Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label 8 speed auto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 8 speed auto. Show all posts

Friday, 1 December 2017

Vauxhall launches a new top of the rnage trim level to the Grandland X - The Ultimate !

  • New top-of-the-range Ultimate trim level for Grandland X
  • Highly specified with leading-edge technology as standard
  • New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine debuts
  • Available to order now, priced from £33,995 on-the-road
Following the successful launch of the all-new Grandland X SUV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has introduced a new top-of-the-range variant to the line-up. The new Ultimate trim level, which is also available on the popular Mokka X and Crossland X models, has a high level of equipment as standard and debuts the new 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Grandland X already offers a selection of ultra-modern assistance and comfort features regardless of trim. OnStar, Dual Zone Climate Control, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Parking Sensors are just some highlights available across the range.
Sitting on 19-inch BiColour alloys, the new Ultimate Grandland X adds to this impressive list of features with kit including Automatic Cruise Control and a Denon premium sound system. Also standard are black roof and door mirrors, alloy sports pedals, heated steering wheel, heated rear outer seats, 360-degree Panoramic Camera and Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack with projector headlights. Few SUVs in this class are as well-equipped.
New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Engine
The Grandland X Ultimate also introduces Vauxhall’s new top-of-the-range 2.0-litre diesel engine, allied with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new diesel engine is refined and powerful, delivering 177PS at 3,750rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm to give effortless acceleration. This helps it achieve 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.

With performance comes also economy, the Grandland X 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Blue Injection engine offers official CO2 emissions of 128g/km and 57.6mpg combined.
A rarity in this class, the Grandland X Ultimate also sees the range debut of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to that seen in Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia range, it has been engineered with a smooth linear shift pattern.
Available to order now, the new Grandland X Ultimate is priced from £33,995 on-the-road.

Monday, 15 May 2017

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has collected a couple of new awards.

Giulia Quadrifoglio takes home top honors from Texas Auto Roundup at Circuit of The Americas

