Did GM almost build a 4C?

"CAcoalminer" (CAcoalminer) 04/06/2014 at 17:25 • Filed to: None

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So all of you have probably been drooling over the new Alfa Romeo 4C and its beautiful lines and near perfect proportions. But did you know that GM debuted a concept way back in 2003 that looks, to my eyes at least, uncannily, from the front, like a 4C. It was called the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept and served as a part of Vauxhall's Centenary celebrations and as a possible replacement for the VX220. Interestingly, both cars feature a forced induction I4 engine but the concept's displaced 2.2L, was supercharged making 240 hp and 225 ft lbs, and sent its power through a 6-speed manual transmission. On top of this, the concept and the modern 4C have wheelbases and lengths within 4 inches of each other. It's cars like this, that always make me wonder about what could have been.

So what do you think? If it had made production, would you have lusted after the VX as much as you do the modern 4C? Also, if given the choice, which would you park in your garage? Finally, if you think I'm simply an old geezer who has no idea what he's talking about and probably needs reading glasses feel free to let me know in the comments.

Note: In the interest of preventing Milky from having a massive heart attack, I would like to clarify that I do not in any way, shape, or form feel that the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept is an Alfa or is exactly like one. My intent was to simply point out how similar I found the Vauxhall and Alfa Romeo 4C's fronts to be and discover whether the Jalopnik/Oppositelock communities felt the same.

Source: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Additional photos of the VX Concept's interior and two wonderful rears:

Axial > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 17:27

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This right here is the most bothersome part of the 4C's otherwise splendid appearance.

CAcoalminer > Axial 04/06/2014 at 17:28

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I completely agree.

CAcoalminer > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 17:33

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Here's a picture of the rear in case anyone is interested.

AthomSfere > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 17:42

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To be honest I see as much Saturn Sky as 4C in this...

Milky > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 17:43

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Uhh short answer, no.

Concept car /= production car, and this is no alfa.

I still like the Opel GT/Saturn Sky, but its not even close to the 4C.

CAcoalminer > AthomSfere 04/06/2014 at 17:47

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From the rear and sides, I absolutely agree with you but, to me, the front is much more similar to the 4C than the Sky.

Axel-Ripper > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 17:51

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Well they did have the VX220....

CAcoalminer > Milky 04/06/2014 at 17:55

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Not even remotely similar? What about the triangularly shaped nose flanked by gaping intakes?

Milky > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 18:17

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A triangle grill on something doesn't mean its an alfa. Nobody calls this car a Mito,

because its not near as pretty and I'd guess it doesn't drive as nice.

Which is the same case for the Opel GT / Alfa 4C. Sure the GT is nice (like the cars it shares a platform with), but its no where near as pretty (imo) & it doesn't drive as nice. Everything about the VX made it to production except a bumper with vauxhall badge & I don't think anyone lusts after it the same amount as a 4C.

AthomSfere > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 18:32

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The front has a few more of the striking things from the 4C for sure. Mostly that Alpha triangle.

But, even that not a dead ringer... something in the proportions says maybe... but already trying to change it significantly...

CAcoalminer > Milky 04/06/2014 at 19:10

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I respect the fact that you don't think the Vauxhall is as pretty as the 4C that is fine. But you keep saying "this is no alfa". I'm not asserting or insinuating that it's an Alfa or that the whole car looks exactly identical to one down to the stitching pattern on the seat. I'm simply stating that to my eyes the front is similar to a 4C, that is all.

CAcoalminer > AthomSfere 04/06/2014 at 19:11

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I can accept that.

Milky > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 19:37

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Nice edit ….

Either way I took this as you were implying they were on the same level - " …. would you have lusted after the VX as much as you do the modern 4C? Also, if given the choice, which would you park in your garage? "

CAcoalminer > Milky 04/06/2014 at 19:41

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Yeah I should have added that last part from the beginning. Concerning the questions, I do want to know if people prefer one over the other.

Milky > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 19:45

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To me though thats like asking Miata or Cayman. Sure they're both sports cars, but they are in different leagues.

But then again I REALLY like the 4C.

CAcoalminer > Milky 04/06/2014 at 19:52

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I totally see where you're coming from but if I've learned anything from Jalopnik and various car meets, it's that there's always at least one person who "goes against the grain" and would probably pick the Miata or, in this case, the Vauxhall.

So is the 4C your dream car or just one of the many for your "just won the lottery" dream garage?

Milky > CAcoalminer 04/06/2014 at 20:02

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…. You are totally right, damn jalop/oppo hipster-ness. But its my I-have-to-own-once-used-prices-are-decent dream car. Its just so sexy.

CAcoalminer > Milky 04/06/2014 at 20:05

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Haha. I do enjoy the occasional odd person.