There are certain cars that evoke a sense of style, sophistication, and performance that simply cannot be ignored. Alfa Romeo, the iconic Italian automaker, has produced many such cars throughout its storied history. However, today I will discuss one of their modern masterpieces, the Alfa Romeo 4C Gr.3, which has made its way into Gran Turismo 7 as a serious contender in the realm of virtual racing.

Let's begin with the car's styling, shall we? The Alfa Romeo 4C Gr.3 is a full-blown racing machine, boasting aggressive lines and aerodynamic enhancements that would make even a seasoned racer weak at the knees. It's based on the road-going 4C, a lightweight sports car that already possesses enough charm and charisma to fill an Italian piazza. However, the Gr.3 variant takes it up a notch, adding a hearty dose of racing pedigree and performance to the mix.

Under the hood, you'll find a turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four engine, which might not sound all that impressive at first. But fear not, dear reader, for this petite powerplant punches well above its weight class, producing a hearty 450 horsepower. Combine this with the car's feathery weight of just 1,200 kilograms, and you've got a recipe for some serious performance.

Now, let's delve into the handling characteristics of the Alfa Romeo 4C Gr.3 on the virtual tarmac of Gran Turismo 7. The first thing you'll notice when taking this car for a spin is its incredible agility. The 4C Gr.3 is built around a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, which, when combined with its mid-engine layout, provides a fantastic sense of balance and poise.

As you guide the 4C Gr.3 through a series of fast, sweeping bends, you'll feel the car's inherent stability, allowing you to push harder and faster with each lap. The steering is precise and communicative, providing ample feedback to the driver and instilling confidence even at high speeds.

However, this is not to say that the 4C Gr.3 is a one-trick pony, only capable of performing on high-speed circuits. In fact, the car's nimble nature and responsive handling make it equally adept at tackling tight, technical sections. The key here is to maintain a smooth, consistent driving style, focusing on clean lines and efficient weight transfer to maximize grip and cornering speeds.

In order to get the most out of the 4C Gr.3, it's important to understand how to minimize both understeer and oversteer. The mid-engine layout provides a natural tendency towards oversteer, which can be both a blessing and a curse. To counteract this, focus on smooth throttle inputs, avoiding sudden changes in power that could unsettle the rear end.

When approaching a corner, brake early and modulate the pressure to shift weight to the front wheels, increasing grip and reducing the potential for understeer. As you enter the corner, maintain a steady throttle and smoothly steer the car towards the apex. At this point, gradually increase the throttle as you exit the corner, transferring weight back to the rear wheels and using the car's inherent oversteer to your advantage. With practice, this technique will allow you to maintain impressive cornering speeds and make the most of the 4C Gr.3's performance.

Compared to some of the other cars I've reviewed in Gran Turismo 7, such as the Abarth 1500 Biposto Bertone B.A.T 1 '52, the Alfa Romeo 4C Gr.3 is an entirely different beast.