The Alfa Romeo 4C heralded the brand’s return to the U.S., but was never a strong seller.
A mid-engined layout, two seats, a low curb weight and no power steering. As far as enthusiast cars go, the Alfa Romeo 4C should have been a match made in heaven. However, despite its looks and exclusivity – after all, it is an Italian sports car – it never was a smash hit. Its best year was 2015, where it sold 663 units in the United States and Canada. However, sales have declined since then. This year, only 95 Alfa Romeo 4Cs have found buyers, according to Carsalesbase.
With sales numbers like that, Motor Authority‘s report that Alfa Romeo is discontinuing the 4C coupe isn’t terribly surprising. The report quotes 4C product manager Danny Britt in confirming the company will drop the 4C coupe in North America after this model year. The 4C coupe will still be sold in all other markets globally. However, the 4C Spider will remain in the United States, but it will also get more expensive. Alfa Romeo reportedly plans to tack on another $1,000 to the Spider. When that happens, the cheapest 4C you’ll be able to buy will start at $66,900 – a whopping $11,000 more than the current coupe’s starting price.
On the performance front, the 4C Spider retains the 1.8-liter, 237 horsepower engine as the coupe. The model weighs in at 2,487 pounds – 22 more than the coupe – but still hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. All Alfa Romeo 4Cs come with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider gets more standard equipment
While the Alfa Romeo 4C will start off more expensive, it will also come with more standard equipment like a rearview camera. Mind you, this car is meant to be light and driver-focused, so don’t expect much more in the way of luxury. The Track Package will also be dropped, but the components of that package will be available as individual options.
In the wake of Fiat-Chrysler’s five-year plan to revive the Alfa Romeo GTV and the 8C, as well as refresh the Giulia, perhaps there’s no room for the 4C coupe in the lineup. Instead, the 4C Spider would go head to head with the Porsche 718 Boxster, while those models would fill the brand’s coupe niches. Since so few 4C coupes were sold, they could also become a hot commodity among collectors. The 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C coupe is still available in the U.S., so if you want to buy one, this year is your last chance.
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Update 6/28/18: Corrected typographical error: The Alfa Romeo 4C Product Manager’s name is “Danny Britt”. The Alfa Romeo 4C coupe is only being discontinued in the North American market.
