Aimed right at the BMW 3 Series, the Giulia is the long-overdue successor to the 159 that was given the axe in 2011. The picture reveals the Giulia gets sharp horizontal tail lamps that are reminiscent of the ones found on the Maserati Ghibli, a trunk-mounted spoiler crafted out of carbon fiber, a BMW-like shark fin antenna and four exhaust pipes. The model pictured is undoubtedly a high-performance version.
The spy shot also confirms the sedan will be called Giulia in Europe, a heritage-laced moniker used from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, in the United States the sedan might be called Milano, a compact V6-powered rear-wheel drive sedan sold on our shores from 1987 to 1989.
Under the skin, the Giulia will ride on a brand new rear-wheel drive platform that’s set to underpin a long list of upcoming Alfa models including a 5 Series-sized sedan and at least two crossovers. In the U.S., entry-level models will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while more upscale trims will benefit from a turbocharged V6 designed with input from sister company Ferrari.
Buyers will be able to choose from a six-speed manual transmission and an automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive will be available at an extra cost on select models. A M3-fighting high-performance Giulia with a twin-turbocharged 520-horsepower V6 could round out the lineup later in the production run.
Stay tuned, the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia will make its official debut later today at a private event held in Milan, Italy, Alfa’s home town. The sedan will greet the general public for the first time next September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it will go on sale before the end of the 2016 model year.
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