Lovers of sleek Italian machinery with a colourful history are strongly advised to descend on the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month (July 1-3). The stunning Alfa 4C Concept will make its UK public debut.

For 101 years, Alfa Romeo has been motoring along and the 4C Concept represents the latest evolution in their design language (and if there’s one thing Alfa has always done consistently, it is make nice-looking motors).

The mid-engined 4C is a classic two-seater coupe and it may be one of the sexiest, prettiest cars around. Beneath the saucy surface, it is a rear-wheel drive for plenty of mind-your-tail thrills. To keep the weight down, there is plenty of carbon-fibre and aluminium in the construction and the 850kg supermodel-light body is helped along by a 200bhp, 4-cylinder petrol engine. It has a power-to-weight ratio of less than 4kg per bhp.

The DNA dynamic control selector (who comes up with these names?) helps the 4C to a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph in less than five seconds.

There’s also a new transmission – the automatic Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission to be precise. Alfa claims this is not just another automatic gearbox – it can be driven in automatic or manual mode, which is controlled via paddle shifters. Gear changes are efficient and according to Alfa, there is pretty much zero loss of power between shifts – it is technology that has been a result of the so-far happy marriage between Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The 4C also has a start-stop function for greater efficiency, something that is fast becoming standard for a lot of manufacturers.

The Alfa stand will also feature the UK public debut of the updated Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, the Giuletta Cloverleaf and the 159 Sportwagon.

Along with the new, Alfa purists will be pleased to know that five legendary cars will also be on show at Goodwood. These include Juan Fangio’s 6C 3000CM side by side with the Alfetta 159 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Fangio’s 1951 F1 World Championship title. Other sporty legends of the marque on show will be the Alfa 6C 1750GS, 750 Competizone and the Alfa 33TT 12 as well as the 8C Spider in the Supercar Paddock.

If you can’t get to the Festival of Speed, Alfa will also be showing her wares at the Goodwood Moving Motor Show the day before on June 30. And we’re giving away free Goodwood Moving Motor Show tickets right here!

Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM. There’s a bit of the new Mito supermini in this friendly face

Alfa Romeo 750 Competizione. The coolest of side exit pipes and the now familiar Alfa front grille

Alfa Romeo 33 TT 12. Pure racer. And check the periscope rear view mirror!

By Georgia Lewis

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