  • 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio named “Car of Texas” and “Performance Sedan of Texas” and took home “Most Drives” honor
  • As the lineup’s “halo” model, Giulia Quadrifoglio highlights Alfa Romeo’s performance and motorsports knowhow with best-in-class 505 horsepower, 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.8 seconds and a record-setting 7:32 lap time around the legendary Nürburgring – fastest ever by a four-door production sedan
  • The heart of the Quadrifoglio is the all-new, all-aluminum direct injection 2.9L twin-turbo intercooled V-6, producing 505 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, and is what makes the Giulia Quadrifoglio the most powerful Alfa Romeo production car ever
  • With muscular proportions, simplistic elegance and high-quality surface finishes across its generous wheelbase, the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio exudes stunning Italian style with a finesse of Alfa Romeo heritage, athletically taut lines, sculptural details and best-in-class aerodynamics
  • 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is available now with a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) of $72,000
  • Alfa Romeo has more than 105 years of brand heritage, carving its legend on road courses around the globe
The all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio was crowned “Car of Texas” and also took home honors for “Performance Sedan of Texas” and “Most Drives” at the Texas Auto Roundup hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
“The Giulia Quadrifoglio took to the track at Circuit of The Americas and thoroughly impressed our journalists with its nimble handling, compelling Ferrari-derived 505-horsepower V-6 engine along with its true Italian flair,” said Nic Phillips, President of TAWA. “Alfa Romeo has created something original, something extraordinary in just about every measure with the Giulia Quadrifoglio – one of those cars you have to experience to believe – whether you’re on the track or looking for a smile-inducing drive to work, this sedan delivers it all and quite comfortably at that.”
With its 20 turns, 133-foot hill and a coned-slalom segment in the straightaway, the 3.4-mile track at COTA provided a world-class driving experience for evaluating vehicles in side-by-side comparisons unlike any other automotive media event. A total of 52 TAWA journalists attended and drove 42 vehicles during the two-day event.
As the first of a new generation of vehicles built on the all-new Giorgio platform, the 2017 Giulia Quadrifoglio embodies Alfa Romeo’s La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion), delivering race-inspired performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style and an exhilarating driving experience to the premium mid-size sedan segment.
Bearing the iconic Quadrifoglio badge (a four-leaf clover encased in a white triangle), which has adorned all Alfa Romeo performance models, the all-new Giulia Quadrifoglio embodies the essence of Alfa Romeo’s racing legacy. The beating heart of this ultra-high-performance sedan is an all-aluminum direct-injection 2.9-liter twin-turbo intercooled V-6 engine, delivering a best-in-class 505 horsepower, as well as earning the title of the most powerful Alfa Romeo production car engine ever and the quickest with a class-leading 0-60 miles per hour (mph) acceleration in 3.8 seconds. Combined with an 8-speed automatic with steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters, with shifts in less than 100 milliseconds, the culmination of these performance attributes is a record-setting time at the Nürburgring of 7:32, making the Giulia the fastest four-door production sedan in the world.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio achieves these unprecedented figures with exclusive enhancements for ultimate performance. The Giulia Quadrifoglio is composed of a carbon-fiber hood and roof, rocker panel moldings, rear deck-lid spoiler, along with segment-exclusive carbon fiber drive shaft and active aero front splitter. The lightweight construction of carbon fiber combined with the Giulia’s aluminum body components create maximum weight savings that contribute to the near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 supplies its 505 horses to the 19-inch staggered aluminum wheels (19 x 8.5-inch front and 19 x 10-inch rear), wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa three-season high-performance tires. Combined with a torque vectoring differential, the Giulia Quadrifoglio delivers increased performance in every corner and on every straight away.
Yet, the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s luxurious performance is highlighted not only in its physical power, but also from its sleek, rich Italian interior design. The interior features sport seats adorned with high-performance leather and Alcantara, power bolsters, leather-wrapped dash and doors with accent stitching, 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel featuring a performance red push button start, carbon-fiber interior trim, aluminum sport pedal and footrest, 8-inch widescreen 3D Navigation on a hidden infotainment screen, Alfa’s DNA Pro Drive Mode Selector featuring RACE mode, as well as safety features including passive entry, blind-spot monitoring, back-up camera, front and rear park sensors, and much more.
Expanding Alfa Romeo’s lineup beyond the ultra-high performance Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Giulia and Giulia Ti models (with MSRPs of $37,995 and $39,995, respectively) exude stunning and functional Italian style with a finesse of Alfa Romeo heritage, athletically taut lines and sculptural details.
The all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Ti models exude Italian style, craftsmanship and performance, all while delivering a comprehensive list of standard features, including an all-new, all-aluminum 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo engine with eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a class-leading, standard 280 horsepower, class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, dual exhaust system with bright tips, leather seating, 7-inch full-color TFT, a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch industry-first hidden widescreen infotainment display, Alfa DNA Drive Mode Selector with Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency vehicle behavior modes, sport-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push button start, along with keyless-go with passive entry and remote start.
The intelligent Q4 all-wheel-drive system – available on Giulia and Giulia Ti – delivers even more all-season traction and performance capability, thanks to the system’s ability to transfer up to 60 percent of the engine’s torque to the front axle.

Thursday, 12 January 2017

USA - Hyundai's luxury arm, Genesis, adds a new Sport Trim to it's G80 luxury Sedan.

  • New 3.3T Sport trim delivers dynamic performance, aggressive styling and ultimate comfort and convenience with class-leading features
  • Three powerful engine options: 5.0-liter V8,3.8-liter V6 and all-new 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6
  • Enhanced safety features for 2018 provide segment-leading standardized safety technology 
For the 2018 model year, Genesis adds an exciting Sport trim to its already popular G80 model, featuring a powerful new 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine plus unique sport performance upgrades. 

The recently debuted 2018 Genesis G80 Sport will be on display at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, along with 2017 Genesis G90 flagship sedan, which is currently a North American Car of the Year finalist. 

