Much like those who look back fondly at an old summer fling at the shore, Alfa Romeo looks back at our shore as a love once lost. Ever since it left the market place in 1995, Alfa has longingly looked back at the United States wanting nothing more than to rekindle a love once lost. The beautiful 8C Competizione was supposed to signal Alfa’s triumphant return to our shores, but the timing was off. Alfa is set to give it another go with the 4C leading the way, and Fiat has reportedly finally given it a beating heart – a new 300-hp turbocharged four-banger, according to Automotive News Europe.
The new 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 will reportedly replace Fiat’s current 1.7-liter turbo I-4, which at its peak produces a respectable 235-hp in the Alfa Giulietta hatch. On the other hand, the new turbo 1.8-liter 300-hp mill will feature direct-injection, all-aluminum construction, and the capability of being both transversely and longitudinally mounted for both front and rear-drive configurations.
Automotive News Europe reports that this new engine will more than likely make its debut in the Alfa Roeo 4C when it reaches our shores in mid-2013. The engine will also find its way under the hood of the Alfa 159’s replacement, the Giulia, which will likely be built in the U.S. for global sales.
With the new 300-hp turbocharged I-4 as its beating heart, the reportedly sub-1800 lbs mid-engined 4C should do much to rekindle Alfa’s American romance. We’re falling in love already.
