Compared to the production version, it is very similar, with the biggest differences being front lights, side vents and mirrors.

[24] Delivery of the European Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition took place at Balocco (Vercelli, Italy) Test Centre.

Front and rear aluminium subframes combine with the tub, roof reinforcements and engine mounting to comprise the 4C chassis giving the vehicle a total chassis weight of 236 lb (107 kg) and a total vehicle curb weight of just 940 kg (2,070 lb).

The outer body is made of a composite material (SMC for Sheet Moulding Compound) which is 20% lighter than steel.

[47] The 4C uses a new all-aluminium 1.75 L (1,742 cc) inline 4 cylinder turbocharged engine[48] producing 240 metric horsepower (177 kW) at 6000 rpm.

[51] The 4C is equipped with a six speed Alfa TCT Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, and can be operated via gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

In 2018, the 4C coupe was discontinued for the North American market due to US DOT NHTSA FMVSS 226 Ejection Mitigation.

500 examples were reserved for Europe/ROW, 500 for North America, 88 for Australia (Rosso Alfa and Madreperla White only),[57] 200 to Japan and 100 for the Middle East.

Note that the original press release cited 500 for North America, 400 Europe, and 100 ROW;[58] however, the plaques on actual cars suggest that more were built and are the numbers referenced above.

Distinguishing features of the Launch Edition were carbon fiber trim (including headlight housings, spoiler and door mirror caps), rear aluminium extractor with dark finishing, Bi-LED headlights, dark painted 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels, additional air intakes on the front fascia, red brake calipers, racing exhaust system, BMC air cleaner, specific calibration for shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bar, leather/fabric sports seats with parts in Alcantara and a numbered plaque.

[60] The 4C Competizione is a limited edition version of the 4C introduced in the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, finished in matte Vesuvio Grey, with carbon details on the roof, rear spoiler, mirror caps, side air vents and headlight moulding.

[62][67] In 2020 Alfa added 16 units for North America (15 in USA[65] and 1 in Canada), thus the number of 4C Italias globally is believed to be 124.

This limited version has Misano Blue Metallic paint; and front air intake and rear diffuser finished in Piano Black.

The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo features exclusive Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat paint, gray-gold wheels, and a two-tone "tobacco" (brown) leather and black micro-fiber interior.

Since the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo was meant to be an expression of the best of a 4C, it included all available options, such as the Akropovic exhaust, carbon fiber halo, Club Italia flag mirrors, and race-tuned suspension as standard.

On September 12, 2013, an Alfa Romeo 4C (with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires) driven by Horst von Saurma completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in 8 minutes 4 seconds.

[70] The Alfa Romeo 4C has been used as the official safety car of the SBK Superbike World Championship since the 2013 season, except at Laguna Seca, where another FCA product, the Dodge Challenger, is used, owing to FCA traditionally giving the Dodge brand exposure since the Alfa Romeo was not available in the United States at the time.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Picchio is powered by a new 4-cylinder turbo 1750 cc engine with 600 horsepower (CV) and equipped with a Hewland sequential semi automatic gearbox operated with steering wheel controls and suspension redesigned for use with Pirelli PZero 13 inch tires.