Alfa 4C on the Ring

wearymicrobe wrote: This thing is going to die a huge death here in the states.

Disagree. They're only planning to import 500 to the U.S. from the allotted 2500 to build annually from what I've read. It's a niche market, and for the price this is a cheap carbon fiber rocket.

Yes it'll be softened slightly for the US market, but it will still be in a class all by itself. The Cayman is more well rounded for similar money, but that's not why you buy the Alfa.

I do not have the means, but I want one. I also like the fact that the Spider eyes lights ignite so much controversy, kind of a mole ala Cindy Crawford.

Well, Sergio is planning it, so it will be a flop as far as sales go. As far as a car, it looks pretty and it's a good bit faster (if the times can be believed; which they really can't) than the Elise, which is pretty surprising. I like it a lot, really.

Is it just me or does this thing sound completely wrong? The noises from inside the cabin don't at all sound like "very high output turbocharged 1.8 four", more like my stock Corolla.

For those who missed the OP's video link, here's another chance to watch the lap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdxvuGmfmJM

Chris Harris tells of his experience and opinion in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnuNv77rB0Q

FWIW, I like the car's looks and performance; it looks like a stunted-growth Evora, but I like the Lotus, too. Unfortunately, it's an Alfa. I have little faith in the company's ability to adjust and thrive in the world marketplace, let alone the US.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Is it just me or does this thing sound completely wrong? The noises from inside the cabin don't at all sound like "very high output turbocharged 1.8 four", more like my stock Corolla.

it does not need to rasp and shudder like a modified turbo honda to put out good power.

It's also mid-engined. the noises are behind the driver

I guess I've just got it in my head a car that fast that looks like that should sound a bit more aggressive than a typical crapcan.

xflowgolf wrote:

wearymicrobe wrote: This thing is going to die a huge death here in the states.

Disagree. They're only planning to import 500 to the U.S. from the allotted 2500 to build annually from what I've read. It's a niche market, and for the price this is a cheap carbon fiber rocket. Yes it'll be softened slightly for the US market, but it will still be in a class all by itself. The Cayman is more well rounded for similar money, but that's not why you buy the Alfa. I do not have the means, but I want one. I also like the fact that the Spider eyes lights ignite so much controversy, kind of a mole ala Cindy Crawford.

They said that about the 8C of the 90 that made it here I have been offered 3 of them from people speculating the market and unable to get out of the car. Alfa will flat out not sell here.

alfadriver wrote:

mazdeuce wrote: I do worry that it will be about as successful as the Lotus Evora.The dealer in Houston still has brand new 2011's.

There's nothing to be worried about- as far as I can tell, not many cars that Alfa sells new are that appealing to the American public. If they manage to beat their historical high in sales for a year, it would be amazing. That would be 10k. A $55k small 2 seat car as the only car they sell will be appealing, but ony a handful of people will get one. The 8C was a great *looking* car, but outside of that, it was not as good as the Maserati that it was based off of. We've been hearing "two years out" since 1995, when they took a break from selling cars in the US. And the cars I've driven in Europe lead a lot to be desired for. My guess is that Alfa will have one good year, and when that pent up demand is filled, well..... I would like to be more positive, but there are no real indicators that an Alfisti should be.

. Very true. The reality of it is the market for this kind of car in minuscule at best. Just look at the previous posts on this thread, car enthusiasts, the very people that the car was built for and half of us think it's ugly. Then factor in the price which is probably more like in the 60's out the door, Alfas history of shoddy quality/reliability of the 60s/70s, the few and far between dealer network and boy is it going to be a tough sell. I actually really like it and Alfas in general. I think it looks great. Good luck Alfa you are going to need it. Thanks for building it.

wearymicrobe wrote: They said that about the 8C of the 90 that made it here I have been offered 3 of them from people speculating the market and unable to get out of the car. Alfa will flat out not sell here.

I would say that specultors get what they deserve. I would not judge a car's market by what those people do and want. Look at what they did to the BMW Z8 and the initial run of the Z3.

Personally, if I had the money to buy a brand new sports car, I would wait the 2 years and try out the alfa against the porsche to see which I liked more. For daily driving, I bet the porsche would win, but for going out and being a complete ass on the road, the Alfa would be the better car

so want that car, I don't know what the complaint is about the sound. The car is a street car, turboed and with an open exhaust according to the information give by C&D.

I agree with the previous post, I am not 12-26 years old and think this thing is dead on.

I'm excited about this thing. Glad to see Alfa back in the States peddling sexy machinery. I think we all win on that account.

Also...new 2011 Evoras on dealer showrooms? Now that's intriguing!

Not that one will ever be in striking range for me, but that is a beautiful car

For the money i'll go with a z51 option on a 2014 vette which is a stunner in person...

mad_machine wrote:

wearymicrobe wrote: They said that about the 8C of the 90 that made it here I have been offered 3 of them from people speculating the market and unable to get out of the car. Alfa will flat out not sell here.

I would say that specultors get what they deserve. I would not judge a car's market by what those people do and want. Look at what they did to the BMW Z8 and the initial run of the Z3.

It is not so much the speculation, its the lack of Maserati dealers to sell and service them. Finance behind to make people who want them numbers to work.

Biggest thing is that once it gets here and it gains some weight for federalization its just not going to be as fast and at this price point everything else is going to crush it.

A 8.04 ring time is not something I would be proud of on a 55-65K US car that is that track focused.

I really hope that I am wrong but Alfa just has a history of mucking every single step up.

wearymicrobe wrote: A 8.04 ring time is not something I would be proud of on a 55-65K US car that is that track focused.

It set a lap record for cars in it's power class and is faster than an M3.

It gets insane MPG and is a street car, not a track car. I would put this as an upgraded MR2 than a down graded F40.

In the end the Vette is a better performer, but this in IMHO looks better, gets better fuel economy, and is more exclusive. Every Bubba or rich old man with a pocket full of Viagra, hair club for men and a trophy wife won't have one. Which let's be honest, the old man's clubt is where the clients are for either one of these cars.

If someone needed a reason to question my manhood or my psychiatric position of my life expectancy. Give me the pasta rocket over Viagra Anonymous and 'baccer spit crowd any day.