DESIGN Alfa Romeo Giulia

Alfa Romeo’s new Giulia must have been one of the most eagerly awaited and longoverdue brand flagship revivals in recent years; not only as a direct replacement for the discontinued 159 productline, but also as the spiritual rebirth of the classic Giulia, on the 105th anniversary of this iconic marque. The original Giulia (1962-1978) was ‘the’ stylish and sporty limousine of the ’60s and ’70s, significantly contributing to Alfa Romeo’s image as a manufacturer of first class sports-limousines, featuring technical goodies such as two overhead-camshafts, a five-speed gearbox and disc-brakes all as standard.

Fast-forward to 2015 and after a slow-birth and an eleventh hour redesign ordered by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) big cheese Sergio Marchionne, the final result was certainly worth the wait. The latest rebirth is even more a driving machine than an icon reloaded. Featuring the return to rear-wheel drive – a first since the 75 of the late ’80s – a 50:50 weight distribution, a rumoured top-speed of 200mph and a 510hp (503bhp) engine developed by non-other than Ferrari, are all goosebump guarantors for petrolheads the world over. Styled under the direction of Alfa Romeo and Maserati Design Director MarcoTencone, the stylistic influence behind the gorgeous Alfa Romeo 4C, this new four-door Alfa Romeo is essentially a downsized Maserati. Visually, in its top-spec ‘Quadrifoglio’ guise the Alfa Romeo will certainly run neck-and-neck with AMG and M-GmbH’s finest and cause sleepless nights in both design and engineering offices between Affalterbach and Munich, respectively. Designwise the sporty four-door features an aggressive front fascia with plenty of mesh-grill insertsand active aerodynamics, previously only seen on flagship supercars of the prancing horse.

 It becomes instantly evident that aerodynamics played a key role in the design development, with bonnet and wing vents, aerodynamic side skirts, a boot mounted spoiler and rear diffusor detailing; make no mistake, this car means business. Official interior images have yet to be released, but Alfa Romeo has already communicated that the Giulia will feature premium materials in a driverfocused environment, supported by up-todate touch-screens and infotainment. The expectations have been high and the very first sneak-peak at the official unveiling has been very promising. If Alfa is able to auto-fire derivatives over the next decade, then the brand has a good chance to re-earn its former laurels and redirect Alfa Romeo to the elevated position of its heydays.