Maserati has confirmed it will build the production version of 2011’s stunning Alfa Romeo 4C sports car concept at its main plant in Modena, Italy, the same site where it builds its flagship GranTurismo coupe and convertible models.

Maserati expects to start production of the 4C sports car in May of next year and estimates it will build up to 2,500 units annually.

The sultry little sports car is expected to herald Alfa Romeo’s return to U.S. shores, which is also scheduled for next year.

In addition to announcing the production plans of the new Alfa Romeo model, Maserati also reaffirmed plans to build up to 50,000 of its own trident-badged cars by 2015--almost 10 times the amount that it currently builds.

To do so, Maserati says it will launch three new models over the next 24 months. These include a brand new Quattroporte sedan early next year, which will be followed a year later by a sporty sedan similar in size to the BMW 5-Series and a luxurious SUV previewed by the latest Kubang concept car and based on Jeep Grand Cherokee running gear.

Production of the sporty sedan will take place at a former Bertone plant in Turin, Italy, which was acquired by Maserati’s parent company, Fiat, two years ago. The sporty sedan is believed to utilize a new rear-wheel drive platform that will also spawn the new Quattroporte and possibly even the next-generation GranTurismo.

The SUV, meanwhile, will be built alongside its Jeep Grand Cherokee cousin at Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Maserati also plans to double the number of its dealers by 2014, the automaker’s marketing director, Massimo Farao, revealed to Reuters. This is essential for increasing its share in its two main markets, the U.S. and China, and will also see Maserati move away from its current niche status to something approaching the size of Porsche.