Alfa Romeo reveals new 1.8 litre turbo engine with up to 300bhp

Alfa Romeo has revealed a new 1.8 litre turbo petrol engine with up to 300bhp, which seems destined for the new Alfa 4C.

Alfa Romeo are on something of a push to make themselves seem a viable part of the Fiat setup, with a plan to push hard in to America (although that keeps getting delayed) and new product on the horizon.

One of those new products is the Alfa 4C which we expected to get a version of the existing Alf 1750 lump with around 250bhp. But it looks like that’s not going to be the case after all.

It now looks as though the Alfa 4C will probably be the first recipient of a new 1.8 litre turbo 4-pot announced by Alfa Romeo today.

The new engine – which will be built at Alfa’s FMA plant in Pratola Serra – will get high-pressure injection, a high efficiency turbo and dual variable timing – all the modern high-power, decent economy toys.

Alfa aren’t forthcoming on too many details (maybe they’re still to be refined?) but we do know the new 1.8 litre engine will be capable of producing up to 300bhp, although lower output versions are likely to give the engine a broader use with Alfa’s growing range.

That probability makes the Alfa 4C – a mid-engined, RWD and lightweight sports car – an even more appealing prospect than it already was. With a weight of 850kg and 300bhp to play with the 4C could well eclipse its big brother – the not brilliant Alfa 8C – in the performance stakes.

As well as the 4C, it’s likely that the new engine will turn up in the Giulia – if that ever arrives – and gives an appealing prospect of some properly quick versions in the rest of the Alfa range.

Sounds very promising.