Alfa Romeo’s Latest Giulietta, the Veloce—Italian for “Fast” [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

Those Alfisti among us surely are quite familiar with the word "veloce," which is Italian for "fast." The brand has added veloce to its Giulietta nameplate dating back to 1956. Having never been shy about dipping into its past, Alfa is doing so again to create a new version of the Dodge Dart's Italian cousin—the Giulietta Veloce, debuting at the Geneva auto show. We'd like to be able to inform you that the Veloce got its name because Alfa dropped a bigger engine in it to make it, well, faster, but instead the Italian marque has created, in its words, a model for "clientele looking for contents and styling details brimming with character." Apparently such buyers are looking for 17-inch titanium-finished aluminum wheels, black-trimmed headlights, titanium-finished side-mirror caps, the famed Veloce logo and, yikes, chrome door handles. The Veloce's interior largely is done in dark colors to emphasize the titanium theme, which adorns the, the central tunnel, and the door panels. The seats are upholstered in a red-and-black pattern Alfa is referring to as Competizione, with the same theme extending to the black-leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring red contrast stitching. The exterior can be specified to come with a roof finished in matte gray or gloss black, each only available with select combinations of the car's exterior finishes—Pastel Black, Ghiaccio White, Alfa Red, Antracite Gray, Metallic Red, and Etna Black. All very nice, perhaps, but true Alfisti know that honest Giulietta Veloces are created in the engineering department, not the design studios. First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth First Drive: 2014 Maserati Quattroporte First Drive: 2012 Ferrari FF That's even more evident upon researching what, exactly, will power the Veloce. Alfa tells us "the new Giulietta Veloce is available—depending on the market—with the various engines in the range." Our prodding didn't yield any further clarification. So in theory, that statement could mean that the Veloce will be available with a diesel. And while we consider ourselves disciples at the alter of compression ignition, legendary Alfa engineer Vittorio Jano would be turning in his grave at the very thought. Luckily, most markets offer the Giulietta with the 1750-cc direct-injected turbo four that will power the new 4C. With 235 horsepower and up to 221 lb-ft of torque in Giulietta guise, this mill likely will be the Veloce engine of choice. Besides, the number 1750 also has its place in Alfa Romeo history. Jano, more so than any designer, would approve. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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