2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Having made its world preview at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta makes its debut and, from May 2010, will be marketed progressively on all the major markets, thus relaunching the brand in one of the most important segments in Europe.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

In Alfa Romeo's Centenary year, the name Giulietta is a tribute to an automobile and an Alfa Romeo legend. In the Fifties, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta caught the imagination of car enthusiasts throughout the world, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying its high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Now the Alfa Romeo Style Centre has produced a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a five-door hatchback with an evident Alfa Romeo appearance and capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday journeys. This is due to the new Compact platform which, thanks to the sophisticated technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, the sophisticated materials used and the manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Alfa Romeo Giulietta to achieve exceptionally high standards both in terms of on-board comfort as well as its dynamic and safety features (active and passive).

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

A new platform to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - called Compact - designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety. It ensures both exceptional dynamic performance and high comfort levels, thanks to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, a new-generation steering system, a light and rigid structure created from materials such as aluminium and high-strength steels, and avant-garde manufacturing techniques.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

This new platform will allow the Alfa Romeo Giulietta to accommodate the needs of all customers in this category, combining on-board comfort, functional interiors and generous boot space, with the dynamic qualities that belong to every Alfa Romeo. Furthermore, driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer's specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customises the vehicle's behaviour to suit different road conditions and driving styles. The new platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate the vehicle's different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasising the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, fitted as standard on the entire range of the new model, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering system and Q2 electronic differential, in addition to the behaviour logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC).

Sporty and comfortable, Italian style

The perfect blend of sportiness and style, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta redefines the Brand's technological standards and emotional values.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The front displays a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the starting point for the design of the entire car, which combines an energetic personality with a distinctly elegant form. The front headlights have DRL with LED technology and a day light function for maximum active safety.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Even the profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is brimming with personality, giving the impression of an agile and sturdy car. This is above all due to the side windows which recall the appearance of a coupé, emphasising the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks also to the concealed rear door handles. The ribs on the sides of the vehicle seem to elongate the car while the clean lines which end at the rear accentuate the angular shape of the car's body.

The rear, like the front and side, features distinct styling which emphasises the feeling of a muscular car, firmly gripped onto the road surface. In addition, like the headlights, the innovative rear lights also use LED technology, not only for the sake of style but also preventive safety.

Lastly, the measurements of the new car amount to a compact and dynamic shape, while at the same time guaranteeing excellent comfort and a spacious boot (350 litres): it is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres.

Advanced features for maximum wellbeing on board

Attention to detail and high quality materials used for interiors are, today as always, the most developed expression of Italian style. More specifically, the dominant concept in the interiors of the new model is lightness. The lines are clean and the dashboard develops horizontally. The seats are comfortable and their shape is designed to ensure maximum comfort during long journeys.

Thanks to the advanced ergonomics in the interior design, every switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as those on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

The navigation system with pop-up display allows drivers to safely display the route or the mechanical operating parameters set by the Alfa DNA device without having to take their eyes off the road.

There are practical open storage compartments situated in various areas of the passenger compartment: in front of the gearbox, on the centre console and on the interior trim of the doors. There are closed storage compartments - depending on the version - on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control) and in the front and rear armrests.

Innovative engines for a thrilling, environmentally-friendly drive

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees the highest levels of performance and technology through a range of engines that are state-of-the-art in terms of technology, performance levels and environmental-friendliness. At the time of its commercial launch, 4 Turbo engines will be available, all Euro 5 compliant and with a Start&Stop system to reduce consumption levels and emissions fitted as standard: two petrol versions (120 HP 1.4TB and 170 HP 1.4TB Multiair) and two diesels (105 HP 1.6 JTDM and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM, both second-generation MultiJet engines). The range is completed by the high performance 235 HP 1750 TBi with direct injection and scavenging control in combination with exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde interiors.

This latter version equipped with a 235 HP 1750 TBi engine perfectly represents the way in which Alfa Romeo offers the most in this segment. Not just a means of transport, but a vehicle that can really connect with the customer. There is strong acceleration thanks to high torque levels even at low revs, a smooth response that minimises gearbox use thanks to the flexibility typical of modern petrol engines, and an engine note that is engaging without ever becoming intrusive. In detail, the 1750 Turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuously variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag. The resulting performance is comparable to - or better than - that of many 3-litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit. It should be noted that the specific power of 134 HP/litre is the highest in the world for a 4-cylinder unit installed in this category of vehicles, as well as being the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo production engine. The specific torque too, totalling 194 Nm/litre, is the highest of all petrol engines in this category, while the maximum torque of 340 Nm, reached at just 1,900 revs, is excellent.

