Publications
Partners
• Alfa Romeo Giulia unveiled
• 105th anniversary of A.L.F.A
• Rear or all-wheel drive platform
• Quadrifoglio version 380kW
• New Alfa Romeo logo
ARESE, Italy - Looks like Alfa Romeo has brought its A-game to the party and now BMW finally has a match for its much-loved M3, or Mercedes' C63. Meet the new Giulia.
The super-sexy sedan was unveiled at the 105th anniversary of the founding of *Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili at a special event in the newly refurbished Alfa Romeo Museum – “La macchina del tempo” (The Time Machine) – in Arese, Italy.
IMAGE GALLERY: Alfa Romeo Giulia
It's been a long time coming as the Guilia takes the place of the 159, albeit four years later. The automaker says the Giulia embodies the core elements which made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands - distinctive Italian design; innovative power trains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best power-to-weight ratio.
The Giulia’s compact proportions have evolved from its new rear-wheel drive architecture - all-wheel drive will also be available, says Alfa. Other changes include engine and major mechanical components arranged between the axles to ensure balance weight distribution.
In consequence, there are short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches. Alfa also claims the Giulia’s wheelbase is the longest in its segment.
On the interior the main controls are grouped on the small steering-wheel in Formula 1 fashion while only two other knobs adjust the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system.
Materials such as carbon-fibre and wood, says the automaker, are chosen for their “visual and tactile pleasantness”.
TANTALISING FIGURES
There’s something special going on under the bonnet of these cars, including a bespoke unit developed for the range-topping Quadrifoglio version. Alfa Romeo says engineers with a Ferrari background have designed the flagship V6 turbo petrol engine to kick out a delicious 380kW. This means the QV goes to 100km/h in 3.9sec.
The automaker claims all its six-cylinder next-generation petrol and diesel engines will be aluminium and will deliver that “distinctive sound to complement the performance”. The Quadrifoglio versions have an active front splitter to manage downforce for extra stability and better cornering at high speed.
Other driving aids include the new Alfa DNA system which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: dynamic, natural, advanced efficient (a new energy-efficiency mode introduced on the Giulia) and racing mode for high performance versions.
NEW ALFA LOGO
The automaker claims the Giulia is 'la meccanica delle emozioni' (the mechanics of emotion), a phrase which will be used to publicise the car globally.
There’s also a new Alfa Romeo logo, designed by Robilant Associati, the distinctive shape and style elements of which are "retained but modernised and renewed in line with the launch of the exciting new Giulia".
*Founded as A.L.F.A (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili or Lombard Automobile Factory) on June 24 1910.
SUPER M-FIGHTER? Alfa Romeo's new Giulia has short overhangs and wide arches with a good-looking rear end. Image: Newspress
