We’ve drooled over many an Alfa Romeo concept here over the years (eg TZ3 Corsa, Pandion and the breathtaking 2uettottanta), but with Alfa’s brand new 4C it’s the first time we’re witnessing a car who in some iteration could actually make the crossover to American shores. Now that Fiat (who owns Alfa) bought Chrysler, and is importing the first Fiat here in 27 years (the oh-so-adorable 500 Cinquecento), the doors have been opened for Alfa to make its triumphant return. And we can only hope that its return is spearheaded by this 4C just unveiled in Geneva. A smaller, cheaper successor to Alfa’s much fawned over 8C, the 4C will go on sale for around $62K (£38,000). The concept’s composite chassis and tub are lifted out of the KTM X-Bow, and its body is crafted entirely out of carbon fiber — resulting in a petite curb weight under 1870 lbs (850 kg). Of course its doubtful the production version will use such expensive materials, but that hasn’t been confirmed. The 4C will be powered by a direct-injection turbocharged 1.75-litre engine found in the Giulietta, tuned up to generate 250 bhps. The one twist on the 4C is that the power will run to the rear wheels — which is odd for Alfa, who’ve been defanged lately with purely front-wheel drive cars (with the exception of the 8C supercar) — a condition blamed on the Fiat underpinnings. But via Alfa Romeo’s successful TCT twin-clutch gearbox and maximizing the 4-cylinder engine, the Alfa Romeo 4C’s speed will top 155 mph, with a 0-62 mph time under 5 seconds. In regards to imminent American importation, let’s hope the 4C is to Alfa what the 500 is to Fiat… and that they decide to keep that gorgeous matte red finish in the process…

Live images via Autoblog