Alfa Romeo 4C: One Take

Matt gets just 20 minutes to do a video review of the new Alfa Romeo 4C. Fortunately, those 20 minutes begin and end at the top of the Snake section of Mulholland Highway. So we do it in one take.

[@RobertKarlBerta]

After owning a 2015 Launch Edition since new I have to say that these 4Cs are a fantastic car with a few mods. First....dump those PZero tires and get Michelin, Continental, etc. and the handling will go up and will mostly eliminate tramming which is noticeable with the stock tires. Check the alignment....recommend 0 toe in front and will make it less darty. Best mod is to replace the rubber bushings in the rear lower suspension arms with firmer material or best....Uniballs (after market available). Without the stiffer bushings and on sticky or wider tires it tends to flex a bit which changes rear camber a bit in a hard high speed turn. Now mine rides like on rails and significantly more predictable. There are several after market suppliers for various mods but even stock these cars are really fast. Especially on roads just like you are driving on in this video. No....it isn't a big GT.....this is a real sports car that will always put one hell of a smile on your face. Another feature....the 4Cs have proven to be very reliable and pretty much bullet proof....even when driving on track. Even at high ambient temperatures on track they never over heat. Get some more track suitable brake pads (track only) and the braking will truly impress you and the people you out brake on the track. If you want more user information and hints...go to the ALFA 4C User Forum. I am a super moderator there.

[@brian5o]

I hope you make some more of these "ghetto films." This was great!!! It was awesome seeing you get to know the car from scratch and the raw emotions of pushing it through the twisties for the first time. I love the general rawness of the video. That 4C looks like one hell of a car.

[@TheSmokingTire]

brian5o I'm thinking of just posting up on the snake with 2 gopros and driving random people's cars for more videos like this.

[@leobardofernandez1325]

TheSmokingTire that would be a great series, just driving people's Old-New-strange cars.

[@Remenschneider]

couldn't have said it better, that video was awesome!

[@KSKaleido]

TheSmokingTire I can give you a Saab 9-2x Aero if you want... when I get her running again.

[@karpetcm]

TheSmokingTire I second that. Keep up the good work.

[@TheLejait]

"Still not 75 graaa oooh look at this exposed carbon, sick"....lolol

[@rickr3334]

Did you know that the european version is lighter than 900 kg and that it can make 0-60 in just 4,4 seconds?

[@danielcastaneda2983]

Only 4k Miles 2015 Launch Edition for only $41k at the dealership I work at.

[@a.edw.160]

Rick R 900? You sure about that?

[@Leonidae]

For a "ghetto video" this was actually more entertaining than the actual review videos some magazines put out. No fancy angles, just car, sounds of the motor and the lucky SOB driving it.

[@RuTube981]

This car completely speaks to me, except for the fact that it doesn't come in stick. Like wtf were they thinking? Everything else is mechanical on the car, except for the most important part? That's just frustrating.

[@TheSmokingTire]

RuTube they are thinking, "We could make this with a stick, but no one would buy it." Just like no one buys any italian exotics with sticks anymore.

[@RuTube981]

:( that makes me really sad

[@sanderstreefkerk5323]

TheSmokingTire or 911 Gt3's, Gtr's...... etc.etc.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Sander Streefkerk I think Porsche intentionally ruined the shifter feel of the 7-speed compared to the old 6-speed (still used in cayman and boxster) to steer people to the PDK in the 911.

[@keko738]

TheSmokingTire What steer people to the PDK is that D button ha ha ha

[@xXCigarXx]

Hey,Matt I just wanted to say as a motorcyclist and motorist I appreciate you always staying within your lane a choosing good areas with nice visibility to turn around and also thank you for making note of road conditions......you represent the small number of people in cars who actually reduce my risk to myself doing things that I love while still being able to enjoy yourself. Have a kick ass day Matt keep doing these videos......and ill keep watching.

[@JeffGlucker]

Ooooh! W123 Wagon in an odd green shade going the other way at 3:35!

[@JeffGlucker]

heh, and there it is again...

