Alfa Romeo: New Hi-po 1.8 Litre Turbo Engine In Production By 2013

Alfa Romeo has revealed plans for a new performance-focused 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol engine, with the potential for 235kW of power.

That's more than enough oomph to take on the best in the hot-hatch segment.

With production set for 2013, the new four-cylinder engine will likely appear in top trim in the upcoming 4C sports car - replacing the 150kW 1.75 litre engine powering the concept version.

De-tuned variants should debut later in performance versions of the Giulietta hatch and even the upcoming Giulia sedan.

Alfa says the all-aluminium, turbocharged and direct-injected Euro 6-compliant engine has been developed for use in both tranverse and longitudinal configurations, opening the door for front, all and rear-wheel-drive options.

“This is an extremely important step for Alfa Romeo, as we continue to reposition our brand and prepare it for global distribution. The United States remains our primary objective as we prepare for a 2013 introduction of our models,” Harald J. Wester, Fiat’s Chief Technology Officer, said.

This is one to keep an eye on.