Alfa Romeo Giulia to Target BMW 3-Series

Alfa Romeo is poised to be reintroduced into the US market starting in 2014, with the sporty 4C and Giulia sedan leading the way.

Rumor has it that the Giulia sedan is nearing production form and will be ready for a 2014 launch as the first all-new mainstream model under the Italian automaker’s revival plan. The Giulia name is not final, but the front-wheel drive model is definitely being built to rival the BMW 3-Series.

We expect pricing to be more competitive once the sedan makes its way to America, but early estimations has it at around $34,000 (£22,000) for the entry-level model. Powerplants will be plentiful, with the base Giulia powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with 120-hp. Joining the base 1.4-liter will be a series of new turbocharged powerplants exclusive to the Alfa Romeo brand, as well as sharing Fiat‘s diesel powertrains. Chances are though, the diesel models won’t make it to America.

More likely for the American market will be a MultiAir-variant of Chrysler‘s latest Pentastar V6 engine and a four-wheel drive option.

Of course taking, on the likes of the popular BMW 3-Series will be a challenge for the Alfa Romeo brand, especially being reintroduced to the American market. The automaker hopes that its hard work in establishing itself as a premium company will pay off. It appears that the Giulia will be based off an updated version of the Dodge Dart platform, but with a longer wheelbase and an overhaul of the independent rear suspension.

The big question is whether or not Alfa Romeo models will be produced in America in order to curb costs of importing the finished vehicles over from Europe. The Giulia sedan could easily be produced alongside the Dodge Dart at the Belvedere, Illinois Chrysler plant. So far Fiat says that it’s a possibility, but hasn’t confirmed that it will do so.

[Source: Autocar UK]