Alfa Romeo Confirms 4C Sports Car for US Market in 2013
Alfa Romeo will bring its lightweight 4C coupe to US showrooms in 2013, aiming to re-establish the brand with a mid-engined, turbocharged sports car under $45,000.
Alfa Romeo will introduce the 4C sports car to the United States in 2013, marking the Italian marque’s long-awaited return to the American market with a production model aimed at enthusiasts. The 4C, shown in concept and prototype form at several international motor shows, will arrive as a mid-engined, lightweight coupe priced below $45,000, according to US media reports.
The production 4C is expected to use Alfa’s 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, already found in the Giulietta, delivering around 230 horsepower to the rear wheels. Combined with an ambitious target weight of under 900kg, the car is projected to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in under 4.5 seconds, placing it in direct competition with established lightweight sports cars such as the Lotus Elise.
Alfa Romeo’s use of sheet-moulded composite panels and other lightweight materials is central to the 4C’s design. The company aims to keep the car’s footprint compact, maximising agility and performance while keeping weight to a minimum. The 4C’s layout and construction are intended to showcase Alfa’s engineering as the brand seeks to rebuild its reputation in the US after a long absence.
Production plans and market positioning
Alfa Romeo plans to produce 18,000 units of the 4C over its model run. The car’s price point, expected to be at or below $45,000, is designed to attract buyers seeking an affordable, high-performance sports car with Italian styling. The 4C’s arrival follows several years of speculation and concept showings, and forms part of Alfa’s broader US relaunch strategy.
- Compact dimensions similar to Lotus Elise
- Rear-wheel drive, mid-engined platform
- Focus on lightweight construction for performance
The company’s return to the US market with the 4C precedes further launches, including a planned SUV and other models. For more on Alfa Romeo’s US strategy, see Alfa Romeo to Return to US Market in 2013, CEO Confirms. The 4C’s US debut is also expected to be closely followed by the unveiling of a production-ready version at a major international motor show; for earlier details on its show appearances, see Alfa Romeo 4C to Make Production Debut at Frankfurt.
Technical highlights and expectations
The 4C’s engineering focus is on delivering an authentic sports car experience through low weight, responsive handling and accessible performance. By targeting a kerb weight of 1,980lb and pairing it with a turbocharged engine, Alfa Romeo intends the 4C to stand out among rivals for its power-to-weight ratio and driving purity. The car’s construction methods and drivetrain layout are aimed squarely at buyers seeking a driver-focused alternative to more mainstream sports coupes.
