In pictures: Alfa Romeo 4C

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  From this the rest of the car is underpinned and, with lightweight composite body panels, that tiny engine, a compact twin-clutch DSG transmission, aluminium roof sections and sub-frames, and glass that’s 10 per cent thinner than that normally used in car production, it all adds up to not much at all.

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  With a foot on the brake pedal and a twist of the key, the engine barks into life without much in the way of audible drama. Yet, from the outside, it’s not a dissimilar timbre to that of a flat-plane crank V8, as found in various Ferraris.

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  The 4C will accelerate from rest to 100kph in just 4.5 seconds, on to a top end of 258 – which is more than enough for almost any given situation.

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  Steering is non-assisted, meaning the arms get a workout, especially at low speeds. The transmission is very quick shifting. The brakes are full of bite.

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  The 4C proves beyond any doubt the benefits of lightweight construction with a power-to-weight ratio that puts it among history’s true greats.

Take a closer look at the Italian sports car, the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C. All photos courtesy of Alfa Romeo.