Tuesday 1st March 2011

Alfa Romeo Reveals 4C Concept

Yes, it's rear-drive and yes, it's going into production

---

This is the new Alfa Romeo 4C, a sports car concept that heralds the return to rear-wheel drive for the iconic Italian brand.

It might look a little like an Elise with an Alfa Romeo nose, but the 4C is a statement of serious sporting intent from Alfa Romeo - and one that it plans to put into production by the end of 2012.

The 4C is a compact car, with a wheelbase of 2.4 metres and an overall length of just four metres, and it has an ambitiously small kerb weight to match - less than 850kg.

This will be achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre in the chassis, though exactly how that will manifest itself - and how the price will be kept low(ish) - Alfa isn't yet saying.

Motive power will come from Alfa's 1.75-litre 1750TBi turbocharged petrol engine that will produce 'in excess of 200bhp'. That will be enough, says Alfa, to push the 4C from 0-62mph in less than 5.0secs.

The power will be sent to the rear wheels via Alfa Romeo's brand-new, six-speed dry twin-clutch transmission, which is now also available in front-wheel drive applications in the form of various Mitos and Giuliettas.

It's too early to put a figure on the price of the 4C, but expect it to be pitched roughly at the same level as the Porsche Cayman/Boxster. Provided the folks in Turin can keep the costs down on that carbon fibre chassis, of course...

[chunkymonkey71]

Looks good!

Like a slightly melted Lotus Evora.

[bern]

Wow!

Less than £30k? (In my dreams)

More like £40k+ I would of thought.

Great concept if they stick to this brief though.

[kambites]

Automatic gearbox only.

[alexmckie]

OOOhhhh I definitely like that....

Shame about the dull ass paint though!!

[alexpa]

Yes please!

I like the rear end especially, would like a manual box though

Alex

[Steff]

When it comes out it will be based on a fiat 500 floorpan, have a metal body, weigh 1300kgs, be front wheel drive and cost £38k+...

You can see it coming a mile off.

[Emubiker]

Steff said:

When it comes out it will be based on a fiat 500 floorpan, have a metal body, weigh 1300kgs, be front wheel drive and cost £38k+...

You can see it coming a mile off.

You mean "based on a fiat panda"

[Milks]

yeah I remain sceptical about the numbers, sceptical but hopeful

looks lovely except for the rear which looks about a foot too high! Perhaps its just that particular pic

If they can pull this off it might just sway me from my lotus obsession

[Agoogy]

Gloss paint, silver wheels(maybe) and some chrome on the front... matt, grey and black respectivley might well be in vogue but it detracts IMO....

[daveknott5]

WOW! - I WANT ONE!!!

Alfa - you HAVE to make this - and if it's under £30k that would be fantastic - it would become THE sports car to have at this price point in my opinion! A usable, every day sports car with the spec to match a Lotus Elise for driving fun. Awesome.

[ChipsAndCheese]

Really like it. It is about time Alfa did something like this. Stunning design, very Elise like in places.

Lets hope Alfa engineers don't waste a great opportunity by screwing up the handling like they did with the cloverleaf editions of the Mito and Giulietta (according to the motoring press anyway).

If they get this right it could really steal customers away from Lotus when they go down their new direction.

[kambites]

Where on earth has this 30k figure come from? Sounds far too low to me. If it's ever made and has that spec, under 40k would be an achievement.

[Stuey145]

may have to sell one of the children as they can't both fit in.

Question is...which one?

[Killer2005]

Gorgeous. I need to get saving

[Johnnytheboy]

That's really pretty. Not sure about the "ten year old Vauxhall" paintjob.

[Junglehop]

There is a possibility i will have to own that in the future.....

[chickensoup]

Right Hand Drive????????????????????????????????????

[mat205125]

When can I place a deposit?

[itiejim]

Great, looks like a return to actually producing something with a sporting nature for Alfa rather than just harping on about the 50's...

If it goes into production as intimated it stands a good chance of filling an Elise shaped hole - provided the price is right.

[OperationAlfa]

Yes please.