Alfa 4C Will Hit the U.S. in 2013

LONDON — Alfa Romeo's mid-engined 4C sportscar will appear in prototype form during the middle of next year, says Fiat engineering chief Mauro Pierallini, before the car goes on sale in 2013 to lead the brand's much-delayed return to the U.S. Executives hint the 4C's price tag could be $45,000 or less in the States.

Originally conceived as a sports car for the Abarth marque, a sporty sub-brand of Fiat, the 4C instead became the small brother to Alfa's glamorous V8-powered 8C coupe.

Its carbon-fiber central tub, chassis and aerodynamic package were originally designed by Italian racecar specialist Dallara, but Alfa has subsequently taken the development process in-house, handing responsibility to a small specialist team headed by Pierallini. Dallara also developed the carbon structures for the Alfa 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow.

Tub-mounted aluminium frames carry the running gear and the 1.8-liter turbo powertrain, while the 4C's exterior panels are made from sheet-molded composites.

The 1.8 direct-injection Alfa power unit is essentially the same as for the Giulietta, except that by the time the 4C is launched, the block will have switched from cast iron to aluminum, saving 55 pounds. The curb weight of the car is targeted at 1,980 lbs, this ambitious goal achievable in part because of the extensive use of lightweight materials, but also because the 4C is of similar size to the Lotus Elise.

With a forecast power output of 230-horsepower, the 4C is said to be good for 0-60 mph sprints in less than 4.5 seconds, while Dallara's wind-tunnel work should provide excellent high-speed roadholding because the car enjoys positive aerodynamic downforce.

Pierallini says Alfa will build 18,000 4Cs over the lifetime of the car, although the factory that will make it has yet to be chosen.

The 4C will be joined by in the U.S. by the new Giulia sedan and Alfa's first SUV. The Giulia replaces the Alfa 159, which Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne describes as "driving OK, but it was 400 kg too heavy and by default uncompetitive. We will never, ever do this again. The next Giulia had better smell, look and drive like an Alfa, or it will not wear the badge. We need to resurrect Alfa Romeo in the proper way."

Inside Line says: Alfa is certainly preparing a promising halo model for its re-entry into the U.S., but the Giulia and SUV will determine whether this storied marque can re-establish itself in the Americas.