The Alfa Romeo 4C

This is a gorgeous, mid-engined Italian exotic carved down to affordable scale. Powered by a 237-hp turbo four and weighing around 2650 pounds, its zip-quick power-to-weight ratio goes with its fast steering ratio and six-speed manual transmission’s close ratios. This car can be driven on intuition; it seems to anticipate road challenges. The seats are narrow, there’s almost no luggage room, and it’s so low it’s tough to get out of—and none of that matters when you get behind the wheel. A sports car with a carbon-fiber body, a mid-engine layout, two seats, a turbocharged four-cylinder and a dual-clutch gearbox, the 4C is as close to an exotic as you can get for about $55,000 base. The 4C began life as a concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, and it's translated almost perfectly to reality. It's low-slung and outrageously sexy. Alfa says it's inspired by its Sixties racing efforts and the 33 Stradale, but it bears more than a passing resemblance to Ferrari's Dino, too. Power comes from a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's a raucous powerplant, better sounding outside than in, and there's just a touch of turbocharger lag. Each horsepower has only 10.3 pounds to accelerate, given the 4C's 2,495-pound curb weight, and acceleration is breathtaking, at 4.5 seconds to 60 mph. Top speed is set at 155 mph. The 4C will initially be sold at select Fiat and Maserati dealerships. Pricing will begin at $55,195 for the standard car; it gets standard manual air conditioning, power windows and locks, USB connectivity, cruise control, black cloth seats (red leather is an option). Options include painted brake calipers in black or red or yellow; a racing exhaust; a track package with sport suspension and a choice of wheels. Paint colors include variations of white, grey, black, and of course, red.