Alfa Romeo is set to upstage many of the race cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 1-3 July when it unveils its 4C concept sports coupé. It's the first time the 4C has been seen in the UK and it will share Alfa's stand with the updated MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - also making its first UK appearance.

The 4C was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and is set to go into production in 2012. It uses carbon fibre and aluminium to keep weight down, while a 200bhp 1750 TBi engine is mid-mounted and coupled to a double-clutch gearbox.

Alfa says the 4C covers 0-62mph in less than five seconds and will have a 155mph top speed. Production models are rumoured to come with a 250bhp version of the same engine, but are likely be heavier than the concept car's 850kg to meet safety regulations.

Alf Romeo says the 4C will sell for around £40,000 when it reaches the UK in the middle of 2012.

Alisdair Suttie - 15 Jun 2011