2014 Alfa Romeo 4C: Mid engine 2 seater; 4 cylinder; (4 wildly ferocious cylinders, mind you); Front design drivetrain module transplanted to the rear; Wishbone front suspension; MacPherson strut rear suspension; manual steering; SMC panels on monocoque sub frame; Estimated 2500 lbs in North American street ready trim (according to Road & Track).
I can deal with those, it's the flappy paddle transmission that I dislike.
This is my biggest complaint with most cars today.....the lack of a real manual transmission. You can't buy a Ferrari with a stick and Lamborghini is almost there too. I read that Porsche is going to say goodbye to the traditional manual transmission soon as well (this is the first year that the top if the line GT3 is only available with a PDK). I personally don't care if they're easier to drive or shift in 10 milliseconds or get better mileage, etc. I want a clutch pedal and a stick so I can row through the gears at my discretion.....not at the whims of a computer program.
I kinda like the Alfa 4C's styling, but won't buy one because of it's lack of a manual tranny. Petty? Probably, but that's how I feel.
Originally posted by mrfiero: I kinda like the Alfa 4C's styling, but won't buy one because of it's lack of a manual tranny. Petty? Probably, but that's how I feel.
So what... If you can pony up the $55K (or more) for the car, then you could easily do an engine swap on it. Hell that car is pretty to look at, but a 1.7 liter turbo engine with only ~240HP??? If you can afford $55K for that car, then you can afford to have someone swap in a more powerful driveline with a truly manual trans.
Look at all the Lotus Elise's out there with turbocharged Ecotec swaps that use a GM transmission that will mate with the Ecotec.
I will be the first to admit that I need to lose weight...but this is far too small for me to comfortably use as a daily driver. If it isn't going to be a daily driver, then it is a toy. If I am going to have a toy, I want a removable top and a manual transmission. I understand the desire for a new car...but I don't see a single advantage to this car over the Lotus Elise (which you can get for much cheaper).
This is my biggest complaint with most cars today.....the lack of a real manual transmission. You can't buy a Ferrari with a stick and Lamborghini is almost there too. I read that Porsche is going to say goodbye to the traditional manual transmission soon as well (this is the first year that the top if the line GT3 is only available with a PDK). I personally don't care if they're easier to drive or shift in 10 milliseconds or get better mileage, etc. I want a clutch pedal and a stick so I can row through the gears at my discretion.....not at the whims of a computer program.
I kinda like the Alfa 4C's styling, but won't buy one because of it's lack of a manual tranny. Petty? Probably, but that's how I feel.
I agree... its sad but I'm willing to bet that my generation will see the death of the standard transmission.
Well I'm all over the place on this topic. I've been a fan of the lotus Elise for a long time and I've been bidding on Tesla roadsters which have no transmission at all. My 55 Austin Healy had a 5.0 with an automatic and the first thing I did was convert it to a floor shift four speed. My Fiero based Replica has a paddle shift automatic. I was always of the opinion that a sports car should have a manual floor shift tranny. I started to reconsider that when formula one began to have paddle shifters and the advantage was obvious. They did it for performance, not style. Most of my car friends outside of the Fiero circle have old stick shifts. I like Alfa style a bit more than the Bugatti Veyron that has a grill reminding me of the Edsel. The Edsel grill looked like an old horse collar to me. In conclusion my favorite Fiero reincarnations are the Lotus Elise and the Tesla roadster, it's electric version. I haven't been in a lotus, but the Tesla is ferocious.
Did you see the Top Gear episode recently where they got on a road race course and dragstrip and ran a stock new Corvette and a Tesla 4 dr sedan. ? The Tesla outdragged it and turned a faster laps running both head to head...not each by itself against a clock. Id have to assume the roadster is even better.
This is my biggest complaint with most cars today.....the lack of a real manual transmission. You can't buy a Ferrari with a stick and Lamborghini is almost there too. I read that Porsche is going to say goodbye to the traditional manual transmission soon as well (this is the first year that the top if the line GT3 is only available with a PDK). I personally don't care if they're easier to drive or shift in 10 milliseconds or get better mileage, etc. I want a clutch pedal and a stick so I can row through the gears at my discretion.....not at the whims of a computer program.
I kinda like the Alfa 4C's styling, but won't buy one because of it's lack of a manual tranny. Petty? Probably, but that's how I feel.
Your not alone regarding wanting to drive the car rather than the car driving you . Many Z owners loathe Datsuns decision to soften the Z . And with the 280ZX, boy did they ever! Kit
Begs the question; if they're trying to save weight, why a cover?
If you're trying to sell an 'enthusiast's sports car' wouldn't it be better to have an engine bay that displays an attractive piece of machinery that the car guys crowd around to admire & discuss?
That could be piece of Italian Alfa Romeo branded luggage in the trunk!
I work in sales at a car dealership and I can tell you for certain that I almost never get asked about a manual transmission. I also have kids that are 16 and 18 and I can tell you that unless they are taught by a parent none of these kids have a clue how to drive a stick. From a mass production stand point with demand being so low I am not surprised one bit that manuals are dying out. From a dealership standpoint even if the car is offered in a manual you will not see it on the lot because the dealer is only going to stock what they can sell quickly.
It would be nice too see a new age fiero. I think gm should team with alfa motors and use that frame and make a concept fiero. jest to see what it would look like. and make it with a choice of a 4cyl V6 or a V8
As clean as they get .93 cobra R 302 and yes only 107 were produced in 93. This one i cut out in Norman Okla after being wrapped around a tree. The absents of everything of the late model motors just makes a beautiful statement in any engine bay. as with the SC3800 the way people unclutter the motor and simplify the wiring are making true art out of a cluttered mess.The old addage stands true Less is More.
[This message has been edited by dematrix86gt (edited 02-22-2014).]
Aren't alfa romeo and fiat connected? That means since fiat is hooked up with chrysler the alfa would be dodge or srt car if they brought it here not under the alfa name
Originally posted by pontiackid86: I agree... its sad but I'm willing to bet that my generation will see the death of the standard transmission.
I find it amusing that people love a 100 year old designed standard transmission instead of a computerized one, but love their brakes controlled by a computer.
I find it amusing that people love a 100 year old designed standard transmission instead of a computerized one, but love their brakes controlled by a computer.
Really? So you're telling me they had Triple-cone bronze synchronizers 100 years ago?
Automatics are convenient in traffic, but otherwise IMO are boring.
Also as mentioned, not priced like a Fiero. 
As clean as they get .93 cobra R 302 and yes only 107 were produced in 93. This one i cut out in Norman Okla after being wrapped around a tree. The absents of everything of the late model motors just makes a beautiful statement in any engine bay. as with the SC3800 the way people unclutter the motor and simplify the wiring are making true art out of a cluttered mess.The old addage stands true Less is More. 
