With Alfa Romeo having cried wolf one time too many in the past few years due to Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne constantly revising the company’s schedule, it’s reasonable to take any news about future plans with a grain (or a truckload) of salt.
This time, a source from within the company has revealed to British publication Autocar that the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive 4C sports coupe, which has been displayed as a concept, will be unveiled in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 and go on sale, in Europe at least, later next year.
Said sources insist that the project, which is at a very advanced development stage, is vital to the company for its re-entry to the U.S. market. Moreover, the production 4C coupe will be very similar to the 2011 concept that was well received.
Like the concept, it will be powered by a new aluminum version of Alfa’s 1750 turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine. Combined with a dry weight that, thanks to the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber will be kept below 1,000 kg, this will give the production 4C coupe a very competitive power-to-weight ratio and the performance to match its looks.
The 4C will be built only in Italy but will be sold worldwide as “a hardcore Alfa designed to appeal to the true Alfistas”, in the words of the magazine’s sources. The latter also claim that, despite the uncertainty surrounding other models of the group, a roadster version of the 4C is already set to follow in 2014 or 2015.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Thanks to Bruno R. for the tip!
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