Fiat made a splash in North America when it returned to our market with their 500 compact city hatch. Following the success of the Cinquecento, the Italian automaker planned to follow up with a dramatic sports car to spearhead the return of its performance marque Alfa Romeo as well. The Alfa Romeo, known as the 4C, was first introduced as a concept during the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
After two years of on-again, off-again development, Alfa Romeo has finally announced that the production model is ready and will officially debut at the upcoming 2013 show at Geneva.
The Alfa Romeo 4C follows along the Italian company's traditional naming scheme. Representing "Four Cylinders," the 4C is powered by a 1.75 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is also found in the handsome Alfa Romeo Giulietta four-door hatchback. In 4C guise, the engine is expected to push 232-hp. Finally, the 4C will also receive Alfa Romeo's advanced TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.
To match the Alfa Romeo 4C's efficient 1.75 liter engine and the advanced dual-clutch gearbox, the 4C will also boast a "DNA selector," Alfa Romeo's very own Manettino Switch, which allows the driver to choose different traction, throttle, brakes, shift response, and steering effort settings for a variety of driving modes. Available DNA selections include Dynamic, Natural, All Weather and Race mode.
Finally, the party piece of the Alfa Romeo 4C is undoubtedly the stunning exterior design. While mid-engine Italian supercars are world renowned, there is a lesser known category of brilliant mid-engine sports cars as well. Featuring proportions comparable to the Lancia Stratos and the striking Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale, the lovely compact coupe has flowing bodylines that feature exaggerated wheel arches mixed with dynamic cut lines. While some critics accuse the 4C of stealing inspiration from the Lotus Elise, we argue that Alfa Romeo does it better.
Stay tuned as we learn more about the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C when it debuts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. Check out the Alfa Romeo 4C gallery below:
