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...