Alfa Romeo sent shock waves throughout the establishment when it unleashed its Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde sedan in 2015. In their first effort of building a high-performance sports sedan, they took it to the mighty Germans, and in typical Alfa fashion, won over the hearts of just about every motoring enthusiast out there.
The Turin-based automaker is looking to replicate that with their upcoming Giulia Coupe. However, in this case, they are looking at turning it up a notch or three. The car, expected at the end of 2018, will once again go up against the German triumvirate, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5.
But according to a new report emanating from the UK, Alfa is planning a knock-out blow to its rivals in the form of a 478kw super coupe! Yes, you read that correctly. Four hundred and seventy-eight. Killerwatts. That’s over 100kw more than the AMG C63 S Coupe, and let’s not even mention the M4 with its paltry 331kw powerplant.
Alfa is managing this by integrating a high-tech energy recovery system very similar to that seen in the LaFerrari hypercar into the Giulia’s existing Ferrari-sourced 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 motor. The setup is apparently prioritized in favour of performance, instead of emissions and fuel economy. Rumours are also swirling about the name of the car, as it could be branded as the GTV or the Sprint. It’s hybridized powerplant making it the most powerful Alfa in the history of the company.
The 2.0T in the Veloce model is also expected to be hybridized, with power rising from 206kw to a BMW 440i-rivalling 257kw. Apart from the hybridized power plants, the coupe range (render attached) is expected to retain the current motor list, ie. the 147kw and 206kw 2.0Ts, and the 375kw V6.
While these are rumours, Alfa Romeo is committed to transforming the brand in something of greatness and changing preconceptions, and this is clearly evident from their entry into the 2018 Formula 1 Championship. They are also working on a SUV that is said to be larger than the Stelvio and that is likely to be unveiled in concept form in the coming months.
Also worth a look: the Alfa Romeo Mx 5 and the Alfa Romeo Milano: A Glimpse into the Brand's Electrified Fu.
FAQ
Q: What will the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe cost in South Africa?
While Alfa Romeo hasn't released official pricing yet, expect the base Giulia Coupe to start around R850,000 when it launches, with the hybrid Quadrifoglio variant likely pushing past R1.2 million given its 478kW output and Ferrari-derived technology.
Q: Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe worth buying over German rivals?
The Giulia Coupe looks seriously promising with its 478kW hybrid system absolutely demolishing the BMW M4's 331kW and even the AMG C63 S Coupe's power figures, but wait for real-world testing before making the jump from proven German alternatives.
Q: How reliable will the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe be compared to BMW and Mercedes?
Alfa Romeo has historically struggled with reliability compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, though the brand has made significant improvements since 2015, so the jury's still out on whether this new hybrid system will match German build quality.
Q: When will the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe be available in South Africa?
The Giulia Coupe is expected to hit international markets by late 2018, which typically means South African availability around 6-12 months later, so probably mid to late 2019 for local buyers.
Q: What engine options will the Giulia Coupe offer in South Africa?
Expect the full range including the 147kW and 206kW 2.0-litre turbos, a hybrid 257kW Veloce variant, the current 375kW V6, and the range-topping 478kW hybrid Quadrifoglio that combines the Ferrari-sourced V6 with LaFerrari-style energy recovery.
Should You Buy It?
Hold your horses on this one. While the Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe sounds absolutely mental on paper with its 478kW hybrid system making it the most powerful Alfa ever built, it's still vapourware until we see real cars on South African roads. If you need a premium coupe right now under R1 million, the BMW 440i at around R850,000 remains your safest bet with 240kW, proven reliability, and solid resale value. For those willing to wait and gamble on Alfa's promises, the Giulia Coupe could be the bargain supercar alternative we've all been waiting for, especially if that hybrid Quadrifoglio delivers on its Ferrari-beating performance claims without the typical Alfa reliability headaches. Wait for the reviews, then decide if you're brave enough to bet against the Germans.