[@mobiuspenguin]

Very jalopy of you Mr. Glucker :D

[@JeffGlucker]

Andrew Cathcart Very Hooniverse-y you mean... Google "Hooniverse Wombat"

[@mobiuspenguin]

Done. Don't regret a second of the glorious googling. I'm glad that is a thing! very hooniversey of you Mr. Glucker:)

[@TheHooniverse]

Andrew Cathcart new update vid coming soon too, the engine and trans are finally mounted. We're moving on to steering and cooling.

[@HugoElders]

Great video TST. I actually would take this over one of those 911's you already see every single day.

[@weed46]

Leave /DRIVE, and just do videos like this... This is top stuff

[@TheSmokingTire]

Jonny Oliveira I have to do both in order to make a decent living. We all do.

[@android61242]

/DRIVE is actually pretty cool but they are going through some shit right now.. I really hope they get back up there with other top tier automotive content such as this. The more the better.

[@TamiyaRunner]

Good video, i like how you present us with the raw experience of driving a car for the first time - the excitement and unfamililarity of it.

[@flashburn2012]

Matt, you should totally do more of these style videos. I love the quick and dirty style, it gives us a really good idea of what it's like to drive the car.

[@pwally2714]

@4:18 You literally start off with, "I'm not sure of what to make of it," and go into one of the most detailed and articulate soliloquies I've listened to for the following 2 min. It's on par with all the top auto journalists in the world. Signed Car enthusiast/ English literature major

[@MateNako]

I just would like to say thank you Matt and TheSmokingTire crew. You could easily stay just with /drive+ but you didn't forget about your older viewers, like garage419 old viewers ;D I think I can speak for most of us, keep posting such enjoyable videos, cause we'll always want more ;)

[@carloscarbonell1150]

These short one take videos are 👌... Keep them coming. Good job guys

[@skadoosh024]

Not "ghetto" per say. Always love these one takes..brings a 100% sense of realism & uncensored viewing material. Helps us regujoes live vicariously through you. Keep it up, Matt!

[@CiottiFPV]

FANTASTIC! One of the best videos you guys have done yet, proper solid mounted camera angles, great audio, great driving, and an awesome review. 4 stars!

[@jonbada91]

Friggin' rad video. Thank you for the great footage. That Alfa is amazing!

[@BaseDigger]

Loves the reviews, sounds you really had fun :) I'm driving the European Edition since a few months each day and it works fine for me - but you said something which is also true to me - you need focus in that car, there is not much room for being somewhere else with your thoughts. And that's one of the best things to me - you really drive it, you feel the road, it's raw, no filter - and that's one of the reasons why most of the European reviews are having different kind of criticism - a car has to be perfect like a Porsche etc. But I really like this imperfectionism - word sounds weird and is maybe not correct but it's the best naming of that. So - it's not a car for everybody - if you think, that a Porsche Cayman S works better for you - go for it, you won't get happy with the 4C. As to my knowledge, you have already now to wait around 2 years until you get a new one (at least here in Europe) it sounds that there are enough enthusiastic people out there ;) The Cayman might have much better street comfort if required, you can go for a long travel with it and it's slightly faster on the track - but at the end, numbers doesn't matter to me - the whole package including emotions have to fit and there, the Alfa demonstrates this to me each day. So guys, good night - going with my 4C tomorrow morning back to work via a winding road which is always a pleasure ;) P.S. Regarding the running gear settings & suspension, the setup is more foreseen for the race track - especially with the Launch Edition which surely has the race suspension and settings. There are already tweaks around that to optimize it for the less smooth roads but there might be still some work required that I'm totally happy with it on a normal road. Additionally - if you think about ordering it - the racing exhaust is really loud but it makes quite some fun ;)

[@TheSmokingTire]

BaseDigger Great take on it. I would love the Alfa as a second car, but if I could only have one, I'd need the Porsche.

[@BaseDigger]

TheSmokingTire Agree, when you have to take this decision - the Porsche would be also mine - but I'm backed up by an Audi so in case I'd like to go for a relaxed ride with my girlfriend, the 4C might not be the right chance :) Btw. When it's about Tuning, there is already a German one who is focusing since the 4C has been announced on it - can be found here: shop.pogea-racing.com/de/chiptuning/?manufacturer=alfa-romeo&series=4c&model=1750tbi-240-ps&stage_product=stage-1-clone&page=1 Still can't say something about their work but I know somebody who got most of their offered upgrades (downpipe, chiptuning, carbon replacements etc), so I'm interested to hear from this guy, how it worked :) Especially, as Stage1 tuning should already change the performance quite a bit (240PS => 292PS / 350Nm => 395Nm). This could already make a rocket out of the Alfa :)

[@mattn5160]

I love the simplicity and raw nature of this video. Cool car as well!