The range of engines available can accommodate the needs of all customers. First of all the 120 HP 1.4TB is the ideal engine for those in search of a car that can handle city traffic effortlessly while keeping running costs to a minimum. The turbo engine guarantees prompt response even at low revs (maximum torque is achieved at just 1,750 revs) while Start&Stop, in the city, makes it possible to cut consumption and harmful emission levels drastically, without compromising comfort and on-board safety.

The 170 HP 1.4 TB Multiair engine is an amalgam of technology, which blends high performance levels with the lowest emissions and fuel consumption levels in its class for petrol engines of this power rating. It is a brilliant and flexible engine, with a maximum torque of a generous 250 Nm (when set to Dynamic), fitted with a Start&Stop system and with fuel consumption and emission levels resembling a diesel engine more than a petrol one with this power rating (4.6 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle and 134 g/km of CO2 emissions). The combination of this engine with the new platform places the Alfa Romeo Giulietta at the top of its segment both for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality during everyday use.

The 105 HP 1.6 JTDM is a flexible and economical diesel engine that will surprise customers due to its prompt response (in Dynamic mode, max. torque is a generous 320 Nm at just 1,750 revs) combined with extremely low fuel consumption (in the extra-urban cycle, it is just 3.7 l/100 km). This is possible thanks to the combination of second-generation MultiJet technology and the Start&Stop system. Consequently, it is an engine dedicated to all those in search of a car with character and a distinctive style, affording the typical agility and handling of an Alfa Romeo yet able to combine the latter with limited running costs.

For customers who use the car mostly on the motorway or who demand the maximum performance levels from a diesel engine, Alfa Romeo suggests the 170 HP 2.0 JTDM. Again, it is an amalgam of technology which combines second-generation MultiJet technology with the Start&Stop system. The result is a vehicle with the highest performance levels of its segment, extremely flexible driving (with the dna selector set to Dynamic mode, the available torque at 1,750 revs is a generous 350 Nm), among the lowest fuel consumption and emission levels in its category for cars with this power rating (124 g/km of CO2 and 4.1 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle). Thanks to the exceptional qualities of the new compact platform, this version is able to blend fantastic dynamic and motoring performance levels with the highest comfort and practicality in its segment.

All the engines are combined with a state-of-the-art manual 6-speed gearbox belonging to the three axle transmission family, which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque values. Subsequently, the Multiair and 170 HP 2.0 JTDM engines will also be combined with an innovative dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Segment-leading safety, comfort and dynamic behaviour

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to achieve the highest Euro NCAP safety rating to offer total protection for both driver and passengers. In addition, the new platform was devised to guarantee the utmost interaction of the systems in charge of controlling the vehicle dynamics.

All this is controlled by the real 'brain' of the vehicle, namely the Alfa dna device, which manages all the sophisticated electronic devices for dynamic vehicle control: VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), Dual Pinion Active Steering, the Q2 electronic differential, the response and torque curve of the engine, the braking system with pre-fill function. All these systems guarantee genuine Alfa Romeo driving safety, vehicle traction and performance.

The new compact platform, thanks to the sophisticated technical solutions employed for the suspension and the materials used, such as high-strength steels, aluminium, magnesium and xenoy, can accommodate the needs of the most demanding customers in terms of on-board comfort and quiet running, placing the Giulietta at the top of its category also in terms of the everyday practicality of the vehicle.

Extensive range

Devised to cater for the different needs of segment C car drivers in pursuit of driving satisfaction and comfort, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available in two versions (Progression and Distinctive), along with two customisations (Sport Pack and Premium Pack).

