Autoblog

Alfa Romeo 4C speeds into production with £45,000 price tag [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Imagine your dream car. What might it include? Lightweight carbon-fiber construction, high-tech engine behind the seats, legendary Italian badge on the nose.... The thing is, that usually means a big fat price tag that runs well into the six figures, if not seven. But while this latest Italian sports car is set to include all those ingredients, its price point is set decidedly lower.

We're talking about the Alfa Romeo 4C, the nimble-looking little number that debuted in delicious matte red at the Geneva show last year, and in liquid-metal finish in Frankfurt just a few months ago. Rumors have been circulating of its imminent production ever since its debut, but now the blokes over at Top Gear say that have the final details on good authority.

According to the report, Fiat has crunched the numbers and figured out how it can produce the 4C while neither breaking the bank nor spoiling the formula. And so the supercar is set to begin testing in the new year and hit the market in the next. And the price? £45,000, according to TG, which equates to about $70K at today's exchange rates. To put that into perspective, consider that is the same starting price in the British market as the Porsche Cayman S - a model which starts here at $62K. UPDATE: Autocar now reports that the 45,000 figure is actually in Euros, not in British Pounds, which would price the 4C below the base Boxster, not the top Cayman.

The Cayman is an ambitious target, but the 4C promises to be both smaller and lighter. A new direct-injection turbo four will drive 230 horsepower to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch gearbox for a 4.5-second sprint to sixty, but is tipped to yield more powerful versions with as much as 300hp on tap and even a roadster version later on.

That last bit promises to be easier to pull off thanks to the carbon-fiber tub - engineered by Dallara - to which aluminum sub-frames will be attached front and rear. The Italian chassis constructor is best known for its racing cars, but also developed the KTM X-Bow, which could in and of itself give us the best idea of what to expect if and when the 4C assumes the place originally reserved for the 8C Competizione in finally heralding Alfa's return to the North American market.

Alfa Romeo 4C speeds into production with £45,000 price tag [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Alfa Romeo

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.

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

Alfa Romeo announces new 1.8-liter turbo with up to 300 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exec confirms Alfa Romeo American comeback delayed

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Back in April, we told you about rumblings that Alfa Romeo's triumphant return to the U.S. was pushed from Fall 2012 to sometime in 2013. Back then, the issues were related to styling, but now it looks like the European debt crisis may have more to do with the delays.

Automotive News reports that Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester told a group of financial analysts at the Frankfurt Motor Show that Fiat was scaling back its global expansion plans, with several models coming later than expected. The new plan calls for the low volume 4C (above) to come mid-2013, followed by the redesigned MiTo later in 2013. The original plan to re-introduce the Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. also included plans for a mid-size SUV to be built at Chrysler's Toledo plant, but that vehicle has reportedly been canceled altogether.

Fiat's announcement comes one day after CEO Sergio Marchionne cited a dire outlook of the European debt crisis as a reason for the automaker to rethink some of its product launches. This isn't good news for anyone waiting patiently for the Alfa brand to head back to the U.S., but the bigger news could be that future Chrysler product could be delayed as well. After all, Fiat plans to merge its platforms and technology with future Chrysler models, and that can't happen quickly if launches are being delayed.

Exec confirms Alfa Romeo American comeback delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C Concept bares its metal in fluid redux

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

There were a lot of things to love about the 4C Concept when Alfa Romeo unveiled it - now half a year ago - at the Geneva Motor Show. And one of them was its finish: Decked out in matte red, it was both flashy and understated at the same time.

A tough act to follow, then, so we were a little apprehensive when Alfa announced that it would bring the pint-sized sportscar to its Frankfurt Motor Show stand, albeit in a different finish. But as we found on the show floor, the Milanese automaker didn't pull out the vinyl or spray it with just any color out of the Pantone swatch book.

Instead Alfa has given it a "fluid metal" finish (similar to the Alubeam finish on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG) that looks like what ordinary metalwork dreams about when its on vacation - neither polished nor brushed, neither chromed nor varnished. Just bare metal, only nicer. See what we mean in the gallery of live images from the show floor.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept bares its metal in fluid redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

When Alfa Romeo pulled back the veil on its 4C Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, we were as taken in by its unique matte red finish as we were by the rest of the package. In a few weeks, Alfa will showcase the 4C once again in Frankfurt, and its new paint job - among other things - is sure to impress.

As you can see from the quartet of high-res images released so far, the 4C Concept has been given a "fluid metal" finish that looks similar to the highly sought-after Alubeam paint Mercedes-Benz offers on the SLS AMG. It seems to show the Alfa in a completely different light, one we look forward to scoping out in person at the Messe next month.

