‘It's a long time since Alfa Romeo was in the market there, but there is a history in the US if you go back to films like “The Graduate”, which featured the iconic Spider.’

‘I think we have something in the 4C that will really work in that market. It's certainly the best looking car at the Geneva Show – apart from La Ferrari,’ he added.

The mid-engined, rear-wheel drive two-seater coupé will be built by Maserati at its Modena plant in Italy and goes on sale this year. It will be the first car to mark the return of the Italian brand to the US after some 18 years and will play a key role in Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.

The production model is derived directly from the concept first seen at the 2011 Geneva show. It features a 240bhp 1.7-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine, the same unit as in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, but with a few extra horsepower.

It will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds (and top speed is said to be more than 155mph). Alfa's DNA switch allows a switch between different driving modes – Dynamic, Natural and All-Weather.

The model goes on sale in Europe in September and will debut in the US a couple of months later at the Los Angeles show.

The 4C uses technology and material first seen in the 8C Competizione, including carbon, aluminium and rear-wheel drive.

The acronym “4C” draws its inspiration from the brand's past following on from the 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s, which featured eight and six-cylinder engines.