Well, it looks like Alfa Romeo's return to the US market may be delayed again. Good news is, though, it won't be delayed by much. Instead of late 2013, the company will return to the US market in (very) early 2014, according to the latest reports.

Originally, Alfa Romeo was scheduled for a US return this year. Then it got pushed back until 2013, slid back to the end of the 2013 calendar, and now squeezed into 2014. Autocar reports that Alfa will kick off its US return with the production version of the 4C coupe at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Detroit show takes place in early January each year, so the launch will still be close to the "late 2013" time frame.

According to the report, the production 4C will derive its wheel power from a new 230 hp 1.8-liter turbo engine. Alfa will only offer the model with a dual-clutch automated transmission with paddle shifters.

Last we heard, that engine will be lighter than the 200-hp model used in the 4C concept and will help to offset the weight added by the elimination of the concept's carbon fiber body and tub. The production car is still expected to weigh less than 2,000 lbs. and may cost as little as $45,000. Hopefully, its styling won't change much.

After getting the 4C launched, Alfa will follow up with additional launches. It will get cars like the Mito, new Spider and Giulia sedan to the US market and also plans to begin selling cars in the ever-important Chinese market.