The Alfa Romeo 4C will be launched at the Geneva motor show next March before going on sale later in the year, Autocar has learned. Sources have confirmed that the new sports car is at an advanced stage of development and is set to stay true to the concept first seen at last year’s Geneva show.
The 4C will be powered by a new aluminium version of Alfa’s 1742cc turbocharged petrol engine, producing around 300bhp. A claimed kerb weight of less than 1000kg will give the mid-engined 4C one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class — one of the key targets of the project.
The 4C sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sources have confirmed will be the only transmission on offer in the new sports car.
Styling and proportions are also expected to keep faith with the acclaimed 2011 concept. Although it is intended to be a global car, the 4C will be built only in Italy. Production will not be capped at a certain number; rather, it will be “built to demand”, sources claim. It is a “hardcore Alfa designed to appeal to the true Alfistas”, our sources added.
Doubts had been cast over the 4C’s launch date because Alfa’s own relaunch in America has been pushed back. There is also continued uncertainty about the Fiat Group’s model plans ahead of an announcement on 30 October.
The 4C, however, is very much at the forefront of Alfa’s model plans, and will be the headline car at the brand’s US relaunch in 2013-2014. An open-top version of the 4C will follow in 2014-2015, sources have confirmed.