The 2018 Genesis G80 is scheduled to arrive this Spring, and the 2017 Genesis G90 is available now at Genesis retailers.


The 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport asserts its presence with a striking exterior and distinctive copper styling elements to visually differentiate it from the rest of the enhanced 2018 Genesis G80 model line-up. Unique 19-inch wheels, genuine carbon fiber interior trim, leather sport seats and steering wheel are just some of the exclusive design and performance features that highlight the G80 Sport.

Underneath its attractive exterior, the Sport’s 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine boasts 365 horsepower, and is paired with a sport-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. Supported by an upgraded suspension system, this robust new powertrain delivers superior driving dynamics, improved ride compliance and sport agility. The option of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive is available to manage varying weather and road conditions.

The Sport 3.3T comes standard with the latest technology and advanced safety features, realizing Genesis’ commitment to driver and passenger protection. Driver aids such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Alert and a multi-view camera provide driving convenience and safety. Furthermore, all Genesis vehicles offer Genesis Connected Services to bring seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Destination Search powered by Google®, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. With a three year complimentary subscription, Genesis Connected Services further enhances driver and passenger safety with SOS Emergency & Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) to provide peace of mind.

Additional details, including full specifications and pricing, will be available closer to the on-sale date.

Sunday, 28 August 2016

TMW - If this is the start of Autonomous driving, then we say, "Bring It On, Big Time"

The Volvo range is currently undergoing a massive shake up, the XC90 was the start of the new direction the brand is taking, and the S90 & V90 followed on, the recent launch of the 40 Series concepts show that they are serious about expansion and change, and one of the next models that will undergo this change is the XC60.

But in the meantime, we have the current model to test, and what a big surprise it was too, both in terms of the size of the car and what it has to offer.



The Volvo XC60 D4 Automatic SE Lux Nav, is a rather large mouthful, and thankfully all that does not appear on the back of the car, but it that all means the car is a special higher end model, and one that can cope with whatever you thrown at it.

The Volvo is really well made and solid, as you would expect from the brand that has built its reputation on reliability and safety, and this car has all those, and far more, the car looks great, and is very well proportioned, it underwent a small face lift a while back, to see it through to its replacement, and sits high up, so that you can "lord It" over all the other cars, the interior is a very special place to be, with extraordinarily supportive and cosseting seats, leather of course, once you get the seating position in the right place for you, everything else is very easy to find, and to hand, no reaching or stretching to find buttons or switches here.

The large leather steering wheel gives you a stable and solid feel, with a design to it that allows you to rest you hands comfortably, the steering is more tuned to a heavy weight, but that does not mean to say that it is difficult to steer, far from it, it means that you feel stable and in control at all times.
  
We then come on to its party piece, I will list the cars standard and options kit further down, but the car really does take control, it's called Queue Assist, and is available on the auto model only, once you set your cruise control, the car then takes over, if, as we found out, there is a large traffic jam, you drive up to the back of the queue, and the car will slow down, and eventually it will stop, and as the traffic moves forward, so does the car.

This will continue as long as you are in the queue, with the car pulling forward and stopping, as it "See's" the traffic speed change, and that's  weird feeling, well, for the beginning of it, at least, you feel as though you want to put your feet on the brake and accelerator, but you really do not need too, as the car just takes over, and away you go, even if you get some "Person" pull in front of you too close at high speed, the car will ease off to allow a gap to appear, and I loved it, adaptive cruise control is one thing, this is a totally different league, and this needs to be added to all cars, it is just such a safe system, it could help avoid so many shunts.

And that's just the start, the Volvo has so many options to protect the car and the passengers, it really is a car that will avoid as many incidents as possible, Volvo themselves have a policy that states they hope to have Zero lives lost in one of their cars by 2020, it was something that we all took with a pinch of salt, but after this test week, we can clearly see that this is definitely something that will happen, especially if they move along at the same pace they are now.

