Performance centric Alfa Romeo 4C to be showcased in the Frankfurt Motor Show

This is not just any new car to debut in one of the biggest motor shows in the world, the 4C has been designed with only one purpose in mind, to be a brilliantly sporty drive. The 4C Concept has a carbon fibre has been used extensively to reduce the weight of the car and increase structural rigidity. As a result the car weighs just 850 kgs which is lighter than a small hatchback. Added to this, the short wheelbase of just 2.4 meters means Lancia Stratos like agile cornering ability. The high quadrilateral front suspension and MacPherson layout at the rear should help the car do just that.

As for weight distribution the 4C Concept has a mid engine layout and with a 40:60 weight distribution to do justice to its rear wheel drive layout. The 4C features Alfa’s new TCT twin dry clutch transmission. The car is powered by a four cylinder 1750cc turbocharged engine with a power output of 200 bhp. Combine those figures with the light kerb weight of 850 kgs and you get a power to weight ratio of just 4kg per horsepower. Result, the 4C can shoot forward from 0-100 km/h in less than 5 second and onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h. This car however is not so much about top speed as much as it is about handling and high speed cornering. 

While the car will be undoubtedly be a huge amount of fun to drive, the design concept of the 4C will have everyone looking at it hooked. Two new colours have been developed for the 4C, one is called ‘fluid metal’ which enhances the smooth flowing lines on the car, and the other is called LAVA RED which is a combination of black.

Be it performance or design the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept is built from every angle to appeal to the petrol head, which is exactly what an Alfa Romeo is all about. 

2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: Hot launches & brilliant concepts, click here