It's lean times at Alfa Romeo, what with being down to selling a couple of aging hatchbacks and the very special 4C sports car. That means there's parts sharing going on between the three. Which is great if you're in Europe and want a Giulietta with a lot of turbo boost.
The company has announced the Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show, carrying the same 1.75 1.8-liter 240-horse turbo four that motivates the Alfa 4C. Sadly, it also carries the same six-speed dual-clutch transmission and not a six-speed manual, but it makes for quick progress in the 4C. Alfa estimates this Giulietta will hit 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Mind you, this is all going through the front wheels on what's kind of a lot of Dodge Dart underneath. Can you imagine what kind of characterful torque steer this thing could unleash?
There was a time when the U.S. was going to get the Giulietta as an Italian rival small, front-drive Germans like the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA. Sadly, Alfa's U.S. plans were changed and postponed. It's a shame, because its lines are aging reasonably well and there isn't a Saab 9-3 Viggen around anymore to throw adjectives for "torque steer" on.
Now, who can we call about getting this powertrain in a Dart?
Photo: Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Has A Crazy Idea And Sticks The 4C's Heart In The Giulietta