Ever since Alfa Romeo->ke1386 announced it would bring “something new” to the 4C with every passing year, we’ve been speculating what the Italian automaker might have up its sleeve. Though it’s pure speculation at this point, our rendering artist has put together a possible direction for a future direction, the 4C Quadrifoglio Verde.

The Quadrifoglio Verde name harks back to Alfa’s long history->ke3223 of performance vehicles->ke506 dating back to 1923, and this car would be no different. Likely getting a slight bump in power, the coupe gets an even more aggressive body treatment with several new scoops, front and rear fascias, and accent lines.

Its front fascia gets a completely redesigned bumper with larger air intakes near the darkened headlights. Around the side, a lowered body skirt helps bring the 4C’s visual mass lower to the ground. Out back, a new lower bumper sports a new exhaust pipe design while the rear quarter panels have another cooling slot near the round taillights. Topping it all off are the iconic green cloverleaf and grey triangle badges. A new set of 10-spoke grey wheels helps complete the more aggressive look.

While it’s still unclear what Alfa has planned for its future 4C special editions, we suspect they will consist mostly of cosmetic changes, with only slight modifications to the suspension and engine.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C QV.

2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Quadrifoglio Verde

Specifications
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  • Model: 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Quadrifoglio Verde
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Rendering

The addition of these new annual updates helps keep the still-new 4C fresh. This new look for the car helps eliminate any doubt of the 4C’s ability to perform on a track -- if only visually. Then again, with all those scoops and extra space for air intake, it’s hard not to imagine Alfa not using it to its full potential of a more track-worthy car.

Though the QV is fun to speculate about, Alfa has already announced its first year’s special edition with the 4C Spider. Continuing the speculation is the possibility of an RS version -- something more powerful and competent on the racetrack. Only time will tell if our suspicions are right, but we’ll never stop hoping for such things.

Competitors

Porsche Cayman

The Cayman is just as special as the 4C, though it’s been on the market for a considerable time. Powered by either a 2.7-liter or 3.4-liter flat-six-cylinder, the Porsche is a solid performer on the track an back-country roads in either form. With a mid-mounted engine and handling perfected on the Nürburgring and Autobahn, the Cayman is capable of tremendous speeds while riding nicely when not pushed hard.

The Cayman is also no stranger to special editions, especially ones with more power. The GTS version’s 3.4-liter flat-six lays down an impressive 340 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, rocketing the Cayman GTS to 60 in just 4.3 seconds.

Audi TT

Though it lacks much of the Alfa’s uniqueness, the TT is a great little car for those looking to traverse the surface streets on a day-to-day basis, then tear up the track during the weekends. Powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower, the TTS hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

Pricing for the TTS starts at $47,350 for the Premium Plus package and $50,650 for the Prestige package. Sure, the Audi doesn’t have as many special editions planned, but the German automaker will be rolling out a new model come 2016.

Alfa Romeo 4C

With the long-awaited Alfa 4C finally coming to the U.S. and buyers will soon start taking delivery, the Italian brand finally regains its footing on this side of the pond. Powered by a 1.7-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, the stock 4C makes 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,100 on up to 4,000 rpm. A dual dry clutch, six-speed automatic transmission promises über fast shifts, helping the car reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Though its top speed is limited to 160 mph, the car brings a new flair of obtainable sport to the U.S. not seen by an Italian automaker in quite a while.