Alfa Romeo 4C project reportedly ahead of schedule

British publication Autocar has revealed that Alfa Romeo's baby sports car previewed by the 4C concept may arrive ahead of schedule. The production model may be unveiled in summer of 2013, several months ahead of schedule. The 4C was originally slated to arrive at the Detroit Motor Show in early 2014.

The Autocar report adds that Alfa Romeo has retained the carbon fiber body seen on the concept, contrary to the claims made by Fiat's Engineering chief, Mauro Pierallini, that a less expensive fiberglass reinforced plastic body was under consideration. Weighing about 850kg, the 4C project is the most important product in the relaunch of the Alfa Romeo brand.

 The production 4C will be powered by a 1.8-liter turbo petrol engine, built using light weight aluminum that delivers close to 300bhp. This is the same unit that will be shoe-horned into the upcoming Dodge Dart SRT4 and the Alfa Romeo Spider albeit in a different state of tune.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a two-seat, rear-wheel drive coupe that is about 4 meters long and sports a wheelbase of 2.4 meters. The materials and technology used in the making of the Alfa Romeo 4C are inherited from the bigger Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
[Source - Autocar.co.uk]