The Alfa Romeo 4C will cost from £45,000 when it goes on sale in the UK next month, with the first deliveries expected in early 2014.
The 4C, which is already on sale in the form of the Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition, is described by Alfa as "an uncompromised thoroughbred that marks the return to the world of lightweight sports coupes for the Alfa Romeo brand."
Designed and engineered by Alfa and built at the Maserati factory in Modena, the 4C will be limited to just 3,500 units worldwide.
At less than 4m in length and with a wheelbase of 2.38m, the 4C weighs just 895kg and has a front-to-rear weight distribution ratio of 40:60. Alfa Romeo has kept the 4C's weight low by using SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound), which is lighter than both steel and aluminium, for the bodywork, and reducing the thickness of the glass by 15 per cent.
The suspension setup consists of double wishbones at the front and McPherson struts at the rear, while the brakes have been engineered with track use in mind. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels come as standard, while buyers also have the chance to upgrade to 18-inch fronts and 19-inch rears.
Power comes from a new 1.75-litre turbo petrol engine which develops 237bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 160mph. Alfa claims that 80 per cent of the car's torque is available from just 1800rpm. The power is sent to the rear wheels through a twin-clutch TCT gearbox, while Alfa's DNA system comes as standard.
However, despite the impressive performance figures, Alfa claims that the 4C meets the strict new Euro 6 emissions standards, returning 41.5mpg and emitting just 157g/km of CO2.
On the inside, Alfa has ditched traditional dials, opting instead for a multi-function TFT display. There's also a bespoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel with integrated flappy-paddles, composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals, giving the 4C a minimalist, stripped-back feel.
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