stiffness and strength, together with a very low specific weight, was selected to achieve this result. In particular, the chassis is a monocoque made entirely of carbon fibre with 'pre-preg' technology derived from Formula 1 and adopted only

by the most advanced supercars, which weighs only 65 kilograms, inside which a space is formed for the driver and passenger. The front and rear structures of the chassis and the roof reinforcements are made entirely of aluminium.

Additionally, the car's bodywork is made entirely of low-density, high-strength composite material. Benefits of using this material include lighter weight (it is 20% lighter than steel) and resistance to corrosion. Dimensional stability is comparable to steel and better than aluminium.

Finally, the seats have a mixed carbon fiber and fiberglass structure which guarantees high resistance to stresses and a particularly low weight at the same time.

Suspension, Braking System, Wheels, and Steering

The Alfa Romeo 4C has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout--'superimposed wishbones' at the front, development of MacPherson at the rear--to ensure maximum agility and road holding. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight to power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). What's more, for those wanting the maximum in terms of handling, a complete suspension kit will be available with a specific calibration of the shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bar.

The 4C features a high-spec braking system with four self-ventilating perforated discs. Up front the 4C is equipped with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers. In addition, to improve adhesion to the road surface, tires with a different diameter and width depending, depending on how the car is specified. These include combinations of 17-inch front with 18-inch rear wheels or 18-inch wheel up front mated to 19-inch wheels in the rear.

Final Analysis

With an expected base price of around $65,000, the Alfa Romeo 4C is expected to find the newest version of the Porsche Cayman as its most direct competitor. Against the well-established Cayman, which features the Porsche six-cylinder engine, it will find a formidable competitor. But at its core, with its light-weight, very stiff chassis combined with an exceptional weight-to-power ratio, the 4C is expected to find favor with driving enthusiasts seeking an authentic, Italian exotic car experience.

Spearheading its long-delayed return to the United States later this year, it is the first of what is expected to be a half dozen Alfa Romeo models by 2016 that should raise sales from its current 101,000 worldwide to 300,000. While many observers are skeptical, given Marchionne's track record at turning around Chrysler's fortunes since 2009 and exceeding the most wildly optimistic estimates of his initial four-year turnaround plan, we think that his optimism should not be taken lightly.

Welcome back to America, Alfa Romeo. We're glad you've returned. AT.