Just Another Pistonhead.
webash01 said this on September 24, 2013 at 5:56 pm
i like !
especially the fact it is nearly affordable…
🙂
wm said this on September 26, 2013 at 6:31 pm
motoringconbrio said this on September 27, 2013 at 10:18 pm
Nice piece of technology, though the front looks a bit like they Bugatti Veyron – or is that on purpose …
Darragh McCurragh said this on September 28, 2013 at 6:17 am
motoringconbrio said this on January 20, 2014 at 10:35 pm