skunkworks Octavia rival? Can anything compete with this, the Alfa Romeo Giulia

[ColinD]

Meccanica delle emozioni

 

 

Turn the sound up at 32seconds, close your eyes, then watch again.

 

 

 

Rival in the sense, if I could I would. This has tickled something deep inside. Free of clones or a need to conform, developed by a skunkworks team, this is simple sfarzoso.

 

RWD, up to 510Hp from a v6 turbo petrol, which is 3.9secs to 62.

 

What do you think?

[ColinD]

HP 1 by Colin Densem, on Flickr

 

HP2 by Colin Densem, on Flickr

[ColinD]

• All-new Alfa Romeo Giulia unveiled on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A in the renovated Alfa Romeo Museum - "La macchina del tempo" - in Arese, Italy
• Stunning design expresses three quintessential elements of Italian design: taut proportions, simple elegance and high-quality surface treatment
• Driver-focused rear- or four-wheel drive platform with perfect weight distribution, advanced suspension and most direct steering in its class
• Quadrifoglio version debuts bespoke state-of-the-art six-cylinder turbo engine with Ferrari-inspired technologies producing 510hp
• Extensive use of ultralight materials result in an exceptional weight-to-power figure resulting in a 0-to-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds
• Innovations such as Torque Vectoring, Integrated Brake System and Active Aero Splitter also introduced on this exciting new model
• A new Alfa Romeo logo can also be found nestled in the distinctive trefoil nose of the new Giulia

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been unveiled to the international media on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) at a special event in the newly-refurbished Alfa Romeo Museum - "La macchina del tempo" - in Arese, Italy, in the presence of some of the most significant cars in automotive history.

 

Developed by a Skunkworks of 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 and compact proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new, rear-wheel drive architecture (all-wheel drive will also be available). With the engine and major mechanical components arranged between the axles to ensure perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Giulia has very short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches, while the wheelbase is longest in its segment to maximise stability, comfort and practicality.

 

Naturally, traditional Alfa Romeo design cues have not been forgotten, as demonstrated by the simple, natural lines of the Giulia, the perfectly-honed surface treatment and the legendary trefoil nose, one of the most recognisable style elements in the automotive world.

Inside, the design is just as crisp and fuss-free and, crucially, centred around the driver, with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel in a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car, while 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.

 

Under the bonnet, a range of state-of-the-art engines power the new Giulia with a bespoke unit created for the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio version. Tuned by engineers from a Ferrari background, the flagship V6 turbo petrol powerplant delivers an impressive 510hp, propelling the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds, while also offering surprising fuel efficiency thanks to electronically-controlled cylinder deactivation system. As with all next-generation petrol and diesel engines, this six-cylinder unit is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and will, of course, deliver that distinctive Alfa Romeo sound to complement the performance.

 

In terms of the suspension, a sophisticated "Alfalink" multilink solution has been chosen for the rear axle, while the front suspension employs a new, double-wishbone set up. Developed exclusively by Alfa Romeo, a new semi-virtual steering axis optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. In combination with electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, the always-perfect footprint allows the Giulia to tackle high lateral forces while still ensuring the steering feels direct, natural and instinctive even at very high speeds.

 

To emphasise the purity and excellence of the mechanicals, it was also determined that electronics should only be used to improve the driving experience. With this in mind, the Giulia introduces an innovative double-clutch Torque Vectoring system to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel independently, improving traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system. The Integrated Brake System is also being introduced on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia - an innovative electromechanical system which combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instantaneous brake response and record-breaking stopping distances.

 

The new Giulia Quadrifoglio even has a front Active Aero Splitter to actively manage downforce for higher stability and better cornering grip even at high speed. These state-of-the-art systems are all governed by Chassis Domain Control, the 'brains' of the on-board electronics which has been assigned the specific task of optimising performance and driving pleasure.

 

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia also features a 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, naturally, Racing mode for high performance versions.

 

To obtain its extraordinary weight-to-power ratio (remarkably, lower than 3kg or 6.6lbs per hp) the Alfa Romeo Giulia combines ample engine performance with the extensive use of ultralight materials throughout. For example, carbon fibre was chosen for the propeller shaft, bonnet, roof and seat frames, while aluminium was selected for the engine, suspension - including the front domes and front and rear frames - wings and doors. The rear cross-member is made of aluminium composite and plastic and the braking system uses aluminium callipers and carbon ceramic discs.

 

And yet despite all this weight optimisation, the car also boasts the best torsional rigidity in its class, which helps not only optimise handling but also ensures better quality over time and improved acoustic comfort as well.

In short, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can be summed up by the Italian term 'la meccanica delle emozioni' (the mechanics of emotion), a phrase which will be used to publicise the car globally. In addition, the model also heralds the introduction of 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 Alfa Romeo Giulia.

