Alfa Romeo Plans Limited Output of 4C Sports Car

Fiat SpA's Alfa Romeo unit plans to build only 1,000 units each of its upcoming 4C coupe and roadster, according to Carscoop.com.

Alfa showed the rear-drive car in concept form at the Geneva auto show in 2011. A production version of the 4C is expected to be unveiled at this year's show in March.

Both body styles will be powered by a tweaked version of the 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine Fiat uses in the Giulietta small sedan. A Swiss Alfa dealer tells Carscoop the engine as fitted in the 4C will deliver about 237 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Alfa told dealers that the 2,000-lb cars will be able to scoot from zero to 62 mph in less than five seconds, according to the Web site.

Carscoop says a higher-performance, 270-hp Stradale variant and an even quicker track-only version will be added during the production run.

Last month Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said the 4C would reach the U.S. by year-end. He didn't mention pricing, but Carscoop's source says the sports car's base price in Switzerland will be €55,000.