Could Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming 4C create a new class of sports car?

By Nick Jaynes April 15, 2013

Alfa Romeo 4C official — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In Europe, buyers will see three variants of the Alfa Romeo 4C: an Alfa, an Alpine from Renault, and a Caterham. While the three will share a chassis, each will have its own distinctive engine and transmission combo along with exterior styling and interior amenities.

While we can agonize over the differentiating details, let’s instead look at what the new breed of mid-engine, two-seater sports cars could mean for the global car market. If this trio turns out to be successful as we automotive enthusiasts hope they will be, the three could usher in a new class of sports car.

Although the exterior design and name of the Alpine has yet to be decided, it’s compact supercar design has already been cemented. Aimed at driving enthusiasts, the joint-venture sports coupe will hopefully attract the wealthy and young motoring enthusiasts alike.

For those keen to know the specifics: the Alpine will most likely feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, much like the Alfa 4C, but unlike the Alfa, which will only receive a dual-clutch transmission, the Alpine might instead receive a conventional manual, according to an Autocar report.

While Alfa and Renault will building their own engines, the Caterham version is reportedly to be powered by a Toyota-sourced four-cylinder.

While it’s unlikely Americans will see the Caterham and dead certain the Renault will never cross the pond, it’s exciting to know a new breed of sports car is being developed. We’d long feared that rear-wheel drive, stripped-down sports cars were going the way of the dodo. We’re glad to see there still might be a chance for redemption yet.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.