After much speculation and rumors, Alfa has finally shown the shape of the its diminutive sportscar in the metal at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Judging by the number of journalists that are visiting the Italian carmaker’s stand, this looks set to become a star.
The Mito and the Giulietta have received praises from both press and European customers, but the 4C promises to be the first affordable rear-wheel drive sportcar from Alfa in a long time. It will act like as a halo car for the brand, though at a much more affordable price than the 8C Competizione.
The Porsche Boxster-like configuration of rear-wheel drive and mid-mounted engine is underpinned by the hardcore KTM X-Bow. “Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit,” states the carmaker regarding the 4C’s styling.
The concept blends technologies from both the 8C (carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive) and from regular models currently on sale, namely the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.
The name "4C Concept" is suggestive of the "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, which offers over 200 hp. The mill is already featured on a number of models in production, like the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, and comes with direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which reduces turbo lag.
Coupled with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, launched only a few months ago on the MiTo, the 1750 Turbo gives the concept car a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of under 5 seconds.
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