Alfa Romeo Plans Dramatic U.S. Return
AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) - Italian brand Alfa Romeo will mark its return to the U.S. with the new Alfa Romeo 4C "super car." It will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, and be in Fiat dealers in the U.S. by the end of the year.
"The acronym '4C' draws its inspiration from the brand's glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future," read a Chrysler press release.
Fiat and Alfa Romeo Have Big Plans
Interview: Fiat/Alfa Romeo US brand chief Tim Kuniskis talks with Jeff Gilbert at the Chicago Auto Show
Here's how Chrysler's press release described the vehicle:
• The new Alfa Romeo compact mid-engined supercar with rear-wheel drive and two bucket seats makes its début in Geneva.
• The new Alfa Romeo 4C is the result of experience built up with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione model produced in the Maserati plant in Modena and it will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States.
• Less than 4 metres in length, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres.
• New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine. • Alfa TCT twin clutch automatic transmission.
• New Alfa DNA selector with 'Race' mode. • Chassis made entirely of carbon with load-bearing and structural function.
• Weight to power ratio less than 4 kg/HP.
Price will be announced closer to the vehicles debut. The arrival of the Alfa Romeo 4C will serve as a boost to Fiat dealers, who are currently selling several variations of the small Fiat 500, with a larger 500L coming in the next few months.
It's part of an overall effort to boost the Fiat brand.
"We want to be complimentary," said Fiat North America brand chief Tim Kuniskis, discussing Fiat's relationship with other brands. "We want to have cars that are not in that showroom, and them to have cars that are not on our showroom, so that we can complement each other." Kuniskis talking with WWJ AutoBeat Reporter Jeff Gilbert at the recent Chicago Auto Show, before the company revealed plans for the Alfa Romeo 4C. He did say that Alfa has a specific mission for Fiat dealers.
"Alfa's different," he said. "Alfa's a very sports car oriented, very passionate Italian brand. It's very complimentary to Fiat. It's a perfect fit. But, it will bring in a different buyer."
Connect with Jeff Gilbert
Email: jdgilbert@cbs.com
Facebook: facebook.com/carchronicles
Twitter: @jeffferygilbert
