Alfa Romeo 4C Spider unveiled in US

While borrowing much of the fixed-roof 4C's styling, mechanical equipment and technology, the open-top Spider, which is really more of a Targa than a true convertible, features a number of new features and bespoke lightweight touches.

These include a carbon fibre windscreen frame, roll-bar hoops and removable roof section. This is on top of the carbon fibre elements already used throughout the chassis, which combine with aluminium components and sheet-moulded composite compound body panels to give the performance roadster an impressive power-to-weight ratio of around 157kW/ton.

Powerplant is the 4C coupe's all-aluminium 1750cc turbocharged four cylinder, matched to Alfa's TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) automatic, and controlled through the four-mode Alfa DNA drive selector. This will propel the Spider from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed best of 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 257 km/h.

The 4C Spider will also come with an Akrapovic dual-mode performance exhaust system, although the first US-delivered models will reportedly not be fitted with this system as standard. Whether Australian-delivered 4C Spiders will be offered with the Akrapovic exhaust has yet to be confirmed.

Inside, the 4C Spider features composite-framed sport seats trimmed in leather and an exposed carbon fibre transmission tunnel. A flat-bottom steering wheel, paddle-shifters, aluminium sports pedals and a 7-inch full-colour driver information display are other features.

New elements debuting with the Spider include an Alpine premium radio with multiple connectivity and media options, including hands-free Bluetooth phone, Bluetooth streaming, USB port, iPod interface, satellite radio and CD/MP3 capabilities. New interior trim combinations and alloy wheel designs will also debut with the Spider.

Heralding the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to North America after a 20-year absence, the 4C Spider is due to arrive in US dealerships in the northern hemisphere Summer. Australian deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of this year, or early 2016.