The XC60 comes very well equipped, the standard equipment includes, but not limited to:-
  • Sensus Connect (Allows access to the Internet, Service Booking and more)
  • Sensus Navigation (Full European mapping with Traffic Info and lifetime map updates)
  • Hard Disc Drive (downloading music)
  • Seven Inch Colour Display Screen
  • Voice Control System
  • City Safety (Includes fully Automatic Emergency Braking (up to 31mph))
  • Two Zone Climate Control with Cleanzone Air Quality System
  • Leather Faced Upholstery
  • Cruise Control With Speed Limiter, Hill Start Assist
  • 17 Inch Alloys
  • 40/20/40 Split Folding Rear Seats.
The car is running a 2.0 litre diesel power plant with 190hp, top speed is a storming 130mph, which both auto and manual can achieve, 124g/km of CO2 is emitted from the car, it's a tad high, but with the next gen model and tweaks, this will be reduced, this is the lowest XC60 Auto only beaten by the manual version at 117g/km, the Euro Vi Spec engine costs Zero in taxation for the first year, and £110 the year after, and despite this car being a rather large beast weighing in at 1,727kg (Min Kerb Weight) it still returns some decent fuel figures
  • Urban 51.4mpg
  • Extra Urban 65.7mpg
  • Combined 60.1mpg
So, despite this balk it sips fuel along with cars half the size, and that's another one of the reasons why this car should be considered when your in the market for a new car, which brings us nicely onto the costs, this model in standard trim costs £35,385, however this one was well specified with a large number of options amounting to over £8,000:-
  • Driver Support Pack at £1,900 includes :-
    • Collision Warning with full auto brake
    • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • distance alert
    • queue assist
    • lane departure warning
    • driver alert control
    • active high beam
    • road sign information display
    • blind spot information system with cross traffic alert
  • Winter Illumination Pack at £675 Includes :-
    • heated front seats
    • heated front windscreen
    • active bending xenon headlights
    • headlight cleaning system
    • heated washer nozzles
    • auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
    • rear theatre lights, front door pocket, side step and front cupholder illumination
  • Volvo On Call With App £450
  • Front And Rear Park Assist £325
  • Rear Park Assist Camera £375
  • Panoramic Laminated Power Glass Tilt And Slide Sunroof £1,200
  • Dark Tinted Windows-Rear Side Doors And Cargo Area £350
  • Laminated Windows Including Cargo Area And Water Repellent Front Side Windows £500
  • Power Passenger Seat £400
  • Heated Rear Seats £200
  • 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Not AWD) £1,550
  • Tempa Spare Wheel and Jack £150
  • Metallic Paint £625
The Volvo is, as already mentioned quite high up, so the centre of gravity is slightly higher than what you would find in a saloon car, but then this is no saloon car, this is better, driving the Volvo you get a very quiet drive, very little to no, intrusive road roar, you do get a little wind noise at higher speeds, but then you get that in every car at the national speed limit, it grips very well too, take the car into a corner at a speed other cars could not cope with and this just eats it up and spits it out, they have gotten this road holding down to a tee.



The passenger and driver both have oodles of space in the front of the car, and there are loads of cubby holes to put "STUFF", the rear seat passengers are equally treated well, with so much room they could have a party back there, then the boot space, well, being the car is high up, so is the boot, so if you suffer and can't lift, you might find this difficult, but if not, then there is, again, so much space back there, that you can have a everything you could ever need and still have space for more.

Overall

Well, the car is premium, that’s without any shadow of doubt, it has so much to offer, from the awesomely easy touchscreen system, to the driving position, the ease of driveability of the car to the space, which is more than ample everywhere, to the fact that this car can drive itself, which is weird, but amazing, we know that Autonomous cars are coming, with more tech, better safety and more, Volvo will be at the fore front of this, that’s no doubt, they have the heritage, the money and technology to put Volvo at the front of all this new tech, which is where it should be.

