The closed coupe version hasn’t even gone on-sale in Canada yet, but Fiat-Chrysler’s sporty Alfa Romeo brand rolled an open-top Spider prototype of its 4C two-seat sports car.
Click here for complete coverage of the 2014 Geneva Motor Show
With its canvas roof removed, the rear-wheel-drive 4C Spider sports a Targa-like rollover hoop as part of its carbon-fibre cabin. In addition to its new convertible capabilities, the 4C Spider prototype also addresses one of the biggest beefs with the coupe with a new set of carbon-fibre clamshell headlights that look less insect-like.
The 4C Spider also differs from the coupe with new milled aluminum wheels and an electrically actuated sport exhaust system. Other than these new bits, the 4C Spider’s drivetrain is identical to the hardtop version. That means the same 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder gas engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is mechanically identical to the coupe, meaning it can still sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
John LeBlanc, Driving
Alfa Romeo claims the Spider only adds 60 kilograms of weight to the coupes’ already feathery 925 kilogram curb weight, so the closed version’s 4.5 seconds zero-100 km/h time and 250 km/h top speed allegedly remain with the convertible. Rest assured: By this time next year, the 4C Spider will drop its “prototype” moniker and go on-sale.
