Drove the 4C today as schedules. F A N T A S T I C experience. A true drivers car with minimal luxury features.
Entry - Not at all hard to assimilate yourself into the car. The sill is wide but manageable. Easier than a Lotus Elise for me at least. Im not a tall human at all. Exit was just as manageable. Doors are not overly large and parking next to another vehicle in normal circumstance exit is no problem.
-Driving position - Manual rake and front to back adjustments are easy and direct. No power seats. Seats were firm but not too hard and very supportive.
Viz - Its a mid engine car so there is not alot of glass towards the back but with the rear window avail and the side grated engine covers I found I could see quite well. IF you are comfy with the Z/used to it you will have no problems at all. The side view mirrors are good and have power adjustment. If you elevate your physical awareness as you drive 10% no problem. It felt like I was looking out of one of the Lotus Turbo's I had before.
- Gearbox - DCT Auto or Manual mode was no problem. Paddles follow the wheel easy to touch use. Drove with the Auto mode first. Fine, aggressive and at times had the car in a lower gear than I would have if I was in manual. Not real jerky just direct and tight overall. IF you are coming home from the track or a fun day on your fave roads it takes the stress off
Manual - IF i have one though it never leaves manual. Fun, fast direct, involving and mix in the mechanical noise the cabin allows to intrude and BAM you feel like you are in race. It pulls and shifts beautifully. Downshifts are tight and fast/direct. It will downshift for you if you forget in both modes and rev matches as well. SWEET!
The motor - Im a bit shocked the number is 247ps/almost 250hp. It pulls like a banshee and my word the exhaust note under aggressive throttle is angelic to a car owner/lover of any kind. This car felt much more powerful than it is and with the suspension/chassis - very planted. I was in the normal sport mode which retained all the normal assist you get these days. The rep told me not to select the full sport/race mode today. I complied even though I was alone on the drive. That mode unlocks/disconnects everything and Im sure it would be amazing or kill you
-Steering and brakes - Very direct unassisted steering. I put myself into some positions on purpose today to work with it and try it out. Honor the ground clearance of course but the steering effort was minimal even in tight confines. At speed is sweet. I did some serious brake checks throughout the drive. Solid, straight with a great bite. Nice!
-Driver data/display is directly in front of you. Tells you all you need and nothing more. Nice colors and easily read/noticed.
Verdict - I had an hour with the car and Im sold. I just might fully pursue this but they are quite limited in availability right now. Im waiting for some more data from the rep on prices etc. Price gouging is going on as expected but I told him Id buy the demo I drove as it has seen a few kilometers now and maybe they will deal. I only want the base car with the sport exhaust. I dont need anything more t all. Black or red the same wheels and good caliper color etc. Dont care too much about the interior color black is fine etc.
- It will be a while before this all comes together but anyone who has the opportunity should go out and drive it. Ive read very little or watched very little about it. Ive kept up with the news on it overall. I dont like to let the press determine what I drive. Thats our job as potential owners. Id rather talk to the factory folks who build it and maintain it!
- The car is a breath of fresh air. It might be good to be near fun roads or a track to fully enjoy it. If you daily it - it will wear on you unless you are committed to just dealing with it. Im game LOL!
