Alfa Romeo 4C: Pure pleasure

In 2013, Alfa Romeo introduced a model that caused a lot of stiffness, namely the 4C coupe. This pure Italian sports car was meant to be a modern incarnation of the roadster ideal for weekend drives, or even track sessions.

Featuring a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, the model was built with ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum and composites. The result is a car that weighs just under 2500 pounds.

That makes any engine perform well, because the mass to be moved remains minimal. Then consider this: Alfa Romeo has grafted a 1.75-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood, a block that offers 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission teams up with the block to deliver exhilarating performance; the 0-100km/h time of day takes just over 4 seconds.

But the striking thing about this model is its design. The lines of the 4C are simply breathtaking. Its curves evoke a sensuality that is impossible to hide. They also recall the greatest Italian classics in history, like the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. Its typical grille leaves no doubt about its identity. The profile is spectacular while the rear features a dual exhaust system and a distinct design with nice round lights.

Note also the location of the wheels in relation to the body. They are pushed to the ends, which makes this car literally behave like a go-kart. For pure fun, you can't beat the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Some will tell you that this car is not civilized; that's how we like our sports cars at Alfa Romeo.

In fact, the driving experience is so central to this model that inside, the presentation is minimalist. The dashboard suggests only a simple instrument cluster and a small screen for the multimedia system, while the seats offer excellent lateral support so you can stay in place when cornering.

The Alfa Romeo 4C was offered from 2013 to 2020, inclusive. You can find coupe versions on the market, but also Spyder variants. Really, this is a chance to get your hands on a collectible model before it can be officially described that way.