So, how do we feel about this latest concept from Alfa Romeo, the 4C?

I wasn’t so sure when I first saw it. I’m an Alfa fan; we have our own handome Romeo project car here at TotallyMotor, a spunky little 146 1.8-litre TS. And while she’s not exactly ‘classic’ Alfa, there’s a bit of cheek and flare to be found and for the same price as something much more common and run-of-the-mill.

But is the new 4C a classic Alfa? For me it’s just a little too bulbous all-round; from snout to posterior. But, it is a concept right now, and things can change depending on public and press opinion.

However, the 4C is ticking many other ‘like’ boxes for me. It’s based on the KTM X-Bow chassis; the lightweight, super-stripped racer for the road, and that’s a car that seems clued to the road. Over the X-Box frame is a full carbonfibre body, but whether that will make it to the full production car when it’s rumoured to be potentially priced under £40k, is a matter for hopeful debate. But if it does keep all its carbon when it makes it on sale – potentially in 2012 – then Alfa claim the weight will be a distinctly waiflike 850kg. Like. 

What else? Well, when you haven’t got much heft to haul, you don’t need too much muscle. And that works in the 4C’s and the environments favour. 

Up front, and driving the rear wheels via a twin-clutch gearbox, is Alfa’s 1.75-litre turbo petrol engine as found in the Giulietta, but boosted-up to 250bhp. Low weight and reasonable power served up with turbo-torque delivers an alleged sub-5secs to 62mph time and a 155mph top speed. That’s another like, then.

So, the new Alfa 4C appears to promise much at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but we’re only at the start of this concept journey, although so far, it looks like it could be a fun ride. 

By Daniel Anslow

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