 

For images and details, visit www.alfaromeopress.co.uk and more information on the current Alfa Romeo range, please visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

 

HP3 by Colin Densem, on Flickr

[mac11irl]

Mmmmmmmmmm

Yummy!!

Wonder will they a diesel version....

[ColinD]

As an aside, my linux desktop; elementaryOS which is also lovely, display card failed three times in the making of this post, I think the new desktop picture has generated some mechanical envy.

[gadgetman]

Looks nice.

Are electrical gremlins still standard?

[ColinD]

Mmmmmmmmmm

Yummy!!

Wonder will they a diesel version....

via Imgflip Meme Maker

 

 

I tested a 'prepared' Alfa diesel Brera, not good, not good at all. Real shame as my heart had all but brought it as well. Stupid DPF or missing cyl.

[andypandypoos]

rival?!? given the choice, there would be no choice. VAG wouldn't get a look in

[Rooted]

It is a bit of a stretch of the imagination to think of someone looking at one of them with a serious thought of buying going,

'no i must consider the competition,

(thinks long and hard, and considers the competitors out there.)

a Skoda Octavia vRS 230 ps Petrol Front Wheel drive or 184 ps Diesel has all the 'Emotion' i need.'

[Adam_]

Just seen this on twitter.

Yes yes yes.

[Taylor93]

Nom!!!!

I love it!

Ferrari derived V6 QV model is the one to have

Oh and a 500bhp RWD car such as this imo cannot be compared to a hot octavia vRS. Just as an M3 isn't.

[Girardi]

http://www.evo.co.uk/alfa-romeo/16224/alfa-romeo-giulia-revealed-can-alfa-finally-take-the-fight-to-bmw

I love Alfas. If I had the money, this would be getting my deposit at the earliest possible opportunity.

Sadly, I don't - but when I need to change cars in the future? No question now...

[Paul007]

No. Jag XE please. Looks exactly the same from the a**** end.

[fabiamk2SE]

Lovely.

510bhp too. So just about enough to pop to the shops with.

[ColinD]

Anyone spotted the moving aero components?

 

24seconds in

[blueR36]

I hope they do make it and with that engine , too many alphas and jags look like a sports car but put a Diesel engine in , a sports saloon should have a petrol engine and more than four cylinders

[FlyingGecko]

What a sound! I'd like to see the bog standard version, without the wings and vents. IMHO Alfa are going through a good design phase at the moment, the 159 is still a very good looking saloon, very clean lines, ten years after launch.

 

 

(Pity the front will be sullied by a whacking great number plate in the UK)

[Rooted]

This will be the rival from Skoda i would think.

[Aspman]

Ooooh

 

Sounds proper!

[Wet Kipper]

I'm sure it was in the Top Gear "1 line reviews" of cars where they used to say for Alfa

- get your neighbour to buy one, so you can look at (and for this car, hear) it as much as you like, but don't have to put up with buying or owning it.

[samuir1974]

Very nice looking car indeed - I really like that!

[Fr0d]

Call me fickle, but red Italian cars just ain't my thing.

I'd take it with VW/audi/skoda badge though.

[samuir1974]

Call me fickle, but red Italian cars just ain't my thing.

I'd take it with VW/audi/skoda badge though.

 

 

Can't disagree - if it was the VAG build quality and reliability inbuilt;

I would have no issues buying something looking that good.

 

But as yet - never touched Alfa, Fiat, etc for just that reason.

[jellemr]

Interesting to read the comments re: Alfa reliability cropping up....sadly this does seem to be the stick that Alfa will always get beaten with, and in my eyes, falsely.

I'm sure Alfas of the 70s / 80s had their issues, but times have changed and I'm not sure modern Alfas have any more issues than any other marques.

 

I'm speaking from personal experience here, my last 2 cars have been 2 Alfa 159s, 2.0 litre Diesels, which over the past 4 years have given me 120k miles of reliability and driving pleasure.  I recently switched to Skoda due to the need to replace the 159 with something newer (company rules on car allowance), and with Alfa having nothing available as yet that peaked my interest.

 

In 2 months of Yeti ownership I've had lots of fun, it's a great little car, but I can honestly say the build quality isn't a patch on either of the 159s I owned.

 

I for one, when my lease expires on the Yeti (22 months time), will be signing up for the Giulia, thought probably not the 510bhp beast (for safety reasons)!!

[ColinD]

Indeed, no matter what memories are short and SKODA has done well to shake it's demons. We'll all hold onto our views till they are changed through experience. Hopefully we can all enjoy an Alfa once in our time. I tried with the Brera, and I'll try again, but only on a it's a trueblood alfa, not a re-badged fiat if you follow.