Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn convertible version

Autocar reports that Alfa Romeo may be mulling the creation of a convertible version of the upcoming 4C Coupe. The Italian automaker has already made it clear that the hardtop will bow as a mid-engine bruiser with a 0-60 sprint of around 4.5 seconds. Alfa hopes the 4C will give potential Porsche 911 buyers something else to consider when it comes time to plunk down cash on a new sports car. Keeping weight down is the first priority in the car's development, and engineers are aiming for a curb weight of under 2,000 pounds.

Alfa Romeo handed over early development to Dallara, the company behind carbon fiber components found in the likes of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow, but has since brought the party in-house. Now, Autocar says its sources have confirmed the 4C will spawn a drophead version. Don't think anything is set in stone just yet, however. The hardtop 4C is at least a year out from production, which means the convertible won't see the light of day until 2014 at the earliest. Even so, if Alfa Romeo is serious about giving the 911 a run for its money, the 4C will need a convertible variant.