If you can afford to buy this, or any Volvo, you would be wise to really consider and try one, otherwise you will be missing out on a brand that’s reborn, with great new products and more in the pipeline, I loved our week with the XC60, it totally changed my perception of the brand, gave me a more overall knowledge of autonomous vehicles and left me with a smile, I truly look forward to our next Volvo, can that better this one?


Wednesday, 18 May 2016

The New ALfa Giulia has had it's first media preview in Northern Italy, and it proved to be very successful.

  • Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.2 diesel and Quadrifoglio test driven at special media event held at the Balocco Proving Ground in northern Italy
  • All-new, all-aluminium engines power the new Alfa Romeo Giulia: 180hp 2.2 turbo diesel and 510hp 2.9 Turbo V6 petrol available to the media
  • New eight-speed automatic transmission, with steering column-mounted paddle shifters*, débuts on Giulia and will be standard on all UK models
  • Logical range structure with three models:  (available with Lusso Pack and Sport Pack) and Quadrifoglio (2.9 T V6 only)
  • Advanced features across the range include Integrated Brake System for improved braking performance, extensive use of lightweight materials, advanced steering configuration and a patented rear suspension design
The UK media has had its first opportunity to drive the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia range at the Centro Sperimentale di Balocco (Balocco Proving Ground) in northern Italy. Developed by the best engineers, designers and stylists within FCA, the new Giulia embodies the core elements that have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands: Distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.

