Fiat’s engineering chief, Mauro Pierallini, has forecast £38,000 price tag for the new 4C sports car with a kerb weight of 900kg
The brand new Alfa Romeo 4C prototype will be showcased during the middle of 2012 before it goes on sale in early 2013.
Italian race-car specialist Dallara, carried out some early inspections, but Alfa has subsequently took the development process in-house, handing all responsibility to a small-scale specialist team headed up by Pierallini. Dallara also developed the carbonfibre structures for the Alfa 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow.
The mid-engined machine will focus on a 230bhp direct injection 1750 turbo four powering it, the 4C is expected to hit 62mph in 4.5sec. By the time it has launched the 1750’s block will have been swapped from cast iron for aluminium, says Pierallini, saving the vehicle 25kg.
The car’s highlights include a tub-mounted aluminium frame carrying the running gear and the 1.8-litre turbo machine. The 4C’s exterior panels are made from sheet-moulded composites and the car carries high speed grip – thanks to Dallara’s aerodynamic work where he has also help to generate positive downforce for the powerful machine.
The factory, where Pierallini says that Alfa will build 18,000 4Cs over the lifetime of the car, is not yet decided.