Alfa Romeo unveiled one of the stars of the show, its 4C Concept. The mid-engined two-seater, which measures around four metres in length and has a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres, is likely to be the first of a family of small, Fiat Group sports cars. Expected over the next few years, it will probably include a hotted-up Abarth version.
As such, the Alfa showcases a new lightweight construction that promises a kerb weight of under 850kg. Much of the technology and materials of the 4C are inherited from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Featuring a lightweight chassis with carbon-fibre and aluminum body structures, it's powered by a 1.7-litre lurbocharged petrol engine, as used in the Giulietta, and features a twin dry-clutch transmission. Alfa has declined to specify a precise power figure, but the engine produces 173kWin current models, including the Giulietta QV. It's allegedly powerful enough to take the4C Concept from 0-100km/h in 'under five seconds' and on to a top speed 'of over 250km/h'. The 4C uses Alfa's take on double-wishbone suspension at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while its front-to-rear weight distribution is 40:60. Alfa says the car will feature 'DNA technology, which controls the throttle response, steering and suspension settings. Alfa Romeo is to start the production ball rolling soon, and the model will go on sale in 2012. FC
As such, the Alfa showcases a new lightweight construction that promises a kerb weight of under 850kg. Much of the technology and materials of the 4C are inherited from the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Featuring a lightweight chassis with carbon-fibre and aluminum body structures, it's powered by a 1.7-litre lurbocharged petrol engine, as used in the Giulietta, and features a twin dry-clutch transmission. Alfa has declined to specify a precise power figure, but the engine produces 173kWin current models, including the Giulietta QV. It's allegedly powerful enough to take the4C Concept from 0-100km/h in 'under five seconds' and on to a top speed 'of over 250km/h'. The 4C uses Alfa's take on double-wishbone suspension at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while its front-to-rear weight distribution is 40:60. Alfa says the car will feature 'DNA technology, which controls the throttle response, steering and suspension settings. Alfa Romeo is to start the production ball rolling soon, and the model will go on sale in 2012. FC
