What is it?
Alfa Romeo's Geneva Show star. The Alfa 4C may be tagged a concept, but we've been told that it is a dead cert for production and it may come in under £40,000.
Behind the predictably gorgeous exterior lies a carbon fibre monocoque, which helps keep the 4C's weight down to a scarcely believable 850kg. That's less than the Fiat 500. Yet Alfa's new supercar is powered by an uprated version of the Giulietta Cloverleaf's '1750' turbocharged four-cylinder engine so we reckon the company's predictions of 0-62mph in less than five seconds and a top speed of 'in excess of' 155mph will prove a little on the cautious side.
There's more good news. That engine is mid-mounted and power is sent to the rear wheels. Alfa will fit its TCT dual-clutch transmission as standard, along with a bespoke version of its D.N.A. system.
Weight distribution is 60/40, front/rear, while suspension is by double wishbones up front and MacPherson struts at the back.
Why's it here?
To answer all the prayers of the thousands of
Alfisti around the world praying for a rear-drive Alfa Romeo worthy of the badge. When it goes into production in 2012 it will lead the marque back into North America and Alfa Romeo hopes to sell 1,500 4Cs a year.
Show stopper or floor filler?
I think it's pretty clear that Alfa Romeo has one of the show stars on its hands. A gorgeous, rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeo sportscar made of carbon fibre and due to go into production: that'll be a show stopper then.
Read the full Geneva Motor Show report here
Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Mar 2011
