Alfa Plans KTM X-Bow-Based 4C GTA

With a new entry-level Maserati prancing about, presumably based on the Dodge Challenger’s shortened version of the LX platform, news of a new Alfa-Romeo sports coupe initially had us thinking that we were about to see more fruits of the Fiat-Chrysler Alliance. But not so, as Automotive News [sub] reports that the forthcoming 4C GTA will be a lightweight sports coupe developed on a platform from a little closer to Turin. Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM provides the basis for the 4C GTA in the form of its X-Bow trackday special, which was designed by Italy’s Dallara racing team, the firm that is also developing the 4C for Alfa. AN [sub] reports

Dallara developed a carbon fiber cockpit for the 4C GTA, which features front and rear aluminum sub-frames to house the engine, as well as carry the pushrod suspensions and to absorb deformation in crash tests….

Thanks to an innovative construction method, which combines carbon fiber and aluminum, the 4C GTA will be very lightweight. Alfa is targeting an 850kg (1,784 lbs) curb weight for the car.

The 4C GTA would have an impressive power-to-weight ratio below 3.5kg/hp despite being powered by the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gasoline direct-injection engine offered in the Giulietta with the horsepower boosted to more than 250 hp from 235 hp.

That would give the €40k 4C GTA, due out in late 2012, a power-to-weight ratio greater than the Porsche Cayman S. Alfa envisions 20k-25k units of production for the in-house-styled 4C GTA, but for now

A Fiat spokesman confirmed that Alfa is working on a concept car, but said its unveiling at the Geneva show is still uncertain because of “delays in the concept model construction.”

Needless to say, this is exactly the kind of car that would have us abandon our concerns and welcome Alfa to the US with open arms. We will be watching this car closely.