2015 Alfa Romeo 4C goes topless with Spider

Alfa Romeo president and CEO Reid Bigland addresses the world media during the 4C Spider's debut.

An interior view of the 2015 4C Spider at the Alfa Romeo display.

Photographers get a closer look at the 2015 4C Spider.

Handcrafted in Modena, Italy, Alfa Romeo 4C Spider combines the performance engineering of Alfa Romeo and the craftsmanship of Maserati manufacturing.

The 2015 4C Spider is ready for its closeup.

With seating for two, panoramic views and the soundtrack of an Italian performance-tuned engine and exhaust, Spiders are among the most exhilarating experiences in motoring – and represent the very core of Alfa Romeo's DNA and heritage.

The engine is the "beating heart" of any Alfa Romeo, and for the all-new 2015 4C Spider, it beats to an innovative, all-aluminum 1750 cc turbocharged and intercooled engine with dual (intake and exhaust) continuous variable-valve timing (VVT) that delivers 237 horsepower – or an impressive 136 horsepower-per-liter.

In line with the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's ultra-lightweight design and desire for maximum agility and road feel, the conventional power steering system is removed altogether. Through a manual steering system and 15.7:1 quick-ratio steering, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider provides the driver with maximum feel-of-the-road. Furthermore, an appropriate steering-wheel load is maintained thanks to the low overall weight of the car.

The signature Alfa Romeo shield-shaped grille, together with the two side air intakes designed in the front fascia, forms the famous "Trilobo," a significant facet of Alfa Romeo's distinctive design.

The all-new available Akrapovic dual-mode exhaust system features dual, center-mounted tips with carbon fiber surround and signature Alfa resonant sound.

The rear fascia and round rear LED illuminated taillamps blend into the muscular rear wings for a powerful stance, while stylistically incorporating large functional air intakes to cool the engine.

Unique carbon fiber windshield frame and available carbon fiber "halo" highlight 4C Spider's ultralight carbon fiber monocoque and aluminum chassis structures, which enable an incredible power-to-weight ratio and supercar-level performance.

Covering the "beating heart" of this Italian supercar is a deck-lid with three functional heat extractors and an aerodynamically tuned spoiler.

Alfa Romeo engineers looked to Formula 1 and only the most advanced supercars for state-of-the-art materials. The result is a monocoque chassis made entirely of unilateral, "pre-preg" carbon fiber layers that are hand-laid for extraordinary stiffness and strength. At 236 pounds, the highly exotic carbon fiber monocoque chassis delivers a material performance that is three-times stronger and seven-times lighter than steel.

Thanks to the monocoque's inherent rigidity, Alfa Romeo engineers were able to minimize structural differences between the 4C Spider and 4C Coupe. the 4C Spider features a unilateral carbon fiber windshield frame that is adhered and bolted to the monocoque chassis. In addition, a specially contoured aluminum rollbar (underneath the black or carbon fiber "halo") provides mounting points for the new rear decklid, while unique upper body brackets and a high-strength steel engine compartment cross beam maximize torsional rigidity.

Thanks to its mid-engine layout, advanced technology and compact size, the all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider demonstrates its precision, agility and performance credentials with a top speed of 160 miles per hour (mph), 0-to-60 mph acceleration blasts in an estimated 4.1-seconds, 1.1 g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's brake system is designed for track use, where decisive braking even under the most intensive conditions is required. To deliver maximum stopping power and 1.25 g of braking deceleration, this Alfa Romeo is equipped with four self-ventilating perforated discs and Brembo four-piston aluminum calipers at the front axle.

The Spider is powered by an all-aluminum 1750 cc direct-injection, dual intercooled, turbocharged engine with dual variable-valve timing paired to the blistering fast Alfa TCT (twin-clutch transmission) and Alfa DNA selector with four adjustable drive modes.

The all-new 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider's cockpit is inspired from racing, purpose built with only the essential driving components stylistically integrated.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider features two composite-framed sport seats with standard leather and an exposed carbon fiber monocoque that exemplifies its race-inspired technologies.

Furthermore, a driver-oriented cockpit with flat-bottom, leather performance steering wheel with paddle-shifters and aluminum pedals speak to the brand's racing spirit.

New to the Alfa Romeo 4C lineup is the addition of an Alpine premium radio. Designed for audiophiles, this new head unit enables the 4C Spider to offer its passengers premium sound quality and multiple connectivity and media options, including handsfree Bluetooth phone, Bluetooth streaming, USB port, iPod interface and CD/MP3 capabilities. In addition, the Alpine radio provides access to HD radio and SiriusXM Radio for high-definition broadcast audio.