Alfa Romeo Giulia Development Continues Under Maserati Ghibli Body
Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming Giulia saloon has again been spotted testing in Italy, this time using a shortened Maserati Ghibli shell to disguise its final form.
Alfa Romeo’s upcoming Giulia saloon has been seen undergoing winter testing in Livigno, northern Italy, with the prototype still concealed beneath a modified Maserati Ghibli body. The use of the Ghibli shell allows Alfa Romeo engineers to develop the new model’s underpinnings and drivetrain without revealing the final exterior design, which remains under wraps ahead of the car’s planned unveiling.
The test car’s proportions differ from the standard Ghibli, appearing both shorter and narrower, which points to the Giulia’s position as a rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class rather than the larger executive saloons. Despite the borrowed bodywork, the Giulia will ride on a new rear-wheel-drive platform developed by Maserati, with Alfa Romeo set to be the first brand in the Fiat Chrysler group to use it.
New rear-drive platform and powertrains
The platform underpinning the Giulia is designed for rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive likely to be offered on higher-performance versions. This architecture is expected to underpin future models from other FCA brands, including Dodge and Chrysler, as part of a broader group strategy to compete in the premium saloon segment.
A high-performance Giulia variant, currently referred to as GTA, is in development. It is reported to feature a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine sourced from Maserati, with power outputs expected between 480 and 520hp. The GTA is anticipated to use a dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential, targeting a 0–100km/h time below four seconds. This would place the Giulia GTA squarely against the most powerful German rivals in the segment.
Launch timing and market impact
Alfa Romeo has not yet revealed the production Giulia’s final design. The company is expected to unveil the car later in 2015, with the Giulia set to play a central role in Alfa’s renewed push into the premium saloon market. The use of a Maserati-developed platform and engine technology signals a move upmarket for the brand, which has struggled to compete with established German rivals in recent years.
- Prototype testing continues with concealed bodywork
- Final design and specifications remain undisclosed
- High-performance GTA version in development
