Love story breathes new life into Italian automaker Alfa Romeo
When a vehicle is serenaded by an Italian opera star, you know it’s about to get serious
ARESSA, ITALY— It was a very Latin launch for the new Alfa Romeo Giulia, with more emotion and passion than facts and figures.
But if the production Giulia lives up to the love lavished on it by its creators, it will be a very desirable car indeed.
The adoration the company feels for its new creation was expressed by Italian opera star Andrea Bocelli at the launch. He recited a love poem to the car and then serenaded it with the Puccini aria, “Nessun dorma.”
It was an uncharacteristically moving moment for an automotive reveal.
The aria’s title translates as “None shall sleep,” which is not only a reference to love’s longing but also reflects the way Giulia was conceived: by the company’s “skunks.” These teams of creative engineers, designers and stylists worked tirelessly in isolation for two years to draft the car.
As Alfa’s relaunch vehicle, it is to be “the quintessential example of what people expect from such a prestigious brand,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company.
The Giulia sets the standard for the company’s renaissance, and will be followed by seven new models in the next three years, Marchionne said. The objective is to sell 400,000 vehicles worldwide by 2018.
By their own admission, the hopes and dreams of Alfa Romeo are resting on this four-door powerhouse; the carmaker needs the turnaround.
According to Alfa CEO Harald J. Wester, “premium has become a commodity,” and modern cars are “cold and technocratic, with no emotion.”
The new Alfa will change all that, becoming an “extension of the driver’s soul, the perfect fusion of man and machine,” he said. Timed to celebrate the company’s 105th anniversary, Giulia continues the nameplate of a car first built in 1962.
Although details such as production dates, transmissions and engine displacement are lacking, we know this: The Giulia introduced is the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio model.
It’s a four-door sedan, with rear or all-wheel drive, 510 horsepower and a 6-cylinder bi-turbo gasoline engine.
It is slated to have a zero-to-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.99 kg/hp.
The car will be lightweight, thanks to extensive use of aluminum and carbon fibre, and will have the best torsional rigidity in its class.
Anew steering system will be introduced, along with independent rearwheel torque vectoring, brake integration that combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instant brake response, along with active downforce management at speed.
Handling will be enhanced by the “perfect” 50:50 weight balance, with multi-link rear suspension and double wishbones up front.
Steering will be accomplished via a “semi-virtual” steering axis that the company says will enable quicker corner exits.
Although a close look at the interior was not available at the unveiling, Alfa promises a driver-centered cockpit fitted with luxurious details. The steering wheel is small, with all the main controls integrated.
A simple two-control interface will manage the four selectable driving modes and the entertainment system.
On the outside the car has a simple profile with a long slanting hood that culminates in the Alfa trefoil grille. It is described as having the presence of a big cat about to pounce, and the headlights that look like real eyes do lend it a predatory air.
If the promo video of the car carving corners and growling through tunnels is any indication, Giulia looks — and sounds — the part of the BMW M3 challenger it’s reputed to be.
The stance is aggressive, and the corner entry and minimal body roll promise a very sporty, quick ride.
It’s clear that Guilia has been a labour of love for Alfa Romeo.
The question remains whether the sports car-loving public will fall for her as well. Freelance writer Emily Atkins is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. For this review, travel expenses were paid by the manufacturer. For more Toronto Star automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/ autos. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca.