The last time I tried an Alfa Romeo I enjoyed the experience. In fact, I really enjoyed the experience. However, I did not shy away from criticizing him properly and, guess what… I was criticized for that.
Something that is relatively common when our object of analysis is a cult car. The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is — or will be soon — a cult car.
Was I upset by the reviews? Not really. Still, the criticisms were so fierce that I wondered: am I the one who's wrong?
Is the direction not as demanding as I said? Does the front axle work better than it seemed to me? Is the comfort not as precarious as I felt? Was it the rain? Was it time?
Was it me?
I packed my bags and hit the road in the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
I had to end the doubts. This time there were no excuses. Instead of winter, I got summer. Instead of rain and cold, I got sun and heat.
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What's more, there are days when the road calls for us. And on the days when we have special cars in the garage at Razão Automóvel, I don't usually ignore this call.
But I ignored the keys to the BMW M2 Competition that we had in the newsroom and decided to take the keys to the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider with conviction — here in the Italy version, even more exclusive and limited.
I packed my bags and pointed the beautiful front of the 4C towards the Algarve. Path? As much as possible on national roads.
Was wrong. Yes or No?
I will save you and give you the answer now. It wasn't wrong. The Alfa Romeo 4C's steering is not exemplary and is easily disturbed by depressions in the road.
The Alfa Romeo 4C is not the epitome of comfort either. The canvas roof of this Spider version has a weak acoustic behavior and the seats offer little support and even less comfort.
The most aficionados will say that comfort does not matter in a car of this nature. I would say it matters less, but it always matters.
But it was epic
I have to give my hand to the paddle. I understand very well why the Alfa Romeo 4C is a cult car. In addition to being an Alfa Romeo — with all that that means — it's drop-dead gorgeous.
It's kind of a supercar to scale. Rear-wheel drive, mid-engine, carbon monocoque… finally scream Italy!
As for the engine, despite having a less than noble architecture — only four cylinders — it has a fabulous character and sound. As for the answer? Phenomenal! Full from low revs and with a happy finish.
The low weight of the whole — just over a ton — together with the 240 hp of the 1.75 l turbo engine work miracles. All this accompanied by a complete symphony, provided by the hiss of the turbo and the sound of the Akrapovič exhaust.
the force of passion
There are cars that don't need to be perfect. History is full of imperfect romances. Pedro and Inês, Romeo and Juliet, Timon and Pumba… Guilherme Costa and Alfa Romeo 4C.
A complicated relationship that had a lot to gain from a visit to Pogea Racing. A kind of couple therapy for those who have a 4C in their garage.
Even with all its faults, after more than 800 km of a trip that took me to the Algarve, I came to the conclusion that the biggest fault of the Alfa Romeo 4C is that it doesn't live in my garage.
I hope to meet you soon for another 800 km skirmish.
Until a fellow day.
