For driving enthusiasts, there’s nothing more exhilarating than taking a spin in a roadster, a.k.a. spider. To get the full experience, you’ll only want to put the top up when you absolutely have to, but you want it to be quick and easy when you do. Whether you pay a little or a lot, spiders are all about speed and performance; luxury and road comfort are usually secondary priorities.
Buyers of the all-new 2018 Alfa Romeo Spider will be able to own another great Italian sports car that garners stares like a Lotus but is expected to start at around $45K. Yes, the 2018 model is expected to cost less than the current 4C Spider. And unlike the 4C, which has only been offered in a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, the 2018 will have a 6-speed manual as standard. The base model should get a rear-wheel drive 2-liter turbocharged inline 4 engine that will bring around 270 horsepower. An automatic as well as an all-wheel-drive system are expected as optional extras. A 3-liter naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 good for 300 to 400 horsepower and up to 400 lb-ft of torque are predicted for the higher end models, and a QV model offering even more power is also being discussed.
A fixture among supercars, Audi’s R8 Spyder is closely related to the Lamborghini Huracán with a price tag in the mid six figures to show for it. The R8 has a fabric roof that can easily be opened and closed and neatly stows beneath the carbon-fiber engine cover just ahead of what Audi calls “the last of its kind” engine, as high-revving naturally aspirated engines give way to turbocharged variants. The R8’s 5.2-liter V-10 delivers 540 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that even manual aficionados have to agree performs to a tee.
In the 1960’s, Fiat was known for its 124 Spider roadster; 50 years later, it’s back and all new. The Fiat 124 Spider’s underpinnings are the same as the Mazda Miata with an extra several inches added in the front to accommodate its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and in the rear for proportion. The engine spits out 160 hp and 184 lb-ft torque to its rear-wheel drive transmission to make tight turns a joy, while the suspension is precisely tuned to give it a surprisingly comfortable highway ride. Most roadster buyers will opt for and appreciate the manual transmission over the less responsive automatic, but it’s nice that both options are available. Its user-friendly manual soft top that is extremely easy to lower and raise. With reasonable pricing, $30K-ish even in the loaded versions, drivers can enjoy a mini exotic for pennies on the dollar compared to other options delivering similar thrills.
In the 1960’s, Fiat was known for its 124 Spider roadster; 50 years later, it’s back and all new. The Fiat 124 Spider’s underpinnings are the same as the Mazda Miata with an extra several inches added in the front to accommodate its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and in the rear for proportion. The engine spits out 160 hp and 184 lb-ft torque to its rear-wheel drive transmission to make tight turns a joy, while the suspension is precisely tuned to give it a surprisingly comfortable highway ride. Most roadster buyers will opt for and appreciate the manual transmission over the less responsive automatic, but it’s nice that both options are available. Its user-friendly manual soft top that is extremely easy to lower and raise. With reasonable pricing, $30K-ish even in the loaded versions, drivers can enjoy a mini exotic for pennies on the dollar compared to other options delivering similar thrills.
