According to Automotive News, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a trademark for the Alfa Romeo 4C, the Italian brand’s upcoming sports coupe, which was first unveiled at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. It’s been about 20 years since Alfa Romeo sold cars here in the States, and its return is a top priority for parent company Fiat and CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Production of the 4C is set to start in May 2013. It will be built at Maserati’s plant in Modena, Italy, and Fiat hopes to build 2500 units a year. Recent reports regarding the rear-drive coupe suggest that power will come from a 230-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The automaker has set an ambitious goal of keeping the 4C’s curb weight to below 2000 pounds, thanks to generous use of lightweight materials.
Marchionne recently stated that the new coupe should go on sale in North America by the end of 2013. For now, Alfa Romeo vehicles will be sold at Fiat dealerships. Following the 4C, Alfa Romeo’s U.S. revival will include the Giulia sedan and a compact SUV based on the Jeep Liberty. Both of those vehicles will be built here in the States and should arrive in showrooms by 2014.
