Fiat has announced the Alfa Romeo 4C will be built by Maserati in Modena, Italy. Production of Alfa Romeo’s new halo model will commence in May next year with an expected production of up to 2,500 units per year. The Alfa Romeo 4C is likely to mark Alfa’s return to the United States.

The Alfa Romeo 4C is a small lightweight sports car which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. The car will weigh only 850-900kg and will be powered by an aluminum 1.8 liter turbocharged engine which provides ‒ depending on the rumours ‒ 230 horsepower, although 300 has been mentioned as well.

With a power-to-weight ratio of below 4kg/hp, the rear-wheel drive Alfa 4C should be able to sprint to 100km/h from standstill in less than five seconds, while it’s top speed should be around 250km/h.

The small, light and powerful Italian sports car will probably cost € 50,000 ($ 66,000), making the 4C a serious competitor for the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Exige.

According to David Wase of DC Alfas:

The decision was said to have been made because Maserati has in place the necessary capability to build low volume, high quality production models.

Exciting news!