Absent from the US market since 1993, the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo, now part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, returned in the 2015 model year with a new, spirited 4C coupe. For 2017, the Giulia sedan hits showrooms, promising premium performance in a midsize package. Crafted in Italy, the Giulia promises “class-leading” performance as well as the latest technology.
What's New for 2017
All-new for the 2017 model year, Alfa Romeo sells the Giulia in three trim levels, with turbocharged four- or six-cylinder power.
Choosing Your Alfa Romeo Giulia
Base Giulia and Guilia Ti models contain a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration to 60 miles per hour is possible in just 5.1 seconds. An eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission and can switch gears in less than 100 milliseconds.
Weight distribution is a near-perfect 50/50. Each Giulia includes Brembo brakes and a carbon fiber driveshaft. Alfa Romeo's driving mode system, DNA, has has three settings: Dynamic for performance, Natural as a balanced default, and Advanced Efficiency for improved fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive is standard on Giulia and Giulia Ti models, with all-wheel-drive optional. The high-performance Quadrifoglio Verde comes only with rear-wheel drive.
Stepping up to the markedly more expensive Quadrofoglio Verde brings the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Alfa Romeo. The 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 generates a whopping 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet. That’s enough to propel the Giulia QV to 60 mph in a beyond-brisk 3.8 seconds.
In addition to distinct styling, the Quadrifoglio Verde has a lightweight carbon fiber hood, roof, and rear spoiler. Torque vectoring technology is standard, as is an adaptive performance suspension and carbon fiber active aero front splitter. The high-performance Giulia also adds a more aggressive Race setting to the DNA system. Carbon fiber trim accents the interior, which includes navigation.
Whether visually or dynamically, there’s invariably something special about Italian craftsmanship, and the Giulia hails from one of the oldest and most-renowned automakers around, dating back 105 years. As in the past, the Giulia blends lush styling with exhilarating performance and the elemental Italian flavor. For most folks, the ultra-powerful Quadrifoglio is more of a fantasy than an aspirational vehicle; but few buyers are likely to be disappointed with one of the “lesser” versions.