The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Design Preview made its world debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, previewing a new model scheduled to go into production in early 2015.

The ultra-lightweight high-performance driving machine

The 4C Spider is designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and has the same design as its coupe sibling but remains an ultra-lightweight, high-performance driving machine with a canvas soft top and carbon fibre rollover bars. Given that structural reinforcement is required by safety regulations for open-top vehicles, the convertible will also weigh more than the coupe.

The same lightweight carbon fibre material was used for the spoilers and windscreen frame and as a result the additional weight of the open-top transformation has been limited to roughly 60 kg.

The low-density Sheet Moulding Compound bodywork has been rebuilt around the rear deck to replace the back, and carbon fibre is visible throughout the open cockpit.

On the inside it boasts two composite-framed sport seats covered in leather, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminium pedals, carbon fibre vent surrounds and a seven-inch colour digital cluster.

Additional exterior features of the open-topAlfa Romeo 4C Spider include a new dual-stage central exhaust system with titanium and carbon tailpipes provided by Akrapovic with an electrically-operated valve system improving not only the performance of the car but also enhances the exhaust note at the push of a wirelessly –linked button. Other key features include the more attractive carbon fibre clamshell headlights, together with restyled alloy wheels wrapped around in bespoke Pirelli tyres.

Power comes from Alfa Romeo’s new four-cylinder 1750 turbocharged petrol engine sending 177 kW and 350 Nm to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch 6-speed TCT gearbox enabling the concept to hit 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h.

Alfa Romeo has announced the 4C Spider is scheduled to enter production phase early next year.

World premiere of the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider