It seems Alfa Romeo is targeting that esteemed three box high performance segment in the market currently dominated by BMW M3 and the Mercedes C63.

The Giulia replaces the 159, albeit four years later. The automaker says the Giulia embodies the core elements heritage and performance which made Alfa Romeo one of the world’s best-loved automotive brands. Distinctive Italian design; innovative power trains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best power-to-weight ratio.

Design 

The Giulia’s compact proportions have evolved from its new rear-wheel drive architecture, all-wheel drive may also be on the cards. Other changes include engine and major mechanical components arranged between the axles to ensure balance weight distribution.

With short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches hints at the performance stance the Giulia embodies. Alfa also claims the Giulia’s wheelbase is the longest in its segment.

Performance

And this is where the likes of M3 and C63 need to be afraid, very afraid. There’s something special going on under the bonnet of the Giulia, including a bespoke unit developed for the range-topping Quadrifoglio version. Alfa Romeo says engineers with a Ferrari background have designed the flagship V6 turbo petrol engine to kick out a delicious 377kW. This means the QV goes to 100km/h in 3.9sec.

Fiat Group Automobiles SA confirms, the Giulia QV will arrive in January 2017. Two models, the Giulia QV Race Edition and Giulia QV Launch Edition will initially be available.

Just as a reminder, the Quadrifoglio features a 2,9-litre, bi-turbo V6 engine delivering 377 kW and 600 N.m.  The claimed top speed is 306 km/h and the dash to 100 km/h is 3,9 seconds. Later in the year the Base version arrives around May. The Base version sports a 2.0-Litre 4 pot delivering 147 kW and 330 N.m. Top speed is a reasonable 234 km/h and the sprint to 100 km/h is a respectable 6.6 seconds.

Expected pricing

R 1 600 000 – Giulia Race Edition

R 1 400 000 – Giulia Launch Edition

R 580 000 – Giulia Base Edition

Specifications

The race version

Red Calipers

QV Stile Dark 19” Alloy Wheels

QV Steering wheel with Carbon Fiber Insert

Sparco Seats

Harman Kardon Audio System

UCONNECT TOUCH 8.4N Navigation System with DAB

Convenience Pack (Door Courtesy Lights, Keyless Entry)

Ambient Light Pack (Front Courtesy/map lamps)

Uplever Alarm System

Privacy Tinted Rear Glass

Adaptive Cruise Control

Smoking Kit

Tri-Coat Paint

Ventilated Ceramic Brake Discs

Special Plate for South Africa

The launch version

Red & Yellow Calipers

QV Tecnico Specific 19” Alloy Wheels (5ER)

QV Steering wheel with Carbon Fiber Insert

Sparco Seats

Harman Kardon Audio System

UCONNECT TOUCH 8.4N Navigation System with DAB

Convenience Pack (Door Courtesy Lights, Keyless Entry)

Ambient Light Pack (Front Courtesy/map lamps)

Uplever Alarm System

Privacy Tinted Rear Glass

Adaptive Cruise Control

Smoking Kit

Pastel or Metallic

The base version

Headlight Beam Height Adjustment

Automatic Headlight Activation (Dusk/Dawn)

Front Fog Light

Warning Light For Seat Belt Fastened

Steering Wheel And Shift Stick Handle With Leather Lining

Rain Sensor

TPMS(Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)

Floor Mats

Alloy Wheels Extra Series 2

Tire Filling / Repair Kit (Fix & Go) In Place Of Undersize Spare Tyre

Passenger Airbag Disable

Rear Headrests N^ 3

Active Run Over Protection System

Security Lock

Steering Wheel Commands 3

Stop & Start (S&S)

Seat Upholstery Extra Series 1

Full Body Cover

Alarm Without Remote

Lane Departure Warning

Door Courtesy Lamps

USB Charging Port

Privacy Tinted Glass

Passenger Side Sun Vision With Mirror

316+508 (Pack Entry Safety)

Specific Sill 2

Pack Climate Upgrade

Chrome Surround Moulding

Adaptive Cruise Control W/Stop