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Alfa Romeo announces new 1.8-liter turbo with up to 300 horsepower

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If you were to design your own engine for today's automotive market, what features would it include? Aluminum construction? Direct injection? Turbocharging? Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust? Small displacement but a high output? Try all of these features and you're looking at the latest powerplant developed by Alfa Romeo and Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

The 1.8-liter turbo four leverages the latest developments in engine technology for an output as high as 300 horsepower while still meeting the most stringent emissions standards on the horizon (including the upcoming U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, which bodes well for its eventual American application).

It's the engine that's expected to power the production 4C sportscar, and given that it's designed to be mounted either behind the cabin or in front, longitudinally or transversely, it will surely find its way into other Alfas as well. (Maybe a couple of future Dodge products, too) And when it does, we hope it won't lose much in output, because 300 galloping stallions and an Alfa Romeo badge on the nose sounds to us like a recipe for success.

Details in the press release after the jump, with fresh high-resolution images of the 4C in its original matte red finish added to the gallery for your viewing pleasure.
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NEW ALFA ROMEO ENGINE TO BE PRODUCED IN ITALY

A new gasoline direct injection turbo engine for Alfa Romeo is to be developed in Italy for production at the FMA plant in Pratola Serra beginning in early 2013.

Designed for both transverse and longitudinal applications, the new 4-cylinder engine will have a displacement of 1.8 litres and maximum output of 300 hp, setting a new performance standard in its category. It will also be compliant with future emissions standards in both Europe (Euro 6) and the U.S. (Tier 2 Bin 5).

Made entirely of aluminium, the engine will incorporate the most advanced technological content, including a 200-bar gasoline direct injection system, dual variable timing and a high-efficiency turbocharger.

The all-aluminium design, combined with the most innovative technologies, will offer a power-to-weight ratio figure, fuel efficiency, acoustic and vibrational comfort, and driving performance that are the very best in its category and characteristic of Alfa Romeo engines.

"This is an extremely important step for Alfa Romeo, as we continue to reposition our brand and prepare it for global distribution. The United States remains our primary objective as we prepare for a 2013 introduction of our models," added Harald J. Wester, Fiat's Chief Technology Officer and head of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati Brands. "The dedication of Group-wide resources to develop specific powertrain solutions for the specific needs of Alfa Romeo is a reflection of the renewed thrust we are placing on the development of this brand. This is a first step in a series of initiatives to be implemented in the near future which will reconnect Alfa Romeo to its historical roots as a premium Italian sports car brand."

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