34 Alfa Romeo 4C claims sub 250 hp Nurburgring record

Cover for Alfa Romeo 4C claims sub 250 hp Nurburgring record

Alfa Romeo have published a press release, claiming that their new mid-engine sportscar - Alfa Romeo 4C, has set a new Nurburgring Nordschleife record.

Of course, this is not the absolute Nordschleife lap record. This is lap record in Alfa Romeo's invented 250 horsepower class - for cars with 250 or less horsepower.

The time of 8:04 was driven by Horst von Saurma more than a month ago, and is already added to FastestLaps.com.

It is quite remarkable that this small car with 240 horsepower can match and outrun such dinosaurs as Ferrari 575 Marinello, BMW Z8, Lamborghini Diablo, Ferrari 360 and many other older supercars with, sometimes, more than twice the power.

11y ago by FastestLaps
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Cane  11y ago

Watch a fantastic test drive about alfa 4c nurburgring: http://agshark.com/v/alfa-romeo-4c-n-rburgring-8-04-lap-time-motorsport-KVcKz0JT_Og


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geoff  11y ago

Also the 4c was running none stock
Tyres!
pirelli p zero trofeo af racing tyres


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NoWay!  11y ago

Just a pity that 2013 Cayman s time at Ring it's just a 'rumor' blurt by Rohrl to a minor car webzine, while 4C time is proudly official (and with video also...). It's somehow ridiculous that such 'fancy' (false?!?) time are used from fastestlaps for car comparison... And what about including also Variano times into comparison?


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Brutus  11y ago

Eight seconds slower than "fat" Cayman, and only 4 seconds faster than "fat" FWD Megane RS. Alfa 4C lap time isn't a good lap time. But in the video you can see how VonSaurma drive at 50% during about first minute. Maybe could be 2-4 seconds faster.


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BR2+  11y ago

...English Please..


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driver  11y ago

If you knew what they done for the car, then you would not mention for that stupid tape ;)


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BR2+  11y ago

Heres a video...somewhat..Time should be changed to 8:04.40

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/21/alfa-romeo-4c-nurburgring-video/

Also, I know this is nitpicking, But they tapped up the panels with gaffer tape-_-, I don't particularly care, But, In SOME cases, that could be a form of cheating, Or anything else you could call it, I certainly wouldn't call it that, But I do find it funny more company are doing that.


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HellfireZA  11y ago

I love this little car and what a great result, congrats Alfa!


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Meh  11y ago

I'd like to add that the Renaultsport Megane time is THE most committed ring lap I've ever seen in a FWD car. The driver looks like he's going to have an accident on almost every corner this is more laid back so perhaps that's why people are dissapointed with the time.


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Meh  11y ago

Impressive time but the 90s cars would have been running 90s tyres which are significantly worse than the tyres used now. Not sure why Horst Von Saurma is getting criticism he is a driver that is used a lot by the german auto magazines for tests. Not much understeer on that lap seems like it's a well balanced chassic no 'moments'. Perhaps that's why people feel he isn't 'trying'.


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Flabernat  11y ago

It's certainly a respectable and commendable laptime. This is a prime example of why light-weight is the way to go, especially with sports cars.


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Viking  11y ago

Do we have an actual measured curb weight published from an independent source yet? I know that the U.S. version is heavier due to: side and knee airbags, power adjustable passenger seat (Euro version is not adjustable), and air-conditioning (standard U.S. and only optional for Europe). These differences will account for at least 100 lbs, maybe more. Somewhat disturbingly Car and Driver in their first drive review published an estimated curb weight of 2650 lbs for the U.S. version. Does anyone have further info?


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ggffddlotus  11y ago

Lotus Exige S240 with celica 1.8 engine is faster than alfa, same power, even more heavy, older but still faster


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Shaggy  11y ago

@ lafars: I agree, Sabine Schmitz is queen of the Nurburgring.


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BR2+  11y ago

I have always wonder about that, If they want to get the best out of a car in any test, why don't they use the best? Sabine Schmitz, Frank Stippler etc for the Ring, Or anyone of there level, Jamie Furman for Acceleration tests, or anyone of the level, If I was on there level id do it for free, I wouldn't care if I wasn't getting paid. We could see the best times, with no "Journalists" excuses, I don't see any major magazine having a problem hiring them.

But I guess getting them could be a problem, Like availability or personal stuff etc.


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lafars  11y ago

isn't it better to give every car to sabina schmitz since she is one of the people with the most laps o the nürburgring and is nicknamed the nürburgring-specialist?


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Shaggy  11y ago

That's a darn good time for a car with less than 250 horsepower. I'm impressed.


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Piorun  11y ago

250hp?
We talking here about that car:
- carbon monocoque
- mid engine
- 895 kg
- dubleclutch

It should be faster.


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Sio  11y ago

Less than 250 hp... but less than 800 kg. Is only 4 seconds faster than a Megane RS Trophy.


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projectile  11y ago

There is nothing to brag about. Still worse than almost 20 years old(!) Honda NSX (274hp 1280kg) and Nissan Skyline (280hp 1600kg!!).