Alfa Romeo has just commenced testing on its BMW 3-Series rivalling Giulia sedan with an early prototype spied testing disguised as a Maserati Ghibli mule.
This prototype is believed to be testing a new rear-wheel drive platform from Alfa Romeo despite the Ghibli bodywork. One tell tail give away that this is not in fact a mule for a new Ghibli variant is the fact that its interior shares no resemblance with the existing car with a steering from a Jeep even being used.
As with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a range of different Alfa Romeo Giulia variants will be made with entry-level four-cylinder models pinned to produce between 105 hp and 190 hp. At the top of the range will be the Alfa Romeo Giulia Cloverleaf with it pinned to take the fight to the latest M3 and upcoming twin-turbo C63 AMG with upwards of 520 hp!
Under the hood, it will feature a truly ferocious 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine straight from the Maserati Ghibli. This engine is built by none other than Ferrari and in Giulia Cloverleaf guise, is expected to produce between 480 hp and 520 hp. Whichever of those power outputs is chosen, the car will be significantly more powerful than the 425 hp M3
Underpinning the Giulia Cloverleaf will be the company’s new rear-wheel drive platform and reports indicate that it will weigh less than the M3 and consequently reach 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds! Mated to the engine will be a dual-clutch transmission with a limited-slip differential helping to ensure the best possible handling and acceleration.
[Via Autocar]
