Alfa’s scorching 375kW Giulia QV draws near

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has issued first local details of Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming Giulia QV and pointed to significant buyer interest in the broader range with more than 100 orders already placed ahead of its launch in February next year.

Pricing is yet to be announced for the flagship high-performance version of the Italian brand’s long-awaited all-new mid-size premium sedan – expected to start in the same ballpark as BMW’s benchmark 317kW/550Nm M3, from $139,615 – but it will lead the charge for Alfa as FCA pushes the brand further upmarket in Australia with a revitalised model range housed in a new standalone retail network.

The Giulia, which will make its first local appearance at the high-society Portsea Polo event on January 14, will be followed by all-new Stelvio SUV that is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Los Angeles auto show next week.

FCA Australia claims the Giulia QV will be a class leader in terms of performance, power-to-weight ratio and fuel efficiency, owing to the sedan’s light 1585kg kerb weight – aided by an all-new platform and extensive use of carbon-fibre – along with segment-leading ‘active’ aerodynamics (via an automatically lowering front splitter) and, not least of all, its 375kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6.

Driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox (that can preload downshifts), the Ferrari-developed force-fed six-shooter can reach 100km/h from standstill in a claimed 3.9 seconds, on its way to a 305km/h maximum speed.

Cylinder deactivation technology also assists with fuel economy, which on the European combined cycle is listed at 8.2 litres per 100km.

FCA Australia said the Giulia QV will be fitted standard with the DNA Pro dynamic drive system (adjusting the suspension, steering, drivetrain and exhaust note), 19-inch forged alloy wheels and bi-Xenon headlights with an adaptive front lighting system and automatic high beam.

Various other driver-assist safety technologies will also be on-board, including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and active cruise control.

Leather upholstery with contrast stitching will be included, along with aluminium and carbon-fibre trim on surfaces across the cabin.

Front sports seats combine cowhide with Alcantara, and will offer eight-way power adjustment, while the infotainment system will include an 8.8-inch screen, satellite navigation, climate-control air-conditioning and Harmon Kardon audio with 14 speakers – all accessed via a centrally mounted rotary dial with integrated handwriting recognition pad.

Details of the broader Giulia range remain undisclosed for the time being.

As GoAuto has reported, the UK market also offers a 149kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel in 112kW and 134kW tune, with several trim levels matched to each powertrain.