Test drive Alfa Romeo Giulia: Mission (Impossible)
The Alfa Romeo myth has lived in Italy since the founding of ALFA in Milan (24 June 1910, anonymous Lombarada Fabrica Automobili). But in recent years, Alpha has largely lived on myths about a successful sports brand from the past, with the exception of selling its myth. Ever since Milan's Alfa swallowed up Turin's Fiat, despite all the promises, it seemed more likely that it would go downhill. Then in 1997 came the 156, which we even chose as the next year's European Car of the Year. Fair. But in Milan and Turin they did not know how to make a successful enough successor out of him. Even since Sergion Marchionne took over the management of Fiat, the public could only keep promises. He also promised Julio.
They created a new lead team for Alpha, led by German Harald Wester, and Philip Krieff also spoke at Julia's presentation. The Frenchman first moved from Michelin to Fiat, and then headed the car development department at Ferrari until January 2014. So the real man is that he took care of the technical side of the new Giulia. Probably the most worthy for Julia to trade "mission impossible" for a possible one!
But the most important part, the look, was taken care of by the Afe design department, which is still based in Milan. The design of the new Giulia was a great success. It also inherits some family cues from the previously mentioned 156. The rounded body shapes successfully exude dynamism, which is just one of the foundations for such a car, the long wheelbase allows for a suitable side view, Alfa's triangular shield is, of course, the basis of everything. So far, the look has been consistent with what has been known about Julia since her uniform was first revealed last summer. The datasheet, however, was what was a curiosity at the first driving presentation. It is mounted on a new platform based on an excellent chassis. Front and rear individual suspension (only aluminum parts). There are double triangular rails at the front and a multi-directional axle at the rear, so it's a sporty enough design that gives the Giulia a fitting character. Body parts are a combination of classic and modern: very strong steel sheet, aluminum and carbon fiber. Thus, the engines will not be too heavily loaded when driving up to a one and a half ton car. In the case of the most powerful, marked Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), of course, a few more components made of lightweight materials are added, and the power density is 2,9 kilograms per “horsepower”. A carbon fiber driveshaft and a sporty aluminum rear axle are components of all Giulia variants.
As for the powerplant, for now we can talk about two engines that are already available, but even with them, some additional versions will only be available to customers over time. All engines have been re-engineered and benefit from the vast experience accumulated by Ferrari and Maserati's treasure trove of knowledge. For now, they've focused on some of the basics that will make the Giulio attractive at launch. That means the turbodiesel is only here right now with 180 horsepower, but later on the offer will be expanded to one with 150 horsepower (very soon) and two others with 136 horsepower. "horsepower" or even with 220 "horses" (the latter, probably next year). Quadrifoglio with 510 “horsepower” and a manual transmission is available for starters, and soon an automatic version. Versions of the XNUMX-litre turbocharged petrol engine will also be available in the summer (for markets where diesels are less important). Given the current problems of car manufacturers with the provision of exhaust gases, it is almost certain that Alfa will have to (also) take care of the further development of selective catalytic treatment (with the addition of urea).
Two versions were available for the test drive, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission. We drove on a turbodiesel with 180 "horses" on the roads of northern Piedmont (in the Biela area), which at first impression are quite suitable, but the workload on them does not allow us to test all the possibilities. The experience is almost excellent, as is taken care of by the overall design of the car, the engine (which we only hear when idling) and the eight-speed automatic transmission (two fixed levers under the steering wheel). ... The suspension copes well with a variety of road surfaces. The DNA button (with Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency levels) provides a great driver's mood, where we select a program for a calmer or more sporty electronic support for our driving. The driving position is convincing, thanks in large part to a really well-adapted steering system with efficient (very direct) steering.
The good impression is enhanced by driving the Quadrifoglia (at the FCA test track in Balocco). As an extra step in the DNA, there's Race, where it's all set for a more "natural" driving experience - with less electronic support to tame over five hundred "riders". The brutal power of this engine is intended primarily for use on the race track, when we want to ride the "clover" on ordinary roads, there is even an economy program that turns off even one type of rink from time to time.
Julia is critical to the new FCA group as she focuses on more premium and more valuable models and brands. This is also evidenced by investments in its development, for which a billion euros were allocated. Of course, they will also be able to use the results for other Alfa models that are already being developed. From now on, the Alfa Romeo brand will be available in all major global markets. In Europe, the Giulio will go on sale gradually. The biggest sales start right now (in Italy, an open day last May weekend). In Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands in June. Alfa will enter the American market again at the end of the year, and from next year the new Giulia will delight the Chinese as well. It will be available from September. The prices have not yet been set, but if you calculate how they are placed in European markets, they should be somewhere between the corresponding Audi A4 and BMW 3. In Germany, the price for the base model Giulia with 180 "horses" (otherwise it will only another package with richer Super equipment) 34.100 150 euros, in Italy for a package with 35.500 "horses" XNUMX XNUMX euros.
Giulia is a surprise in a good way, and proof that Italians still know how to make great cars.
text Tomaž Porekar photo factory
