Alfa Romeo unveils the 4C Concept in Geneva

Alfa Romeo brought to this year's Geneva Motor Show a new concept car that matches the italian design cues of the brand. The 4C Concept is a compact "supercar" and according to the brand it combines "performance, Italian style and technical excellence" aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety.

The 4C features the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe, with the engine located in the centre. With approximately 4 metres long and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres, its’ dimensions emphasize the compact size of the car and accentuate its’ agility.

Some of the technology and materials featured on the 4C derive from the 8C Competizione, while for example the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector are the same used on current Alfa Romeo models on the market.

Based on the knowledge acquired with the development of the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider, the 4C shares with both these models the rear-wheel drive and the philosophy of achieving maximum driving pleasure and Alfa Romeo’s road handling.

The 4C Concept uses carbon extensively in order to maintain the lowest weight possible. Its’ use is also important to the car’s structure, guaranteeing agility with a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP. The final result is a significant reduction in weight, limited to less than 850 kg, together with the optimized vehicle’s centre of gravity.

The 4C Concept is powered by the 4-cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine which delivers more than 200 HP. This engine is the same featured, for example, on the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and is fitted with cutting-edge technical solutions such as direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag.

The engine has been combined with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, making the 4C Concept reach a top speed of more than 250km/h and to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in less then 5 seconds.

The Alfa Rome 4C Concept won’t become another concept among others as the Italian brand has the intention to launch a production model of it in 2012.