All the devices linked to active and passive safety are fitted as standard on the entire range. The Progression version comes with the Alfa dna system (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), VDC (including ASR and hill holder), 6 airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioners and front seats with anti-whiplash system as standard. The standard equipment also includes manual climate control, 16'' wheels, front and rear electric windows, trip computer, stereo system with dual tuner radio, 6 speakers and MP3 CD player. The latter version (Distinctive) offers the following in addition to the standard equipment of the former: 16" alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with radio controls, front armrest with storage compartment, cruise control, fog lights, reconfigurable control panel, seats upholstered in Competizione fabric, front armrest, and a stylish chromed insert (chrome line) framing the side windows. The dashboard on the Distinctive version is also distinguished by a stylish insert painted in magnesium grey or, alternatively, in Ghiaccio white, Alfa Red as well as in brushed burnished aluminium.

Customers can further customise their Alfa Romeo Giulietta with two specific Packs (Sport and Premium). The first pack is designed to highlight the sporty character of the vehicle with specific features which improve the already excellent handling of the car and includes 17''or 18'' alloy wheels, side skirts, sports pedals, sports seats with leather and microfibre fabric upholstery, brushed burnished aluminium dashboard insert, burnished headlight frames and dark interiors (black ceiling and pillar lining).

For customers in search of even more technological and complete on-board equipment, the Premium Pack includes bi-xenon lights with AFS function, the Blue&Me system with Bluetooth function, USB port and MP3 player, radio/mobile phone controls on steering wheel, rear parking sensors, rain-dusk-humidity sensors, electrically folding door mirrors and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.

To customise their Alfa Romeo Giulietta, customers can also choose from the list of options available, including a large panoramic sunroof, navigation system with maps and pop-up display and a Bose® Hi-fi. In addition, the Blue&Me-TomTom system is also available, which adds navigation functions to the functions of the Blue&Me® thanks to the TomTom portable navigation system which is perfectly integrated with the vehicle's existing systems thanks to a Bluetooth® interface. The TomTom portable navigation system is positioned on the dashboard using a support designed to guarantee maximum safety in the event of impact and complete integration with the vehicle's other systems and improved ergonomics in everyday use.

There is also a special trim specification dedicated to the version fitted with the 235 HP 1750 TBi engine. It's called the Quadrifoglio Verde (four-leafed clover), a legendary brand which has competed on tracks all over the world. Only available on this engine type, this special version is distinguished by its sporty lowered ride height (15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear), 17'' wheels (18'' as an optional), an enhanced braking system with calipers painted Alfa red, as well as sporty interiors which include sporty leather and microfibre seats. All designed to guarantee the best in driving pleasure and segment-leading active and passive safety. It offers reduced fuel consumption for this power rating; the "Quadrifoglio Verde" is thus reinterpreted for today, combining the utmost driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness for eco-conscious and environmentally-friendly sportiness.

A new platform to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform - Compact - designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of handling, on-board comfort and safety. Furthermore, driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer's specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customises the vehicle's behaviour according to three different logics (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather).

The new Compact platform continues Fiat Group Automobiles' platform rationalisation strategy - preceded by the Mini platform for A segment and the Small for segments B and L0 - and is a true point of departure from previous engineering solutions due to the new content introduced, the materials used and the levels of performance achieved. From the earliest design stages, the aim was to create a platform that would allow future Fiat Group Automobiles C segment vehicles, starting with the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, to be ranked best-in-class in terms of handling, steering feel, performance-to-weight ratio, ride comfort, NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness), safety (active and passive) and climatic comfort.

So, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a completely new car capable of expressing both great agility over the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday journeys. Plus, thanks to a specific suspension calibration offered by the Sport Pack, the sportiness of the new Alfa Giulietta can be further enhanced.

Innovative materials and state-of-the-art solutions

First of all, the underbody represents a generational leap in terms of the materials used. The entire structure is now significantly stronger and provides better performance without any increase in weight with respect to the previous generation. All this is thanks to the ever wider use of high and ultra-high strength materials, which now make up more than 90% of the total mass of the system: some structural parts, designed to provide high strength and the ability to absorb impact with minimal deformation, have been made from hot-pressed tempered steel.

Moreover, lightweight materials have been used for several structural elements bolted to the body structure. For instance, the front beam connecting the front struts and the third load path are made from extruded aluminium. The rear bumper beam and the third load path energy absorption elements are made from Xenoy (a thermoplastic with excellent energy absorption properties in relation to weight). The third load path energy absorption elements absorb the energy of low-speed impacts with obstacles and support the bumper in impacts with pedestrians. Employing these solutions has provided a weight reduction of 8.5 kg at the front and 4 kg at the rear with respect to conventional steel structures, without compromising safety performance.