[@waxmax117]

Love these One Takes. More of these please!

[@bwabyd]

Please keep doing these one take videos they are amazing!

[@HemiMike]

I like it when you do this candid camera approach. The fact that you only had it for 20 minutes made your video a lot more interesting, as for an initial review. Thanks Matt.

[@railb1rd]

great video, i like this one take format. you get some really good first impression insights and it's different from other review videos where the driver has more preperation.

[@Casey_J96]

I love these one takes you do. really hear youre honest opinion about the car as you drive it. not scripted. raw reviewing.

[@macthomas5340]

Cheap video ? Absolutely nothing wrong with this video. You gave 2 great driving perspectives and what seemed to be an honest review. That gets a thumbs up in my books. I would like to see more videos like this from your channel.

[@shaft9000]

BEST 'first drive' format EVER....make 'em this way for every canyon carving sports-car from now on please!!!!

[@alineharam]

A nice and raw assessment of the cuatro Chee. Very pleasant ride you gave the viewers.

[@targaflorio3239]

One of my favourite cars and reviewers. Great video. Thanks for posting. As a former owner of many modern Alfa Romeos, too bad those old Alfa stereotypes die hard.

[@demonhellcat]

I do enjoy the polished fully produced videos but you rarely see the super genuine first reaction to a car like we got to see here. Good job with the time you had.

[@delongedoug]

Really liked this "ghetto" style video that isn't scripted or edited. It makes it feel like much more of a real road test than a bunch of sound bytes and catchy headlines. Your real time impressions are there. It may not be as visually sexy as other videos, but it had a realness I truly enjoyed.

[@atahanozaydin]

Omg, this video is the double rainbow. More videos like this please!!! I could feel the adrenaline. Gotta go and find me some mountain road.

[@ciarangodfrey297]

Awesome quick vid, guys! Love the fact that you guys strive for content, even if it means production value isn't as you would like it (personally, I love these "One Take Snake Run" videos). Boggles my mind that I am paying 3.99/month to watch no videos on Drive+, yet you are doing it so right on here...

[@TheSmokingTire]

Ciaran Godfrey TST has a much smaller production budget than /DRIVE, plus all our employees also work for /DRIVE. If we didn't have the (decent, not great but workable) paycheck that comes with working for /DRIVE, we wouldn't be able to sustain TST as a free channel.

[@angrybird32495]

Can I call this an econo-Ferrari?

[@PAPO1990]

I really love the 4C, it might be my perfect sportscar; raw, light, agile it's just a shame I probably won't be able to afford one while I'm young enough to enjoy the spine shattering ride (I love harsh riding cars, I feel more confident and connected to the road. But I know as I get older I won't be able to put up with it).

[@dew62169]

So, can you afford one now?

[@PAPO1990]

Dew lol, nope. But I drive a BRZ TS now. And I enjoy the firm ride on any road that’s not TOO bad.

[@aFlamingTaco]

This was absolutely the best video ever. We see a well seasoned drivers honest and true reaction to a new car. If you can't enjoy that, I have no suggestions for you. Great video Matt.

[@Spartan168]

matt, do more of these. this was great. or at least have a picture in picture hood view in the corner in your other reviews. i really liked seeing exactly what you were doing on the road and then talking about it, rather than the regular driver only view

[@rantos9]

Loved the raw video! Much better than heavily edited video because we can actually see and hear the car responses, squealing the tires, pushing the front etc!

[@Interdimensional-Cuh]

Great driving Matt! You and Rob Ferretti are undoubtedly my two most favorite car guys on KZbin. :)

[@jelleuyttersprot3888]

When you hold the switch a few seconds in 'D', it goes into racemode

[@brtnspn]

really good job on the video, as far as I'm concerned this is the best One Take video I saw from you or /drive. Great information / fun ratio. Also, appreciate the heads-up about bikers (I'm no biker, it's just that paying attention to one another on the road is important, so that was nice to hear)

[@Chimpieyo]

Good raw video, do more of this please. nice lil car

[@albertobenelli]

BEST 4C VIDEO . It says it all . Thanks Dude , keep'em coming .

