# Carbon Fiber Convertibles The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Was Unveiled At the Detroit Auto Show By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-01-13 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alfa-romeo-4c-spider References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/alfa-romeo-4c-spider-naias-detroit/35562/) & [alfaromeopress](http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/116659) The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is the convertible version of the popular 4C, and was unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. This vehicle sports the lightweight [carbon fiber construction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2027-bentley-continental-gt-supersports) and is fitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The vehicle is powered by a 1.75-liter 4-cylinder motor that produces 237 horsepower and excellent low-down torque, with the engine's 258 pounds-feet torque capacity available between 2,200 and 4,250 revs per minute. Drivers can control matters using the [dual-clutch gearbox](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venom-f5m). The main difference between the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and its predecessor is the removable top, with drivers able to choose between the included [removable soft top](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-concept-speedtop) or the optional carbon fiber lid. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a carbon fiber windshield surround and brand new alloy wheels. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Lightweight Convertibles:** There is an opportunity to create more lightweight and efficient convertible cars with carbon fiber construction and powerful engines. - **Removable Convertible Tops:** Developing new, easy-to-removal convertible tops that come in different materials can provide drivers with flexibility and customization. - **Carbon Fiber Windshields:** The use of carbon fiber in windshield surrounds provides a lightweight and sturdy alternative to traditional materials, creating an opportunity for improved safety and aerodynamics. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** This industry can explore the development of lightweight and efficient convertible cars using carbon fiber construction, powerful engines, and customizable tops and windshields. - **Materials Science:** New advancements in materials science can be explored to create better lightweight materials for the automotive industry, such as carbon fiber windshields and new convertible top materials. - **Design:** Designers can focus on creating more customizable and stylish convertible tops that are easy to remove, and explore new shapes and materials for increased aerodynamics and aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Convertible Smart Roof Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mc20-cielo.md) - [Hybrid Convertible Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artura-spider.md) - [Luxurious Glass Roof Sportscars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mc20-cielo-1.md) - [Remastered Iconic Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remastered-iconic-supercar.md) - [Luxurious Soft-Top Convertibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/granturismo.md) - [Performance Luxe Sedans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giulia-quadrifoglio-luna-rossa.md) - [Riproaring Convertible Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riproaring-convertible-supercar.md) - [Open-Top Hypercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venom-f5-roadster.md) - [Redefined Limited Custom Automobiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gtamodificata.md)