Alfa Romeo’s stunning 4C sport coupe will lead the brand’s reemergence in the United States market, and Alfa Romeo has opted to reveal images of the car in production form ahead of its Geneva debut.
Essentially true to the 4C concept, the car will come to market with a mid-engine, rear-drive layout. While specifics are still lacking, the 4C will get a turbocharged 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine, rated in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. Thanks to a rumored curb weight of just over 2,000 pounds, that should be enough to deliver a sub-five-second run to 60 mph, along with exceptional handling when the road turns to switchbacks.
If that’s the good news, here’s the bad: pricing is expected to start at around $45,000, and production is said to be limited. In other words, if you want one, now is the time to have a conversation with your Fiat dealer, since it isn’t clear how many will be coming to the United States.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
If logic dictates your purchases, there are probably better choices (and even faster choices) in the 4C’s price bracket, but none deliver the soul of Alfa Romeo like the 4C will. For (potentially) less than $50,000, you’re getting a mid-engined Italian exotic with a full warranty and a genuine racing pedigree. Regardless of the number of cylinders, that sounds like a bargain to us.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.