Alfa Romeo have released further details on the progress of the 4C project. In summary:
- Initial prototypes will be ready for worldwide testing mid 2012
- Production of customer cars will commence mid 2013
- The carbon tub will be produced in house using revised Alfa Romeo Design
- The front and rear subframes will be made from Aluminium to save cost (with minimal weight impact)
- Target weight is 900kg
- On the road price will be approximately £45,000 (@ current exchange rates)
- Car body panels will be made from SMC, a lightweight and extremely precise version of GRP
- Interior will be revised, but concept design features such as the driver pod design will remain intact
- Initial engine will be a new aluminium block direct turbo producing 230bhp chosen to keep weight low
- Convertible version is planned
- 300bhp run out model using the new 1.8 concept engine is planned
- 18,000 units over lifetime of production
- 0-60 target of under 4.5 seconds
All these details make the Alfa Romeo 4C look like a performance bargain. The 4C features will help it emanate the mighty McLaren MP4-12C.