Another new feature of the underbody is its modularity, which makes it ideal for use on a family of vehicles with different wheelbases and tracks. This modularity is provided by several central floor panels and the side members and does not affect any part of the front and rear structures. This reduces outlay to a minimum and means that the system can be applied to other vehicle systems without modification.

Many of the systems and components that make up the "Compact" architecture have been thoroughly revised with respect to the previous generation, improving performance and reducing weight (-35% for both the framework of the rear seats as well as the magnesium alloy cross car beam).

Best in class performance for comfort, handling and safety

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta offers exceptional handling performance and comfort levels thanks above all to the new suspension system employed. The MacPherson front suspension in particular was revised to offer maximum rigidity under side loads, reducing the weight thanks to the use of aluminium (saving 4 kg with respect to conventional solutions). The rear suspension is a sophisticated Multilink that guarantees the best trade-off between handling and ride comfort without compromising the useful volume of the boot. In this case too, special attention was paid to reducing weight and, thanks to the aluminium wishbones, this suspension allows for a weight reduction of over 10 kg with respect to conventional Multilink systems.

In addition, the new electric power steering system (dual pinion active steering) ensures an excellent steering feel and is integrated with the vehicle's active safety systems. As the name itself suggests, the solution employs two pinions fitted directly onto the rack of the steering box. The first pinion is directly connected to the steering column and guarantees direct and precise steering, without any artificial filters between the steering box and the driver's hands, affording a genuine and natural driving feel. The second pinion, again directly fitted onto the rack, is connected to the electrical actuator which is situated in the engine compartment, thus minimising the risk of impact with passengers in the event of an accident.

The climate control system, and in particular its operating logics, were completely revised and improved, in order to guarantee the best climatic conditions in the passenger compartment, while significantly reducing over-consumption of fuel (30% less than a conventional system). Similarly, thanks to specific technical interventions, exceptional noise and vibrational quality values have been achieved.

In terms of passive safety, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was produced to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP rating, as demonstrated by over fifteen thousand hours of mathematical modelling, 80 crash tests, 150 tests on a HyGe slide and more than 100 tests on components and sub-systems. In detail, the new third load path increases the energy absorption potential of the vehicle front end and reduces both inertial forces and passenger compartment intrusion, thereby ensuring optimum passenger protection at higher impact severity. Safety is guaranteed by 6 airbags (as standard on the entire range); three-point seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters; a collapsible pedal unit and steering column; the second-generation anti-whiplash system and Isofix attachments.

Lastly, in terms of active safety, the new platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to integrate the vehicle's different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasising the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, fitted as standard on the entire range, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox (where automatic), steering system, Q2 electronic differential and braking system, in addition to the behavioural logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC). The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will also be introducing Pre-Fill - a new function - activated when the DNA is set to Dynamic, which provides the driver with the quickest braking response possible. Under certain circumstances, i.e. when the control unit detects a hazardous situation requiring rapid braking, the braking system is pressurised a few moments before the driver actually hits the brake pedal so as to guarantee the quickest possible response of the system and thus reducing the vehicle's stopping distance.

These sophisticated features which improve the dynamic control of the vehicle are supported further by Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), a function which provides feed-back torque at the steering wheel that helps the driver to perform critical manoeuvres correctly, before the VDC intervenes to prevent loss of control.

Sporty and comfortable, Italian style

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is the result of Alfa Romeo's new approach to style and technology, which began with the 8C Competizione supercar and is emphasised by the return to Italian names, on the one hand referring the brand's glorious past and on the other looking to the future with technological and emotional values.

The perfect blend of sportiness and style, the new car is characterised by its special appearance which combines compact size - it is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres - with excellent on-board comfort and a spacious boot (350 litres). What's more, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's dynamic look is further reinforced by: a high-impact front end with unmistakable Alfa Romeo lineage, a muscular profile enhanced by two bold creases, and a distinctly sporty rear end thanks to the spoiler and the sharply angled rear window.

