2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe ~ dedieideehistory

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe

Alfa Romeo is expected to announce the Giulia Coupe and a new large SUV next month.

Alfa Romeo has struggled to make its mark in America so far, despite adding an SUV to its lineup. Right now, the Italian automaker sells three models in the US: the 4C sports car, the Giulia sedan, and the Stelvio SUV, but the current range will soon be expanded with the introduction of two new models joining the Alfa Romeo family. Rumors have suggested Alfa Romeo is plotting a sportier two-door coupe version of the Giulia packing even more power than the 505-hp Quadrifoglio trim.

Now, Autocar has confirmed the Giulia Coupe will be officially announced as early as next month by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' head honcho Sergio Marchionne at the company's Balocco test track in Italy, 14 years to the day after he became FCA's boss. Expected to go on sale in 2019, the Giulia Coupe will be offered with high-performance hybrid powertrains as well as conventional engine options taken from the Giulia sedan. Like the Audi A5 and A5 Sportback, it could also be offered with two or five doors to widen its appeal. Two powertrains are reportedly in development.

One will be based on the Giulia Veloce's 276-hp 2.0 turbo gasoline engine, while the other uses the 2.9 V6 turbo of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. In addition, hybrid models will use the HY-KERS powertrain developed for the LaFerrari. Thanks to an electric boost and an energy recovery system, the 2.0-liter model will develop around 345 hp combined, while the 2.9-liter V6 will produce 641 hp according to the report, making the Giulia Coupe the most powerful road-going Alfa Romeo yet. That's only 20 hp less than the Ferrari 488. Previous reports have also suggested an Alfa Romeo 6C sports car is being developed, but it looks like that car will now adopt the Giulia name.

Alfa Romeo will also reveal a new larger SUV positioned above the Stelvio in June according to Autocar. Slated to become the Italian automaker's largest vehicle yet, the SUV will be offered with a mild hybrid and an electric turbo using a 48V electrical system. Combined output is said to be around 400 horsepower provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine and the electrical component. It will share the same platform as the Stelvio but will be 440 pounds heavier. A seven-seat option could also be offered on the new model, which is expected to go on sale in late 2019. Hopefully these new models will give Alfa Romeo the sales boost it needs right now in the US.