Alfa also says it has refined the technical package of the concept. Trimming the fat, as it were, to optimize the power to weight ratio, the aluminum and carbon fiber construction is motivated by over 200 horsepower from the 1.75-liter turbo engine that drives the rear wheels through the company's new dual-clutch transmission that is also making its debut in the Giulietta. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt

Alfa Romeo gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo plans to return to the U.S. have now been delayed for 10 years

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

It looks like Alfa Romeo won't be coming to the States any time soon. According to Automotive News, the Italian automaker isn't slated to return to the U.S. with a full showroom until mid-2013 at the earliest. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that the brand will launch in late 2012 with a handful of limited-edition 4C Coupe models. The brand will then flesh out with a small crossover in 2013 and the manufacturer's mid-sized Giulia sedan by year's end. That plan puts a full Alfa Romeo return 10 years overdue.

Originally, the brand was supposed to re-launch on our shores back in 2003 with a new Spider model. We never saw the drop-top, and the most recent delay is said to be due to the fact that Marchionne has nixed the Giulia design three times over the past year and a half. While the Alfa Romeo 8C has been enjoying limited sales in the U.S. for months now, the 100 units that have made it off of Maserati dealer lots don't exactly define a return to mass-sales.

Alfa Romeo plans to return to the U.S. have now been delayed for 10 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn Abarth, Maserati variants?

Noah Joseph — Sat, 28 May 2011 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Alfa Romeo wanted to get people talking with the debut of its 4C concept in Geneva, they succeeded. The Internet is abuzz with rumors of its production potential. There have already been reports that the Alfa will spearhead the marque's full-fledged return to North America, to be followed by both Spider and Abarth versions. Now, word is that Maserati could get a derivative, too.

If the reports prove accurate and the spinoffs come to fruition, that would mean three brands within the Fiat group will get their own versions of the lightweight, mid-engined, four-cylinder sports car. And that's before any of the Chrysler brands get a crack at it, because a Dodge version to pick up where the Circuit concept left off could be most tempting. The Maserati version would naturally be positioned and appointed differently from the Alfa or Abarth models. The question is whether the market can bear more than one Elise rival from Fiat/Chrysler, let alone multiples.

Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn Abarth, Maserati variants? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 May 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're still feeling the aftershocks from the unveiling of the tempting Alfa Romeo 4C Concept in Geneva, and reports about its production - and distribution - are already beginning to surface.

When Alfa CEO Harald Wester unveiled the 4C Concept, he indicated that production possibilities are not only being carefully considered, but that the 4C could make it to the United States to spearhead the marque's return to these shores.

Of course, that's what Alfa said about the 8C Competizione, with sales totaling 84 coupes and 35 roadsters across the United States. That was it - no additional (read: more accessible) Alfa models followed. Could the production 4C pick up where its big brother left off?

If it does, rumor has it that, instead of selling through Maserati dealerships as the 8C was, the 4C would be sold alongside the Fiat 500 at the many new stores being set up in the U.S.

The same report also indicates that an additional run of Abarth versions of the 4C could be in the cards, as well. Whether they'd be even more performance-oriented versions of the same (as the Scorpion brand does with the Fiat 500 and Punto) or rebodied and rebadged as an Abarth-specific model (roadster, anyone?) remains to be seen. Regardless, consider our interest piqued.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept: Geneva 2011

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Alfa Romeo 4C headed to American showrooms, Abarth version to follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Dallara to build X-Bow-based Alfa Romeo 4C GTA

Noah Joseph — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Alfa Romeo

The departure of the 8C Competizione has left rather large shoes to fill at Alfa Romeo. And stylish ones at that. Last week, we brought you initial reports that a new 4C GTA was being developed to take its place, and now a whole mess of details have emerged.

With the current Alfa line-up consisting entirely of front-engined, front-drive models, the 4C is to go with a mid/rear-engined, rear-drive setup. Its basis: the KTM X-Bow. Like the Austrian track toy, the 4C is to be developed by Dallara, the race car constructor also headquartered in northern Italy. Alfa's sister brand, Abarth, has long been rumored to get an X-Bow-based roadster, but now it appears to be going to Alfa instead.

In its carbon/aluminum chassis is tipped to sit a 1.8-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder engine from Alfa's existing range, giving the lightweight roadster a power-to-weight ratio expected to best the Porsche Cayman S. Styling is reportedly being carried out by Alfa's own Centro Stile, and not by Pininfarina as some have reported.

