cars news 10: U.S .-Spec 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Detailed

Alfa Romeo has released more details on the more pedestrian variants of the 2017 Giulia sports sedan ahead of the car’s official North American debut at the 2016 New York auto show. Slotting beneath the 505-hp Giulia Quadrifoglio will be the base Giulia and the Giulia Ti (Turismo Internazionale), which will be powered by a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Available in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations, the standard Giulia and Giulia Ti are powered by a new 2.0-liter turbo-four with direct injection and FCA’s Multiair variable valve actuation system. The engine produces 276 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox co-developed with ZF. Should you desire more power and performance, the range-topping Giulia Quadrifoglio features a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 rated at 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and is available with a six-speed manual.

Riding on the new Giogio rear-drive platform, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia features near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and is constructed extensively of high-strength and lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber. The suspension components, for example, are made of aluminum while carbon fiber is used for the driveshaft on the Giulia Quadrifoglio. On the Giulia and Giulia Ti, Alfa’s DNA system allows you to choose between Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced efficiency modes while the DNA Pro system in the Giulia Quadrifoglio adds a Race mode that activates an overboost function and opens the active exhaust. Quadrifoglio variants also feature an active front splitter for additional downforce and stability.

Standard on the Giulia Quadrifoglio and optional on the Giulia Ti is Alfa’s Active Suspension system, which adapts to driving conditions accordingly and can be adjusted by the driver via the DNA switch. The Giulia also features a Chassis Domain Control (CDC) system, which coordinates all of the car’s active systems to optimize the car’s performance. An Integrated Braking System (IBS) replaces the electronic stability control system and brake booster for a more instantaneous brake response and improved stopping performance.

Inside, the 2017 Giulia features a new infotainment system with a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch screen and can be controlled via a rotary knob. In addition to the two analog gauges, the Giulia also has a seven-inch TFT display. Leather upholstery with accent stitching is standard and the interior can be had with a choice of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber trim. The car also features a flat-bottom steering wheel with the start/stop button integrated in it and a center stack angled towards the driver.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is set to arrive by the end of this year. A U.S. launch date for the other two models has yet to be announced. Production will start this summer.

Source: FCA