With only a teaser image to go on days before the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, everyone was thrilled to see Alfa Romeo->ke1386 unveil the 4C GTA Concept. According to Alfa Romeo, the 4C GTA->ke3784 is "a compact supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car and is in line with the brand's values: performance, Italian style, and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety."

The 4C GTA concept is inspired by models like the 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, but takes their design a step forward. While the two models were focusing on obtaining more power, the 4C GTA Concept's focus is on weight reduction thanks to the extensive use of carbon.

The concept is powered by a "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine that delivers an impressive 200 HP that sprints the car to an impressive 155 mph.

UPDATE 08/30/2011: A few months ago, it was rumored that Alfa Romeo would bring an updated version of the 4C GTA Concept to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Unfortunately, the first details revealed suggest that the only "update" the concept will receive is a new "Fluid Metal" livery that dynamically enhances the smooth, curvy, and original lines of the car. The company has also confirmed that a production version will follow in in 2013. The car will weight around 1873 lbs and will deliver up to 200 HP and a weight to power ratio less than 4 kg/HP.

UPDATE 09/16/2011: During the Alfa Romeo 4C GTA official debut in Frankfurt, the company officials have confirmed that the production version will follow in 2013 and will most likely be the first model to be sold by Alfa Romeo in the USA. Alfa plans to build 15,000 to 20,000 units of the 4C coupe over five years and another 5,000 to 10,000 roadsters will be built by Abarth. In Europe, prices will start from about about 45,000 euros, around $61,000 at the current exchange rates. (AutomotiveNews)

Hit the jump to read more about the 2011 Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept.

2011 Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept
  • Engine/Motor: four-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 200
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Inspired by the 8C models, the 4c GTA is distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, but also by an on-board design that maintains features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.

Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber the concept weight only 850 kilos. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminum extensively. This layout has improved the vehicle's center of gravity offering an increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.

Performance

The 4c GTA concept is powered by a "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine located centrally in the rear of the vehicle and mated to a new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission. With a total output of 200 HP, the engine will sprint the concept from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, while top speed goes up to 155 mph.

The concept also comes with an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) that combined with a rear-wheel drive system offers a weight distribution of 40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle.

Pricing

Alfa Romeo has announced that the 4C GTA is not only a design exercise, but it will go into production in 2012 in an attempt to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth. The new model will be the first Alfa Romeo offered in the US and will hop onto the market in late 2012.

Alfa plans to build 15,000 to 20,000 units of the 4C coupe over five years and another 5,000 to 10,000 roadsters will be built by Abarth. In Europe, prices will start from about about 45,000 euros, around $61,000 at the current exchange rates.

Competition

At this point, the only notable comparison for the 4C GTA is the KTM X-Bow itself. We've already touched on the overall weight of the two cars and as far as powertrain is concerned, the X-Bow has an Audi-sourced inline four-cylinder TFSI engine with around 220 horsepower on it with upgrades that can take the output all the way up to 300 horsepower. As for the price tag, the 300 horsepower version of the X-Bow retails for around $55,000, which is just around the ball park range of the expected price of the 4C GTA.