Alfa's 4C IFD bike will take your breath away..

For £45,000 you can buy an Alfa 4C with its state-of-the-art carbon-fibre monocoque chassis. From between £3,000 and £7,600 you could buy a road bike carrying its name, made from the same high-tech material.

Developed by the engineers at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Compagnia Ducale, the abbreviation ‘IFD’ stands for ‘Innovative Frame Design’, which is evident in both the bike’s light weight – just 6.9kg – and the structure which is fashioned as a simplified ‘4’ to represent the ‘4C’ sports car.

The letter ‘C’ is translated in the frame section, which is fashioned as a half-pipe section in the same carbon fibre material used in the 4C’s monocoque chassis.

The dynamic lines and fluid frame of the bike is inspired by the styling of the car, while the profile runs quickly towards the junction points formed by the handle bars, chainset and saddle. These form a structural link with the frame, joined by steel tie-rods which enhance its special construction.

Otherwise it’s a relatively standard ‘top end’ Compagnia Ducale road bike..

The 4C IFD bike will be available in Europe, Asia and America from December 2013 costing as little as £3,000 but a lot more if you get carried away with the options list. Colours from launch are either Alfa Romeo red or white, while it comes with Vittoria Open Corsa CX tyres, a custom Selle Italia Carbon saddle and Deda Elementi Crono handle bars.

Bellisimo!