It’s one of the most hotly-anticipated new cars of the year, but according to reports, the release of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia is months behind schedule.
Supplier sources told Automotive News Europe that the Italian marque’s new 3 Series rival has failed to pass internal front, side and rear crash tests, adding six months to its development time.
Initially, the high-performance Quadrifoglio Verde version was due to launch by the end of last year, with the regular Giulia model to arrive in European dealerships next month.
However, despite the fact that the car was supposed to come to market in a couple of weeks, Automotive News’ sources claim suppliers still haven’t been given a solid production start date.
According to the latest information, the Giulia Quadrifoglio should enter production at the end of March, with initial deliveries expected to begin between May and July. The regular Giulia, meanwhile, will arrive later in the year.
Production scheduled to start March
In response, Alfa Romeo’s parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has brought former Ferrari chief Roberto Fedeli back from the BMW Group in attempt to right the mounting challenges.
Set to serve as chief technical officer for Alfa, as well as for Maserati, Fedeli, who played a key role in the creation of the LaFerrari, will be under pressure to bring the Giulia to market as soon as possible.
The first Alfa to enter the compact executive saloon sector since the 159 which ended production in 2011, the Giulia will have its work cut out for it to battle cars like the 3 Series and Jaguar XE.
Featuring LED headlamps, large flared wheel arches and an incredibly handsome front end with trademark Alfa V-shaped grille, the Giulia will come with a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected that Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will cost around £50,000 when it’s scheduled to arrive later in the year.