2013 arrival for Alfa Romeo 4C 01 | 11 | 2012

ALFA ROMEO INSIDERS have confirmed the new 4C sports car will make its debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show. It will go on sale a few months later.

The car, which is understood to stay close to the original concept first seen at last year’s Geneva Show, will be powered by a new aluminium version of Alfa’s 1742cc turbocharged petrol engine, producing around 300bhp.

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The Alfa 4C — which will be built only in Italy — will have one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class by dint of its kerb weight being under 1000kg.

Power is fed through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox — the only transmission planned for the car — to the rear wheels.

Alfa Romeo has pledged not to cap production at a certain number: instead the Alfa 4C — quoted by insiders as being a “hardcore Alfa designed to appeal to the true Alfistas” — will only be built specifically to order.

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Jim McGill