The production of the Alfa Romeo 4C has kicked off according to the latest information released by Italian car magazine Quattoruote. The some what limited production of this compact sports car is the starting point for a long term project to rejuvenate Alfa, and initiate a return to the US. A minimum of 1,000 will be produced and if demand is sufficient that will be ‘thousands’. Last month it already became clear the production 4C will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. The big question is though where will it be made? Insiders believe the ultra light car will be manufactured in Maserati’s plant near Modena, the same location where the 8C was once assembled. Carbon fibre parts will be produced in Alfa Romeo’s car plant in Pratola Serra where the new generation 1750 TBI will also be made. This production has already started.

Roberto Giolito who designed the Fiat 500 is the project leader, under the supervision of Lorenzo Ramaciotti (pictured right). The 4C has a complete new platform manufactured in Parma together with the famous company Dallara. The new TBI will operate with a new and quicker TCT gearbox  and the car will only weigh 900 kilograms. A manual gearbox is out of the question. It is presumed the basic version will have 230hp, with the likeliness of a faster one (300hp). The 4C would do 0-60 in less than 4 seconds, wich is almost super car worthy. The interior will be adjusted though compared to the concept car we saw at the IAA in Frankfurt. Sergio Marchionne told at the Geneva Motor Show once again that Alfa will have a complete new program by 2014, the 4C is the first chapter in the new Alfa storyline.