It's a fact that Alfa Romeo will be returning to North America beginning with the stunning 4C coupe hopefully sometime in 2013. Along with the imminent arrival of the Abarth 500, Fiat is serious about making sure their latest models can withstand the competition in the U.S. And the Italian automaker is quickly identifying a segment they know Americans love: the affordable sports car. Cars such as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman are wonderful machines, but the cost for entry is just too steep for many.

And Abarth knows this. With the 4C set to be priced in the neighborhood of those Porsches, the brand is considering to develop their own sports car that could potentially be priced to compete with the Mazda MX-5 and Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S. More than likely, it would also be front-wheel drive and have an output between 200 and 250hp. The inspiration? The 1968 Abarth Scorpione. Again, nothing is official at this stage, but it's still good to know the idea is being considered. Pictured is the 1968 Abarth Scorpione and Alfa Romeo 4C Concept