Alfa Romeo 4C Locked In For 2014 Australian Launch

Alfa Romeo has confirmed that the shapely mid-engined 4C sports car will arrive in Australia in early 2014.

Unveiled as a concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, only 2500 4C cars will be constructed each year. More importantly though, it could cost under $100,000 when it debuts in Australia.

Similar in size to the Alfa Romeo Mito light car, the 4C is built around a carbon fibre tub with extruded alloy subframes at front and rear.

This lightweight construction means that the two-seater 4C will weigh between 900kg and 1000kg, and Alfa Romeo claims the 4C will have a power-to-weight ratio of around 4kg per horsepower.

Located amidships will be a turbocharged 1.8 litre inline four with around 180kW of power, and drive will be taken to the rear wheels via a six-speed twin clutch automatic gearbox.

Performance numbers are impressive, with the 0-100km/h sprint being accomplished in 4.5 seconds and top speed being an electronically-limited 250km/h.

Speaking with TMR, Fiat Chrysler’s head of Product Strategy Alex Tam said that the 4C would be positioned as a competitor to the 163kW Lotus Elise S.

However, Tam said that it would likely have a premium over the $79,990 Elise S due to its carbon composite construction, more powerful turbocharged engine and low production numbers.

Tam wouldn’t confirm any solid numbers, but it remains conceivable that the 4C could be a sub-$100,000 proposition.

If you’ve ever wanted to get a brand-new mid-engined Italian sportscar into your garage but can’t deal with a six-figure pricetag, the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C just may be the car for you.

• 4C | Alfa Romeo | Lifestyle Cars | Enthusiast