[@patrickrollins2710]

great seeing you off of drive for a bit

[@MikeyFraz1]

I’m really impressed with your driving skills.

[@Stevo1361]

....you didn't gesture to the diesel Mercedes. Great video Matt. I enjoyed the on-the-fly style.

[@shizzy_Snorlax]

Awesome film. I agree with others that you should do more of these first takes. The rawness is refreshing.

[@Iain240]

Love these one take videos.

[@mexdoc6996]

I really like this format. I think your commentary is more natural and feels more true to what you're feeling about the car. Good job!

[@khalilc]

Do more like these man! That was awesome!

[@SleepyPanda-DougBurbidge]

Big ups to you for pointing out that cars need to watch out for bikes on that road.

[@jackmitchell123]

i love the one take format and i like using this road for consistent tests. it was interesting to watch this video and the hellcat one back to back for a comparison of the two cars in the same conditions on the same road. They are two that are normally not compared to one another!!

[@IMTHEBIGGESTCUNT]

What a beautiful piece of road!

[@Geardos1]

These 'ghetto' videos are terrific. The sensation of speed really comes through with the hood shot.

[@mtbrocks]

Great Video Matt

[@murderdoggg]

I like the format. The ghetto camera transition, and it's timing totally pulled me in. I also appreciate the 9 minute length.

[@moptoe]

Really enjoy these canyon runs

[@rzezniqq]

This was sooo good. Keep the good work!

[@Knezicdex]

Maybe the best video on this channel. Excellent car.

[@juancarloslang]

Cool. Video Matt, the car sound really good with de whistle of the turbo and the strong engine sound, I thought the same thing "people and companies maybe start to tuned up a bit, and then it will be ridiculous awesome", good review for such a short time with the car

[@targaflorio3239]

Great review Matt as always. Always enjoy your no BS breakdown. Have owned a few recent Alfas. Their reputation for "breaking" IMO is a bit undeserved these days.

[@MaciekJutrzenka]

love the one take series.

[@EvanMoon]

Matt, I enjoyed seeing you figure out the controls like anyone would when they get in a new car. The true opinion and raw footage is great and it is still done well. Thanks. For reference, how slow was that green Merc tank going? 20 mph?

[@dlygrind]

Really fun watch! I should not watch this before bed, because I just want to go drive.

[@ChuiStrong]

Thank you for looking out for the bikers. With those blind corners, it really easy to miss them.

[@governator45]

Thank you for mentioning the cyclists! As a car, motorcycle, anything motor enthusiast who is also a cyclist I appreciate it.

[@DCGarage]

+governator45 We are a rare breed. I think taking just one trip on the road by bicycle is a really important experience for any driver. It's a whole nother world lol

[@drnapster]

i really liked this video. i would like a lot more like this one!

[@kaffeewerks9609]

For some reason I really like these video over some other videos with high production value. This seems more natural.

[@jackk5781]

I love the video overlay!

[@PCulliganJr]

Love the videos, great insights into the 4C and thank you especially for the shout out to cyclists road riding rights too. I love riding and hooning(motorcycles, pedal bikes or my FD) on the same mountain roads and all it requires is a lot of heads up from both parties. Cheers!

[@andygtv]

Great video👍

[@Gilliatt83]

more of this please, thumbs up.

[@EuropeansCars]

This is a fine little machine and it good the looks and the performance.

[@TheRaguORagula]

I love Mulholland! Any section of it around the Malibu area is amazing. The section from Coldwater all the way to Laurel Canyon and from there you'll be dropping by the 101 freeway (all of these running along Mulholland) are fun too but the road can get a little bumpy and narrow at times.

[@TheStallion234]

Loved the video, Matt. I agree that for a car you can use more often, the Porsche is the way to go, but the looks and sounds of that Alfa alone make the decision a lot tougher. I've yet to see one in person, but does it get looks from people like its a much more expensive exotic?

[@EthansOpinion92]

Yes keep doing these!

