Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2009

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Front Side

The Alfa Romeo Giulia (105 series) is an Alfa Romeo automobile. Alfa was one of the first manufacturers to put a powerful engine in a light-weight car for mainstream production. The Giulia weighed about 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lb). The car was equipped with a light alloy twin overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine, similar to that of the earlier Giulietta models range. Engine capacities offered were 1.3-liter (1290 cc) or 1.6-liter (1570 cc). Various configurations of carburetors and tuning produced power outputs from about 80 to about 110 bhp (55 to 75 kW). Almost all Giulias made had a 5-speed manual transmission. Giulias were noted for their lively performance among sedans of that era, especially considering the modest engine size. The popular Super version with the twin carburettor 1.6 litre engine had a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) took about 12 seconds. This performance was better than many sports cars of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The Italian carmaker has released the first images and details of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta which will be premiered at the next Geneva Auto Show. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will offer a choice between four turbo engine, two petrol and two diesel. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be available at launch with either a 1.4TB with 120 HP a 1.4TB MultiAir developing 170 HP, a 1.6 JTDM with an output of 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM with 170 HP. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde will be powered by the 1750 TBi engine developing 235 HP.

As far as the design goes, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta will follow the lines that have been premiered by the 8C Competizione and will be 4.35 meters long, 1.46 meter high and 1.80 meters wide with a wheelbase of 2.63 meters. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta premieres a whole new platform and will feature the company’s DNA system which offers different settings for various characteristics of the car.

 .Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Interior View

Innovative engines for exciting, environmentally friendly driving

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees top level performance and next-generation technology in terms of technical solutions, performance and environmental friendliness. Four Turbo engines will be available at launch, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a standard “Start&Stop” system for reducing consumption and emissions: two petrol engines (1.4TB – 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir – 170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM – 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM – 170 HP, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines). Finally, the range is completed with the lively 1750 TBi – 235 HP with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.

Safety and dynamic behaviour at the top of the segment

Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating in order to offer total protection to driver and passengers. Furthermore, suspension, steering and braking system are designed to be perfectly balanced even during extreme manoeuvres.

Finally, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is fitted with the most sophisticated electronic devices for dynamic control as standard: VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), DST (Dynamic Steering Torque), Q2 electronic differential and Alfa DNA selector. All these systems guarantee driving safety, dynamism and performance in the best Alfa Romeo tradition.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Rear Side

Positioned just above the MiTo in Alfa’s lineup (and, tellingly, below the anticipated upcoming 159-succeeding Giulia), the Giulietta replaces the 147 as Italy’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf. Since Alfa’s parent company Fiat already targets the Golf with its own Bravo, though, some might consider this more of an aggressively-priced competitor to the Audi A3. The hatchback takes its styling cues from the sumptuous 8C Competizione, but carries it off in a decidedly more aggressive way than implemented on the MiTo. Plenty of glass also make the cabin more airy, with a body-colored panel running across the dashboard.

A range of transverse four-cylinder engines – both gasoline and diesel – will be on offer, producing between 120 and 170 horsepower until a 230 hp Quadrifoglio Verde model comes along. They’ve all got start-stop engine management and Alfa’s DNA adjustable suspension system as standard equipment. Fiat’s cutting-edge MultiAir valve-actuation system will eventually find its way into all of the engines, while the selection of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes is set to be joined by a new dual-clutch transmission as well.

The new Giulietta marks a pivotal product launch for Alfa Romeo, as the company is hoping to make this its volume offering the most prolific model in its history – with production targeted for an ambitious 100,000 units annually. Check out the trifecta of images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for full details.

“Without official launch dates for overseas markets announced yet, it’s difficult to say, however our best indication at this point is that the Giulietta will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2010,” Mr Cotterill said.

“It’s a stunning car. Our service manager returned from Italy this week where he joined a group of international Alfa managers to be briefed on the Giulietta, and he said it’s many times more beautiful in the metal than the photos can show.”