- The new Alfa sports car is slated to go into production late next year — and is heading to the U.S.
- The rear-drive two-seat coupe is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine.
- The 4C features a lightweight carbon-fiber body and aluminum chassis, which enables exceptional acceleration and handling.
GENEVA — Alfa Romeo's sensational new 4C is much more than a concept. Company executives said here that the sleek rear-drive two-seat coupe will go into production in late 2012 and will be sold around the world, including the U.S.
Several European press reports said the 4C, which draws styling inspiration from the larger, more expensive 8C Competizione, will spawn a convertible derivative in 2013-'14. The soft-top version may be badged as an Abarth, according to Automotive News Europe.
The 4C hardtop in Europe is expected to be priced well below the 8C Competizione, from around $60,000.
Alfa Romeo has crafted a deliciously styled coupe that has drawn comparisons to the 33 Stradale of the late '60s and other classic Alfa designs.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1,750cc four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, which the automaker says will deliver "over 200 horsepower" and is already used in such production models as the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. The mid-mounted engine in the 4C is mated to an Alfa TCT twin-clutch automatic transmission.
The 4C's construction is aimed at keeping weight to a minimum. Measuring around 157 inches long, the compact two-seater makes extensive use of carbon-fiber in the body and aluminum in the chassis, resulting in an astonishingly low curb weight of around 1,875 pounds.
The powertrain and low weight combine to produce an impressive 0-60 acceleration time of less than 5.0 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph.
Suspension is via double wishbones in front and MacPherson struts in the rear.
Inside Line says: Send it over here. Subito. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
lost_in_tx says:
11:37 PM, 04/14/2012
"Soon we'll probably get an Alfa SUV, built in the States, probably based on a Jeep Compass."
Pretty good prediction, 90in55. Actually, it'll be a Maserati... "The new Cinqueporte (Italian for "five doors") will be launched next year and based on the recent Kubang concept that was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt show. Sharing a platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee..." and to be imported from Detroit.
polacopr says:
04:45 PM, 03/02/2011
Wow..bring it now
polacopr says:
03:34 PM, 03/02/2011
Wow..bring it now
charlesb says:
12:46 PM, 03/02/2011
That is quite ugly....from every angle.
bbx says:
11:44 AM, 03/02/2011
Wait nvm, thought this was the car on the main page. But yeah, I can see lotus in this.
bbx says:
11:43 AM, 03/02/2011
I see a nissan 370z in this.
90in55 says:
08:17 AM, 03/02/2011
Alfa continues to build attractive cars, but the marque has lost its soul. I attribute that to the Fiat takeover back in the late 80's. First they went with a front-wheel drive line-up, and then Fiat parts started creeping under those gorgeous Alfa bodies. Now the DNA will be further tainted by the Chrysler partnership. Soon we'll probably get an Alfa SUV, built in the States, probably based on a Jeep Compass.
a1c_scg says:
08:06 AM, 03/02/2011
It's okay. Both in design and pricing for content. Good to see makers still pursuing lightweight sportscars, though.
vikasdesai says:
07:36 AM, 03/02/2011
Kind of like an elise, hopefully more refined, with over 200HP and 1800 lbs of weight it should be dynamically capable, and a good competitor to the porsche cayman, but the build quality will probably be crap
mklrivowner says:
06:01 AM, 03/02/2011
**drool**