The taut proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new rear-wheel drive architecture which bestows the car with short overhangs, a long bonnet, muscular haunches and the longest wheelbase in its segment. The Giulia benefits from the careful management of weights and materials to obtain perfect 50/50 weight distribution across its axles, while the sophisticated four-arm Alfa™ Link rear suspension (with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment) and new double-wishbone front set up have been specifically tuned to maximise its dynamic abilities and enhance driving comfort. Also débuting on the Giulia is a new semi-virtual steering axis which optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners.
To obtain an excellent weight-to-power ratio and outstanding torsional rigidity, the new Giulia utilises an array of high-strength and ultra-lightweight materials including, for example, carbon fibre for the driveshaft, aluminium composite and plastic for the rear crossmember and aluminium for the doors, wings, engines (petrol and diesel), brakes and suspensions - including the front suspension domes and front and rear subframes. As a result, the dry weight of the 180hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel version is just 1,374kg.
In the Quadrifoglio version, the use of ultra-lightweight materials extends to other components including carbon fibre for the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear spoiler and body inserts, as well as aluminium for the doors and wings. The braking system has been tweaked using aluminium elements, while carbon ceramic brake discs and front seats with a carbon fibre structural frame can also be specified as options. With a dry weight of 1,524 kg, the power-to-weight ratio of the Quadrifoglio version is 335hp per tonne (2.99kg/hp).
Powering the Alfa Romeo Giulia
A full range of all-new, all-aluminium engines power the Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon, representing the newest and most advanced features available within the group, putting them at the top of their segment for performance and efficiency. All engines are manufactured in Italy at the Termoli (petrol engines) and Pratola Serra (diesel engines) factories, in areas designated exclusively for the construction of Alfa Romeo engines.
2.2-litre Turbo Diesel Engine
This engine is the first all-aluminium diesel unit in Alfa Romeo’s history. The four cylinder, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine uses latest-generation MultiJet II injection system with Injection Rate Shaping (IRS), an operating pressure of 2,000 bar and a variable-geometry turbocharger, while the balancing countershaft ensures smoothness and refinement across the rev range. Two versions will be available, one which produces 150hp at 4,000rpm and 380Nm at 1,500rpm, and the other with 180hp available at 3,750rpm and 450Nm at 1,750rpm, and both will be combined with Alfa Romeo’s advanced eight-speed automatic transmission as standard for RHD markets.
510hp 2.9-litre BiTurbo Petrol Engine
Exclusive to the Quadrifoglio version, this Ferrari-inspired, V6 BiTurbo petrol engine is constructed entirely of aluminium and delivers 510hp and 600Nm of torque, delivering a top speed of 190mph (307km/h) and a 0-62mph time of only 3.9 seconds. Remarkably, it is also best-in-class in terms of emission levels thanks in part to its electronically-controlled cylinder disabling system. In the UK, this engine will only be offered with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters and performance calibration as standard.
Driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia
To emphasise the purity and excellence of the mechanicals, it was determined that technology should only be used to improve the driving experience. This is demonstrated by the multiple sophisticated systems which, depending on the trim level of the new Giulia, are offered as standard or upon request.
Alfa™ Torque Vectoring (Giulia Quadrifoglio only)
An advanced Torque Vectoring double-clutch rear differential system débuts on the Giulia Quadrifoglio, precisely controlling the torque delivery to rear each wheel to improve traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system.
Integrated Brake System (IBS)
Making its global premier on the Alfa Romeo Giulia, an innovative new electromechanical braking system combines the stability control system and traditional servo to improve brake responsiveness, lower weight, reduce pedal vibrations of the ABS system and make record-breaking stopping distances possible: 62mph to a standstill in just 38.5m with standard discs or an astonishing 32m for the Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Brake (AEB) with pedestrian detection
Standard on all versions, this system automatically slows or brakes the car to avoid an imminent crash, using radar sensors and a camera to detect whether vehicles or obstacles, including pedestrians, are in its path. The system first warns the driver about the obstacle via an acoustic alarm and, if the driver fails to react quickly, it brakes autonomously to avoid collision at speeds of up to 40mph.
Alfa™ DNA and Alfa™ DNA Pro (Giulia Quadrifoglio only)
The Alfa Romeo Giulia is equipped with a new Alfa DNA selector, which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency (a new energy efficiency mode) and Race (only on Giulia Quadrifoglio). It adjusts a multitude of settings, including those of the engine, suspension, steering, transmission, rear differential, instrument display, brakes and safety and driver aids, according to the mode selected by the driver. The range and breadth of adjustments vary depending on the engine and trim of the vehicle.
Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
A new eight-speed automatic transmission, linked to the Alfa™ DNA (DNA Pro in Quadrifoglio), makes its debut on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia and is specifically tuned to deliver a comfortable and efficiency-oriented drive when the car is in Natural and Advanced Efficiency mode while still providing exhilarating responsiveness and driver control when in Dynamic mode (and Race mode on Quadrifoglio models), regardless of whether it is used on automatic mode or if the driver choses to shift manually via the selector or steering column-mounted paddle shifters*.
Alfa™ Active Aero Splitter
Together with an excellent Cx (0.32) and a perfect balance of downforce behaviour across the range, the Quadrifoglio version also has Active Aero Splitter at the front of the car which actively manages downforce for higher performance and improved grip at high speed.
