Maserati confirmed on Thursday that it will produce the new Alfa Romeo 4C two-seater sportscar. Up to 2,500 units per year will be made at its factory in Modena from May 2013, after firstly delivering 60-70 prototypes to its Fiat Group sibling during 2012.

The 4C follows the classic formula of a two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupé and is Alfa’s answer to the Lotus Exige and Porsche Cayman.

Weighing less than 850 kg and powered by the same 235bhp 4 cylinder 1750cc turbocharged petrol engine used in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the 4C follows in the footsteps of Alfa’s maserati-powered 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models.

Coupled to Alfa’s ‘TCT’ twin clutch transmission, initially launched on the MiTo and Giulietta, the 4C is good for a top speed in excess of 150mph and to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under 5 seconds.

With an anticipated price of £38,000 (€45,000), the 4C will use more exotic materials in its construction than is typical for the segment – including a mix of carbon-fibre for its body panels and an aluminium crash structure.

Photo credit: Alfa Romeo France

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