The Alfa Romeo 4C was designed to spearhead the company’s resurgence but the model hasn’t been a huge sales success as Carsalesbase data shows the automaker sold a combined 1,671 units in Europe and the United States last year.
Help is on the way as Alfa Romeo and Maserati engineering boss Roberto Fedeli told Autocar the company is working on an updated 4C which will feature a revised suspension and an improved steering system.
The updated model could also come with a new engine which would replace the turbocharged 1.75-liter four-cylinder that produces 237 hp (176 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It allows the current model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).
Fedeli wasn’t ready to talk specifics but he said “We are coming back to Formula 1 and we need the 4C to be our halo car.” Fedeli also confirmed the updated 4C will not be offered with a manual transmission as he doesn’t think there’s enough demand to justify it.
While the lack of a manual transmission won’t please the purists, Fedeli said Ferrari spent approximately €10 ($11.7) million to offer a manual transmission in the California. In the end, just two cars were equipped with the gearbox.
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