In less than a year time full production of the Alfa Romeo 4C will start in Modena, until then preperations have started in Campania. Several weeks ago we reported about the first development stages being initiated, and now engineers at LMC (‘Lavorazione Materiali Compositi’) in Airola near Naples, are working on one of the better composite constructions there are, carbon fibre. LMC has been recognized for its contribution in aviation industry. In a joint venture with FGA and the knowledge of Adler Plastic, from Ottaviano, production will be set at the highest possible levels. Adler Plastic is an international concern with 7 R&D departments and 54 construction plants.
Production of these high quality components is worth about 15 million euro, 70% on Adler Plastic’s account and 30% on LMC. Southern parts of Italy have always been fulnerable in terms of economic development, but thanks to FGA’s decision it is expected over 200 people should get a new job within 8 months. The comune of Airola also assured an extra investment of 314,000 euro for the local production facility (TTA). With support of the national government, it will also be Italy’s first fully indedendant carbon fibre plant.
Needless to say the Alfa 4C, with is low weight distribution and self-supporting monocoque construction, will be a technical masterpiece. The front and rear will be build from solid aluminium. The latest generation 1750 TBI engines, build in Pratola Serra just ‘down the road’, will play a key factor in the performance of the 4C, and future Alfa Romeo models.
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