Alfa™ Chassis Domain Control (Giulia Quadrifoglio only)
Developed jointly with Magneti Marelli, the Chassis Domain Control (CDC) technology is the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s electronic brain, coordinating all the onboard systems to optimise performance, safety and driving pleasure by automatically adapting the settings of the powertrain, suspension, Active Aero Splitter, braking system, power steering, ESC system and rear differential Torque Vectoring according to the demands of the driver and the mode chosen on the DNA Pro selector.
Advanced suspensions with Alfa™Link
On the front, a new double wishbone suspension with semi-virtual steering axis was developed to optimise the filtering effect and guarantee rapid, accurate steering. This Alfa Romeo exclusive keeps the caster trail constant in corners and can tackle high lateral accelerations as a result of its always-perfect footprint. In any situation and at all speeds, driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia with the most direct steering ratio in its segment (11.8) is natural and instinctive. A new Alfalink four-arm layout was chosen for the rear axle, with an Alfa Romeo-patented solution for toe adjustment, to ensure top performance, driving pleasure and comfort for all versions of the new Giulia.
Inside the Alfa Romeo Giulia
The cabin design of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is every bit as crisp and clean as the exterior and, crucially, it is centred around the driver with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel. The human-machine interface (HMI) consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system. Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.
Depending on trim level, a 3.5- or seven-inch colour instrument display offers the driver all the essential information about the car at-a-glance. Organised in four screenshots, the information on display changes according to the DNA mode selected by the driver, offering a variety of readings including lateral acceleration, fuel consumption and suggested gear shift points.
8.8-inch Connect 3D Nav
The new 8.8-inch Connect Nav 3D system on the Alfa Romeo Giulia – developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli – offers a sophisticated series of features and functions, including a next-generation HMI human-machine interface. The system is controlled by means of the Rotary Pad and, thanks to “optical bonding” technology, the 8.8-inch high-resolution display benefits from an excellent level of visualisation and readability.
The Alfa Connect 3D Nav system is equipped with advanced voice recognition for complete connectivity with all mobile devices (Apple iOS and Android) including full control of Bluetooth calling and music streaming, as well as DAB digital radio and Hi-Fi digital audio. The navigation system includes high-resolution 3D maps with rapid route calculation even in locations where there it’s not possible to find a GPS signal thanks to its advanced Dead Reckoning technology. It also facilitates TomTom map updates via USB and allows users to view more information regarding driving style and Alfa DNA settings.
Sound Theatre by Harman Kardon
A sophisticated Sound Theatre by Harman Kardon system débuts on Alfa Romeo Giulia to provide superior, detail-rich audio for even the most discerning audiophile. The heart of the system is a compact and high-performance, 900W, 12-channel Class D amplifier, which combines with Logic 7® technology to fill the cabin with magnificent 5.1 surround sound via 14 high-quality speakers. With this sound system, occupants can experience the premium quality for which Harman Kardon is famed.
Safety in the Alfa Romeo Giulia
The new Giulia is available with the very best in terms of driving assistance currently on the market, including Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian protection (AEB), Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control (optional) and Blind-Spot Monitoring (optional). The Magneti Marelli-developed light clusters are equipped with halogen lamps or latest-generation Xenon technology with 25W or 35W modules, the latter of which is equipped with AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) to redirect the light beam while cornering and improve visibility.
Choosing your  Alfa Romeo Giulia
Standard equipment on the entry-level Giulia trim level includes an eight-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, LED rear lamp clusters, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, Connect infotainment system and new Alfa™ DNA selector. In terms of safety features, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake with pedestrian detection, Integrated Braking System and Lane Departure Warning are all standard. The generous standard equipment on the Giulia trim level is supplemented on the Giulia Super by 17-inch alloy wheels, leather and fabric seats, steering wheel paddle shifters and special interior trim. Engines available in the Giulia and Giulia Super include the 150hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel and 180hp 2.2-litre turbo diesel.
The top-of-the-range Giulia Quadrifoglio is equipped with the Ferrari-inspired 510hp 2.9-litre BiTurbo petrol engine and is easily identifiable thanks to its aerodynamic enhancements, 19-inch alloy wheels and 35W bi-Xenon headlights with AFS. Inside it is equipped with sports seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, a sports steering wheel with red power button and the Alfa™ DNA Pro selector with Race mode. Performance enhancements also include uprated brakes, Active Aero Splitter, Chassis Domain Control and Torque Vectoring technology, while options include ultra-light carbon seats and carbon ceramic disc brakes.
The comprehensive standard equipment can also be enhanced, on request, with the Luxury Pack and the Sport Pack. The Luxury Pack enhances the interior with full-grain leather upholstery for the seats, including power adjustable front seats with heaters, real wood interior detailing, chrome-effect exterior window trim and Xenon 35W headlights with AFS.
The Sports Pack, available on the Super model, includes a sports steering wheel, aluminium interior trim and Xenon headlights.
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia will go on sale in the UK in September with pricing and final UK specifications announced closer to the car’s UK launch.