After the 500-unit 8C, Alfa Romeo wants to get back down to reality. Rumors coming from the pages of Automobile claim that the über-Fiat may debut a new mini halo car called the 4C at Pebble Beach this year in celebration of its first centennial on Earth.
Some of their ideas seem to be spot-on, but others...not so much. For example, take the idea of a nice little sports car - coupe or cabrio - with ideal weight distribution, minus all the high-end knick-knacks; something that could go up against a 911 but with Italian flair. See, you're already nodding. Two problems:
First, this theory involves what would have to be a rear-wheel-drive platform (or the best damn front-wheel-drive setup ever). The only foreseeable solution is somehow using Chrysler's aging LX platform in crazy new ways, or praying for the possibility of a super-secret RWD program deep in the halls of Fiat.
Second, engines. Maybe it's just me, but the idea of a four-cylinder with 250 horsepower (note: it doesn't have to be "highly tuned"; Honda did it with relative ease) in a car running upwards of €50,000 / $70,000 seems a bit off. How about a highly-tuned V6?
Throw that in a smallish sports car wearing an Italian suit and a 4C seems a whole lot more realistic. It could be the perfect face for a brand returning to a market that shunned it.
A properly-built, properly-marketed Alfa Romeo brand on American shores could be great. Not only would it help with Alfa's sales worldwide, but it would offer the American market a fresh face in the entry-level premium segment.
One thing is for certain, though: it'll need to get on the RWD bandwagon to do it.
- By Phil Alex
Via: Automobilemag (The opening photo is a AutosWallscreen photoshop)
Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione Gallery