[@butt5810]

6:27 "ho ho, that was a big number!" this is why i love your videos aha

[@4C4ALL]

Simply great!

[@stuclark748]

I like the one take videos. Thanks

[@TheDanskSoldat]

TheSmokingTire Matt,if you hold the dynamic mode up for 3 seconds you are put into race mode! Even more fun! Hope we get to see some more videos of this bad boy.

[@pwally2714]

Leave it up to you, Matt, to do an impeccable launch control before you even drove it 3 ft. 😂 I love this.

[@nowthatsurban]

I've had such high hopes for this car, I'm glad it doesn't suck!!!

[@Vettejocke]

That was nice man, now ya'll really have to find one and do a good test.

[@zaq1938]

I think a good test of 4C vs Cayman is to have both in the drive way and see which one you choose every morning for 2 months.

[@robm425]

Great video! These one takes are amazing! Nice little previews that gets me excited to the possibility of a full review. BTWs I didn't see an ad on this video did you guys forget to monetize this one?

[@daugbret]

This is the first review that's made me want to drive one of these things.

[@Kaisuke971]

The 4C is like a mini P1. Awesome car and btw awesome vid ;) Thx guys.

[@bmx687]

I love this car!! Definitely on my future own list

[@bmx687]

Responding to my old comment. BMX this is your future self. You picked one up in May of 2020 - flew to Connecticut during COVID 2020 - Madraperla white with red seats. Youre loving every second of ownership. Congratulations from your future self to your past self for all of your hard work

[@ellarkay9842]

I haven't seen one of these in person yet, and I always felt the styling looked awkward until this video. The shot at the end after you get past the Mercedes diesel and drive past the camera and then the shot pulling up to the camera made me finally "get it". With all the gushing and blubbering Top Gear UK did over this car , they still never got the point across like this video did.

[@ViceVersaMusik1]

I’d SO SO SO Love to get one of these man!

[@BryceWomeldurf]

That looked like a blast. Man, I miss California. I like that you compare the 4C to the Elise and Exige, but some ways better, as this is the first car that's really gotten my interest as much as those two have. Not that I can afford any of the three right now, but it's always good to have options.

[@Doughbodyboy]

nice review.

[@autophotographo]

I was in Malibu hiking last Tuesday, and I saw the 4c on PCH with a Viper TA and the Hellcat Challenger. Probably only a few hours after this video haha

[@sethmo38]

I like these one takes.

[@TJY2K]

That 4C was going quick through those corners and straight aways!!! He really put it to the test!

[@mk2mister2]

Yes he was. Which got me thinking that with only 238HP and a 2300-2400 lb US spec curb weight, I feel its power is underrated. Take a Ford Fiesta for example. It's not much heavier than the 4C and only puts out 30 less HP but is much faster. Perhaps its really putting out about 260-270HP???

[@TJY2K]

+mk2mister2 I can agree with that. I love how it looked going through those corners.

[@mk2mister2]

+mimimurder14 Absolutely!! Looked very planted. I haven't gotten this excited over a new car in a long time.

[@TJY2K]

+mk2mister2 me either man! My eyes were very happy haha.

[@Mad9977]

looks and sounds like an amazing Alfa Romeo =)

[@BarbWaltersMusic]

This car seems like a ton of fun

[@justaddafan]

Thanks for the video. Coming from a die hard Elise owner, I love the Alfa, but wouldn't consider trading the Lotus for it. The carbon chassis, beautiful styling, and size are great. I don't like the 500 pound difference with my car (with a claimed 8 pound lighter chassis) or the seemingly peaky turbocharged engine, but mostly I can't get past the automatic transmission. On a car that is meant to be involving and driver oriented, it needs a stick shift.

[@LTrejo91]

One of Matt's best 'One-Takes' (Viper TA as well)

[@officernate4460]

ya i really like the quick drives like this...just u and a mountain road is beast mode...maybe do some on gmr!!! lol

[@phoenixvette]

Great job for only 20 min! even an hour is tough for a video production

[@TheSmokingTire]

In_a_Trance Studios our normal shoots are 12-15 hours.

[@phoenixvette]

TheSmokingTire Awesome! That sounds like a fun day! I'd love to get on a crew.