Alfa is determined to march back into the hearts and minds of petrol heads around the world, it seems, with a host of exciting new products. Its latest reveal is the 4C Concept supercar study at the Geneva auto show and there are firm plans to sell the final version from 2012.
Described by its proud parent as a concept that “represents the true essence of a sports car”, the 4C Concept, or mini-8C Competizione if you will, enjoys pride of place on Alfa’s Geneva show stand.
LOTS OF CARBON
True to earlier speculation, the new concept translates the classic two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe formula into something more compact and accessible. The concept rides on a wheelbase that is shorter than 2.4m and has an overall length of around four metres.
Like the feted 8C, the latest Alfa concept makes generous use of weight-saving carbon and aluminium for its components and for the chassis and body. The concept weighs less than 850kg, Alfa says, a factor that combined with track-friendly suspension and 40/60 weight distribution should make for lots of entertaining driving sessions.
Power, however, is sourced from the carmaker’s 1750 turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection - seen in South Africa in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde where it generates 173kW - mated to Alfa’s TCT twin dry clutch transmission.
Alfa quotes figures of under five seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and claims a top speed for the concept in excess of 250km/h.
And, unlike the 8C Competizione, production of the 4C will not be limited to 500 units…
The production version of the latest Alfa stunner goes on sale in certain global markets in 2012.
Described by its proud parent as a concept that “represents the true essence of a sports car”, the 4C Concept, or mini-8C Competizione if you will, enjoys pride of place on Alfa’s Geneva show stand.
LOTS OF CARBON
True to earlier speculation, the new concept translates the classic two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe formula into something more compact and accessible. The concept rides on a wheelbase that is shorter than 2.4m and has an overall length of around four metres.
Like the feted 8C, the latest Alfa concept makes generous use of weight-saving carbon and aluminium for its components and for the chassis and body. The concept weighs less than 850kg, Alfa says, a factor that combined with track-friendly suspension and 40/60 weight distribution should make for lots of entertaining driving sessions.
COMING SOON: According to Alfa, the production car derived from this concept should be available in 2012.
Alfa quotes figures of under five seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint and claims a top speed for the concept in excess of 250km/h.
And, unlike the 8C Competizione, production of the 4C will not be limited to 500 units…
The production version of the latest Alfa stunner goes on sale in certain global markets in 2012.