Production is rumored to come in around 20,000-25,000 units annually over the course of five years, with a price tag in the 40,000 euro (about $55,000) range - considerably more accessible than the 8C. Although the prototype was targeted for unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, reported setbacks could force us to wait a little longer.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Report: Dallara to build X-Bow-based Alfa Romeo 4C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Alfa Romeo 4C GTA concept coming to Geneva

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

The Fiat Group has got big plans for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The Italian automaker will, first of all, be unveiling rebadged versions of existing Chrysler group products for the European market, with a Dodge rebadged as a Fiat and several Chryslers anticipated to debut with Lancia nameplates as well. But what of Alfa Romeo? According to reports, the hottest of Fiat's core family will roll in with an all-new concept car.

Tentatively dubbeed the 4C GTA, the show car is tipped to pack a 265-horsepower 1.7-liter turbo four into a svelte coupe package. Like the MiTo and Giulietta, the 4C will likely take its design cues after the 8C Competizione (and hopefully a little from the Pininfarina 2uettotanta pictured above) only slotting in below the eight-cylinder supercar in the company's line-up.

Of course it would have to be approved for production first, and right now all we've got are rumors from our unrelated Hellenic compatriots, so stay tuned.

[Source: Autoblog.gr]

Rumormill: Alfa Romeo 4C GTA concept coming to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Alfa 4C coming to Pebble Beach?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo says it achieved its objectives with the stunning 8C Competizione. Now the brand known for the quadrifoglio wants to make the same kind of splash - only bigger - and rumor has it that it will do so by unveiling an Alfa 4C at this year's Pebble Beach Concours.

Automobile reports that the 4C will be a "a compact, lightweight sports car concept," shorn of high-zoot and high-dollar goods like carbon fiber and a Ferrari engine. Instead, it will use a 250-horsepower four-cylinder and could be rear-wheel-drive. Price for the limited-to-5,000 vehicles is being estimated at €50,000 ($70,000 U.S.).

However, while the 8C was busy killin' it, the rest of the Alfa line has been busy struggling. Sales haven't exactly pleased parent company Fiat, so the fate of Alfa's (and, by extension, the the 4C) oft-planned return trip to North America is still in question. Unless and until the Giulietta and its variants prove they are winners and show Fiat the money, it looks like the message for the American Alfa will remain, "Please hold..."

[Source: Automobile]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa 4C coming to Pebble Beach? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online voters name upcoming Alfa hatch "Furiosa"

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Furiosa. That's what the new hatchback from Alfa Romeo will be called, by virtue of an international competition to choose the car's name.

The Italian automaker is getting farther away from the Alfa-numeric (pun intended) nomenclature and giving its models more emotive nameplates instead. The web contest offered online voters a choice of twelve names, and Furiosa got the most votes, beating out Agea, Enos, Everson, Fira, Milo, Mod, Nevo, Solea, Sparvo, Velvetta and Ventura. While some proposals had merit, some of the rejected names were a little cheesy (try to figure out which).

So we can stop calling it the Alfa Junior. The Furiosa is anticipated to make its debut at the Geneva show in March. We're so there.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Online voters name upcoming Alfa hatch "Furiosa" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini-8C: Alfa Jr set for Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

As the Italians ready to launch their second attack on BMW's MINI following the debut of the hot-selling Fiat 500, more details of the upcoming "Alfa Junior" emerge with each passing week. The inside scoop now places the new premium hatch for debut at the Geneva show next March, with an anticipated European market launch next October, one year from now.

Based on the already sexy Giugiaro-designed Fiat Grande Punto, AR Project 955 is set to introduce the very best of Italian automotive design and technology to the supermini segment. Sketches released suggest that Alfa's Centro Stile drew inspiration for the front end from the sexiest-thing-on-wheels 8C Competizione and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano for the tail, with a F430-style lip spoiler and a rear diffuser with twin tailpipes on the top-spec 230-hp version.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Mini-8C: Alfa Jr set for Geneva debut

Mini-8C: Alfa Jr set for Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa 4C Junior: sketches and speculation

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback

With its release date revealed, more speculation has been surfacing on Alfa Romeo's upcoming Junior sport-hatch.

Pegging itself as the little brother of the sumptuous 8C Competizione, the hot hatch might pick up the name 4C Junior. Sources agree it will be based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, which means front-wheel-drive, and will likely make use of Alfa's new Q2 self-locking differential. Power could come from the Fiat group's new 1.4-liter turbo four pumping out 150 hp, with a more powerful option in Alfa's 1.8-liter JTB direct injection turbo four producing 220 hp, more than enough to propel the little car like a rocket.

The Alfa Junior is scheduled to hit the road in 2008, so there's still some time before the final specs are finalized and revealed. And for that matter, whether it will jump the pond together with the 159, Brera and 8C Competizione when Alfa Romeo comes back to American shores.

Follow the link for more sketches.

[Source: Auto Motori]

Alfa 4C Junior: sketches and speculation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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