First introduced way back in 2013, the 4C was the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo vehicle for the North American market in the 21st century. And what a comeback - this thing ticks all the boxes when it comes to driving nirvana. Made from carbon fiber and aluminum, the 4C is lightweight, while the exterior dimensions are compact, which combine with the mid-engine drivetrain package to make for some seriously impressive driving dynamics. We love it, but in the six years since its debut, not much has changed, and sales have taken a hit. Now, Alfa is offering a special edition at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show that’s leaving us wondering - is it too little too late?

How Special Is This Special Edition?

Of course, it bears mentioning that the 2020 4C Italia isn’t the only model to sport this shiny shade of blue, as it’s optional on both the Stelvio and the Giulia as well.

Regardless, the cerulean color is complemented by glossy black components for the front air intakes and rear diffuser. There’s also a set of badges towards the rear of the car sporting the Italian flag and the nameplate.

Inside, you’ll find the standard two-seater interior, plus an aluminum dashboard insert and a numbered plate on the center console. A backup camera, cruise control, and parking sensors all come as standard equipment.

Meanwhile, the drivetrain and powerplant remain unaltered. Mounted midship is an all-aluminum, turbocharged, 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine, with dual intercoolers to keep the charge air nice and dense.

Thanks to the carbon fiber monocoque chassis construction, the 4C weighs in at 2,500 pounds, which means it has a 10.1 power-to-weight ratio.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia arrives for the 2020 model year exclusively for the North American market. Alfa plans on building just 15 examples total. Pricing is set at $5,000 more than the standard model. For reference, the standard Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is priced at $66,900.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider - drivetrain specifications

Engine

1,742 CC, Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

Engine (Horsepower @ RPM)

237 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Engine Torque (Pound-Feet @ RPM)

258 @ 2,100 - 3,750 RPM

Transmission

Dual Dry Clutch Six-Speed Automatic

Acceleration (0-62 MPH)

4.5 Seconds

Top Speed

160 MPH


We Love The Alfa Romeo 4C, But This Special Edition Is Leaving Us Feeling “Meh”

Among all the trucks, crossovers, SUVs, and muscle cars that showed up at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, I still feel as though the 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia is the best-looking debut on the floor. After all these years, it still looks gorgeous, with sultry Italian curves, and a wide, low stance that just screams performance. Sure, it’s an older design, but it’s still looking tasty.

The upgrades aren’t really all that impressive, and at $5,000 more than the standard model, it’s expensive too. We would have preferred to see something truly unique with the 4C Italia - something like new wheels and a new front spoiler would be nice, maybe with updated engine breathing mods to boot.

But just blue paint and black trim? Not really all that interesting, if I’m honest.

And that’s a shame, because the 4C looks like it’s one of the last examples of a dying breed that focuses on performance and driving engagement over refinement and luxury.

Perhaps we can chalk it up to falling demand for sports cars in general, but the 4C is definitely stretched thin at this point. Hopefully Alfa can pull itself together and continue to offer this incredible sports car, because the segment is definitely brighter with it.

Further Reading

2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia is a final attempt from Alfa to stay relevant

Read our full review on the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Read our full review on the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Competizione

Read our full review on the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C.

2019 Chicago Auto Show - Everything You Need To Know