After we showed you the leaked images of the Alfa Romeo Giulia this morning, official images and details have been released – or at least they have for the range topping Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) model – and Alfa have not disappointed us! Alfa is back with a bang – and they’ve redesigned their logo to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the brand.
Tonight, at the recently renovated Alfa Romeo Museum in Milan, Alfa Romeo revealed the Giulia in QV guise, taking aim squarely at the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. They’ve not spared any expense n doing so, either, pooling all available resources under the FCA umbrella to create the best sports sedan they can. Powering the Giulia QV is a twin-turbo V6 engine, with Ferrari involved in the development, generating 375kW (510PS). Alfa have not yet released the full figures, however the Giulia QV is claimed to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds – beating both the M3 and C63 AMG in this regard.
Most importantly, the new Giulia is decidedly performance orientated – the QV is rear-wheel driven, and AWD will be added to the rest of the Giulia range at a later stage. Weight distribution is claimed at 50/50 across both axles, with Alfa employing materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre to ensure the perfect weight and handling balance. Equipped to the Giulia QV are a carbon fibre roof, drive shaft, and bonnet, to reduce weight, correct balance, and lower the centre of gravity. Aluminium has been used in the construction of the new engine, brakes, suspension, and several components of the body, such as the doors. Other elements engineered with weight in mind include the carbon ceramic brake discs and carbon fibre shells for the seats. Alfa claim a power to weight ratio of ‘remarkably lower than 3kg/hp’, which by our calculations pegs the Giulia’s weight at around the 1500Kg mark.
Highlights of the Giulia QV go beyond light weight and a potent Ferrari-derived engine though. The Gulia’s wheelbase is said to be the longest in class, as is the torsional rigidity – however without figures we’ll have to take Alfa Romeo’s word for it. However what we can confirm is that the Giulia will be one of the most refined vehicles in class, due to the suspension setup implemented. An “Alfalink” multilink rear suspension and double wishbone front suspension are said to improve comfort and handling, whilst a new ‘semi-virtual steering axis’ (Alfa-speak for electronically assisted power steering) is claimed to improve weight and dynamic feel through the corners. Electronically controlled adaptive dampers also make an appearance, ensuring that the Giulia should be as comfortable as it is beautiful.
The Giulia, in QV guise at least, features a range of electronic aids said o improve the driving experience. Amongst these technologies, Alfa has equipped the Giulia with a double-clutch torque vectoring system which works in tandem with the rear differential to control the torque split independently to each of the rear wheels. Alfa have also equipped an ‘Integrated Brake System’ which links stability control with the traditional servos to improve stopping distances and braking response.
As we suspected, the Giulia has traded in the traditional Alfa DNA drive select switch in favour of a rotary dial on the centre console. Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficient (eco mode) are all standard fare, and in sporting models, a Racing mode also features. This rotary knob is one of two mounted on the centre console, the second of which controls the infotainment system. The rest of the interior has been designed around the driver, with major controls located on the steering wheel, and the centre console angled towards the driver. Materials used include carbon fibre, leather, and real wood, to make the Giulia feel as classy as possible.
And oh is it beautiful! The 3-box sedan design in side profile may appear similar to that of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class, but the devil in the details is far from Germanic. The front end, with wide air dams and traditional triangular Alfa grill is bold and eye-catching, and flowing lines lead along the 8C-inspired bonnet. Sculpted fenders and doors add to the Alfa-esque features, while a carbon fibre lip spoiler, quad tailpipes and sporty diffuser finish up the rear end. Truth told, this may be the boldest styled of the segment; after the Jaguar XE failed to impress many, this will surely do the opposite.
We know little else at this stage as we wait for Alfa to reveal mode details about the rest of the range, but if looks, noise, and engine output are anything to go by, the M3 may have an unexpected fight on its hands. Alfa is back, and back with a bang!