You think pretty looks are enough to keep a model alive? Ask Alfa Romeo that, and you'll get a loud, resounding 'No'! Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO, Sergio Marchionne, has confirmed to Autocar that the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé's future in the U.S. is in question; however, the 4C Spider will continue to live on. Now, was this because of Alfa Romeo's stubbornness to not give customers what they want, or was it just an under-par car?

Why Couldn't The Car Connect With The Enthusiasts?

The 4C was launched in 2014, with a motive to reignite the passion for Alfa Romeo in the U.S. While the thought process to target the enthusiasts was right; the 4C was perhaps not the best choice. It received mixed reviews for its 1.75-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, that produced 238 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque. Naught to 60 mph could be achieved in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. While this seems pretty impressive on paper for a car that weighs just 2000 pounds, there was one deal-breaker - the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Not that the gearbox was unimpressive, but customers wanted a manual transmission instead. As for the interior, the cabin was cramped even for a 2-seater, and the boot had a useless cargo space.

Blame The Poor Numbers

The car never raked in numbers either, with January 2015 being the high-point, where it sold 97 examples. Post its return, not even once did it manage to touch the three-figure mark in the U.S. The 4C coupé was priced at $56,000; $10,000 cheaper than its convertible sibling - the 4C Spider. For the time being, the Spider can take care of your 4C needs, but the company plans to eliminate that by 2022, as well. The 2019 Spider is expected to get sway bars, better suspension, and sportier tires and wheels. However, this will come at an additional cost of $1,000, which the Italian automaker plans to hike. This pricing is just going to make the Porsche Cayman 718 look pretty at $55,000.

Our Take

When you get behind the wheel of a car this size, you expect a 100-percent control over the car; to be able to redline it in every gear, throw it hard and fast around the corners, etc. However, Alfa Romeo did not pay attention to enthusiasts and refused to offer a manual transmission.

The coupé may be on the verge of getting phased out, but the automaker seems to be on-course with its plans to expand grounds in the U.S., with the successful Giulia sedan and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio leading the way. The company recently talked about expansion plans that include more SUVs, a mid-engined sports car that will bring back the 8C name, and a 600 horsepower hybrid car that would revive the GTV moniker. Like they say, you need to take a step back to leap forward, and the 4C coupé has taken the bullet for Alfa Romeo's better future. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C.

Read our full review on the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider.

Read more Alfa Romeo news.