Exterior style: the perfect blend of sportiness and elegance

The front features a a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the starting point for the design of the entire car, which combines an energetic personality with a distinctly elegant form. Everything has been made even more appealing by the bonnet surface treatment and the upright headlights. In addition, the car's exterior features finishes which emphasise the sportiness and elegance of its shape, such as the glossy treatment of the horizontal bars and V-shaped shield that gives the front end a top-quality, light effect.

Even the profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is brimming with personality, making the model look like an agile and sturdy car. This is mostly due to the side windows which recall the appearance of a coupé, emphasising the dynamism and fluidity of form, thanks also the concealed rear door handles and the play of light over the wheel arches and side skirts. The Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions boast a glossy steel (chrome line) side moulding for the windows, emphasising the cut of the side windows in a sophisticated manner. The ribs on the sides of the vehicle seem to elongate the car while the clean lines which end at the rear accentuate the angular shape of the car's body.

The rear, like the front and side, features distinct styling which emphasises the feeling of a muscular car, firmly gripped onto the road surface. Moreover, the rear end epitomises efficient use of space with a broad rear window fitted on a generous tailgate resting on muscular-looking pillars. Lastly, the bumper accommodates the number plate and, depending on the version, integral exhaust tail pipes.

The light clusters on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta are worth a separate mention. Both the headlights and the tail lights use LED technology which, compared with conventional light bulbs, afford greater brightness, high reliability and reduced consumption levels (consequently with a positive impact on emissions), long life and much faster response times (in the event of braking, for instance). Therefore LED technology serves not only a stylish purpose but also safety, reliability and the containment of running costs.

The headlights also feature an integrated day light function (known as Daytime Running Light) that - when the engine is started - automatically turns on the specific LEDs designed to guarantee maximum daytime visibility with reduced energy absorption and a very long life (this function complies with a European standard which will come into effect in 2012).

The headlights are available in two versions: with halogen light bulbs as standard, or with bi-Xenon as an option, with AFS system to offer improved quality light emission (both with or without dipped beams), excellent efficiency under all weather conditions and a longer life (compared to normal headlights fitted with halogen light bulbs, these devices treble brightness and duration). The AFS system on the other hand guarantees maximum visibility and safety even around bends or tight corners, allowing you to direct the beams in the direction in which the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is steering up to a maximum of 15°.

Advanced interiors for maximum wellbeing on board

The interior space was conceived and designed to guarantee maximum passenger space, enjoyment and in-car comfort so that any journey - whether long or short - is a pleasurable experience aboard the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. What's more, the interior space was devised to guarantee practical everyday use for customers, while the materials selected ensure maximum quality and durability of performance over time, as well as being the most developed expression of Italian style.

Specifically, the new car highlights the concept of lightness, as shown by the clean lines and the dashboard which develops horizontally, adding dynamism to the overall volume. In addition, thanks to the enhanced ergonomics of the interior design, every switch is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as the switches on the 8C Competizione, while at the same time guaranteeing easy and immediate access.

The navigation system with pop-up display, situated on top of the dashboard, allows drivers to display the route and the mechanical operating parameters using the Alfa dna device safely, without having to take their eyes off the road.

The new car's interiors are completed by its comfortable seats which ensure maximum in-car comfort, however long the journey is. There are practical storage compartments situated in various parts of the passenger compartment: in front of the gear lever, on the centre console and on the interior trim of the doors. There are closed storage compartments - depending on the version chosen - on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control) and in the front and rear armrests.

As regards colours and fabrics, the Progression version has a distinctly high-tech feel, where the black on the lower part of the passenger compartment plays against the metallic grey on the ceiling, pillars, dashboard inserts and steering wheel. The look of the seat trim is high-tech and sporty, emphasised by an electro-welded 3D honeycomb pattern.

In the Distinctive version, the car's interior is distinguished by the combination of black with metallic grey on the dashboard insert (also available in two other body colours, White and Alfa Red, or in brushed burnished aluminium). Unlike the Progression version, the seats are upholstered with a structured high-tech fabric featuring horizontal electrowelding in two colour variations (black and metallic grey). The leather steering wheel features a opaque black panel, while the inserts on the doors and the trim around the gearbox are glossy black.

Lastly, leather seats are available - in black, red, leather and grey - with two different interpretations: perforated leather with central 'cannelloni' or woven leather inspired by the 8C Competizione.

Articles Source : NetCarShow