The wider Alfa Romeo Giulia range has been unveiled for the first time at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
At launch, the powertrain range comprises four new engines: 200hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol; 150hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel; 180hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine and the range-topping 510hp 2.9-litre V6 BiTurbo petrol engine. Preliminary details of three trim levels – Giulia, Super and Quadrifoglio – have also been announced with final UK specifications to be confirmed at a later date.
Developed by the best engineers, designers and stylists within FCA, the new Giulia embodies the core elements which have made Alfa Romeo one of the world’s best-loved automotive brands: Distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.
The taut proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new rear-wheel drive architecture which bestows the car with short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest wheelbase in its segment. The Giulia benefits from the careful management of weights and materials to obtain perfect 50/50 weight distribution across its axles, while the sophisticated four-arm Alfa Link rear suspension (with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment) and new double-wishbone front set up have been specifically tuned to maximise its dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort. Also débuting on the Giulia is a new semi-virtual steering axis which optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners.
To obtain an excellent weight-to-power ratio and outstanding torsional rigidity, the new Giulia utilises an array of high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials including, for example, carbon fibre for the driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic for the rear crossmember and aluminium for the doors, wings, engines (petrol and diesel), brakes and suspensions – including the front suspension domes and front and rear subframes. As a result, the dry weight of the 180hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel version is just 1,374kg.
In the Quadrifoglio version, the use of ultra-lightweight materials extends to other components including carbon fibre for the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear spoiler and body inserts, as well as aluminium for the doors and wings. The braking system has been tweaked using aluminium elements, while carbon ceramic discs and seats with a carbon fibre structural frame can also be specified as options. With an dry weight of 1,524 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of the Quadrifoglio version is 335hp per tonne.
The cabin design of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is every bit as crisp and clean as the exterior and, crucially, it is centred around the driver with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel. The human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system. Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.
Depending on the trim level, a 3.5-inch or seven-inch colour instrument display offers the driver all the essential information about the car at-a-glance. Organised in four screenshots, the information on display changes according to the DNA mode selected by the driver, offering a variety of readings including lateral acceleration, fuel consumption and suggested gear shift points.
