Sporting a lightweight canvas roof, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will carry a weight penalty of just 60kg over its be-roofed brother thanks to carbonfibre roll-hoops, spoilers and windscreen frame. Modern-day Benjamin Braddocks are also promised minimal cabin turbulence thanks to a honed aerodynamic profile.

Those disappointed by the unseemly headlights fitted to the production-spec 4C coupé will notice that the concept has been given units with a more coherent design. It is not yet known whether these – and the revised wheels and exhaust – will appear on the production 4C Spider, or indeed a refreshed 4C coupé.

Otherwise, the Spider remains faithful to the mechanical layout of the coupé, with the same turbocharged 1.75-litre four-cylinder powering the rear wheels. Sergio Marchionne has made it known that he wants the company to return to its rear-wheel-drive roots, ahead of a push to expand its presence in the all-important American and Chinese markets.

Photos: Alfa Romeo