What's this then?
It's the Alfa 4C Spider, which, with an almost entire lack of surprise, has morphed from concept to production with barely a single change from the so-called-concept shown in 2014.
Is there anything new about it?
Not much, no. It does get more traditionally designed headlights, which replace the somewhat controversial multi-element lights introduced on the 4C coupé and which make the whole car look rather prettier. There's also now an option of a carbon-fibre 'halo' - a trim line running around the edges of the open roof that should accentuate the looks a little. It also includes a full-bonded carbon windscreen surround that keeps the structural rigidity on the high side.
Beyond that, it's the 4C as we know and love it - only the roof (a folding soft affair, rather like what you get on a Lotus Elise) comes off. A carbon-fibre hard top will be available later in the year, and the impressive fact is that the whole car is a bare 10kg heavier than the coupé - pretty trim by convertible standards.
Behind the driver sits the same 240hp 1,750cc turbo four-cylinder engine, for which you can now choose between three exhaust option from korma through to jalfrezi and the full-on two-mode Akropovic sports exhaust, which we guess is therefore a Bhuna.
Mechanically, it's the same - same suspension, same unassisted steering, same DCT twin clutch gearbox. Crucially though, the Spider will spearhead Alfa's long-awaited return to the US market, which has already begun in a smaller way with the 4C coupé. Alfa plans to double its number of dealerships in the US in the run up to the arrival of a new saloon and SUV range beginning later this year.
"Adding to the excitement of the 4C Coupe, our all new 2015 4C Spider expands the brand's product offering and continues our mission of building great Alfa Romeos," said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. "With a removable carbon fiber hard top the 4C Spider takes the Coupe's supercar level of performance and technology and 'opens it up' allowing the driver to experience the incredible 4C from an entirely different perspective."
Neil Briscoe - 13 Jan 2015