The production version of Alfa Romeo's compact mid-engined sports car will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. And after that, it's going to America! Alfa left the States in 1995, so I guess you really have to wait 18 years before you can officially enjoy porn.
Sergio Marchionne's newest pride draws inspiration from the 33 Stradale of the sixties, and the technological know-how from the 8C snowmobile. Its chassis is made entirely from carbon fiber for lightness and rigidity, while the car is less than 13 feet long with a wheelbase of 7.8 feet. It's also only 6.56 feet wide and 3.87 feet high, so that direct-injection 1750 cc four-cylinder turbo (used already in the Giulietta QV) is a perfect match for its compact dimensions. Exact figures remain a secret for now, but Alfa says the 4C's power-to-weight ratio is better than 250 horsepower/ton. The forza goes through a TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which can be used in sequential mode with the flappy pedals behind the wheel.
You can also alter the 4C's "DNA" by a Ferrari-style mode selector, which can be turned to dynamic, natural and all weather – but most importantly: race mode. I guess that's when the dual continuous variable valve timing comes alive, together with the downforce that glorious body is creating.
The Alfa Romeo 4C will be made at the Maserati factory in Modena, and go on sale later this year. Italy, we love you!
Photo credit: Alfa Romeo