Rumors about Alfa Romeo planning to make a two-door coupe version of the Giulia surfaced the web as soon as the sporty sedan hit the market. It took the Italian firm about two years to confirm that a coupe is indeed underway, but not everything is as we expected. To be more specific, Alfa Romeo will use a coupe to revive the GTV nameplate.

Not only that, but it will be offered as a Quadrifoglio that will be more powerful than the Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan. To top things off, it will have a mild hybrid drivetrain and an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring. The coupe will most likely arrive in 2020 when the Giulia sedan should have already received its mid-cycle facelift. Let's find out more about what it may bring to the table in the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Alfa Romeo GTV.

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 Alfa Romeo GTV
Pros
Cons

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV Exterior

- Giulia-inspired design - Sleek coupe roof - Wider rear fenders - New headlamps - Sportier diffuser

It takes only a quick glance at Alfa Romeo's teaser to notice that the GTV is pretty much a two-door version of the Giulia, but a closer inspection reveals unique details. The headlamp is the first element that catches the eye due to its revised shape and LED pattern.

Although the image is pretty shadowy, it seems that the headlamp is taller the Giulia's, while the outer corner is less angular. More importantly, the Giulia's LED layout was replaced with three squared off lights that are flattened at the top. Both changes suggest that either the GTV is based on the upcoming mid-cycle refresh of the Giulia or that it will get a more unique design.

The former scenario is more likely, as the bumper and the shield grille seem identical to the Giulia. Onto the sides, the GTV showcases the same deeply cut waistline. Coupe-specific changes include longer doors and a sloping roofline, but the rear fender flares are bigger than those on the sedan.

There's no image of the rear end, but it should be closely related to the Giulia. It will probably get similar taillights and trunk lid, but the decklid will be shorter, and the bumper will get extra vents and a more aggressive diffuser.

Needless to say, the modern GTV won't be very similar to the iconic model from the 1970s, which had a fastback design with an angled decklid. Instead, the new GTV will have a conventional coupe layout.

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV Interior

- Very similar to Giulia - 8.8-inch infotainment - Digital instrument cluster - Extra features for Q model - Limited rear headroom

While the exterior will get notable changes due to the new body style, the interior should be identical to the sedan. Save for the rear compartment, of course. The upcoming Giulia facelift should change a few things here and there but expect the same familiar layout.

The good news is that the Giulia's design is quite appealing and the equipment list is rich even in base trim configuration. While leather isn’t included as standard with the entry-level version, other trim levels get fine hide on the seats and even on the dashboard. The brown and tan leather options add class, as do the woodgrain inserts.

The sporty looking dashboard features an 8.8-inch infotainment screen in the center, which provides access to a state-of-the-art infotainment system with voice activation, smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Dead Reckoning technology. The latter can reroute you without a GPS signal, which comes in handy in remote areas. The display is likely to get bigger for this model, while the infotainment system should get a few important upgrades.

A smaller, 3.5-inch screen is placed between the dials in the instrument cluster in the standard model, with a larger, seven-inch display offered in the more expensive trims. Configurable in various modes, it provides info on speed, rpm, fuel consumption, lateral acceleration, and recommended shift points.

The high-performance Quadrifoglio model will get a range of extra features, starting with standard leather and Alcantara, a sports steering wheel, and heavily bolstered front seats. Carbon-fiber and aluminum trim will also set it apart in the lineup, as will the unique "Race" mode and real-time telemetry.

In the back, the coupe will get revised panels in place of the usual rear doors. Shoulder room and headroom will probably decrease due to the sloping roof, but legroom shouldn’t change much unless Alfa Romeo shortens the wheelbase.

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV Performance

- Engines from the Giulia - Powerful hybrid for the Q model - More than 600 horsepower - 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds - Top speed at 190 mph - All-wheel drive

Alfa Romeo had very little to say about the GTV's drivetrain. The Italians unveiled that it will have a 50:50 weight distribution, all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and that it will boast more than 600 horsepower with an E-Boost system. Yes, it will be a mild hybrid.

There's no word as to what gasoline engine will be paired with the 48V system, but my bet is on the 3.0-liter V-6 from the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Ferrari-developed engine will probably get a significant upgrade for this model. With the V-6 already developing 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque in the sedan, getting more than 600 horses shouldn't be an issue, especially in a hybrid setup.

The sprint to 60 mph should be significantly quicker than the sedan. The latter needs 3.8 seconds to get there, so the coupe could hit the benchmark in around 3.6 or even 3.5 ticks. Top speed should sit around the 190-mph mark. Transmission choices will probably include the existing six-speed manual and the eight-speed automatic.

The big question here is whether the GTV badge will adorn an entire lineup of cars or just the high-performance version. If the coupe version of the Giulia will be called the GTV and the performance model will get the "Q" badge, we should see other drivetrains in the coupe as well.

The base model will get the sedan's 2.0-liter four-cylinder that uses an electrohydraulic valve actuator and a two-in-one supercharging system. The mill is rated at 197 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, and it's offered in Europe. In the U.S., customers get the more powerful 280-horsepower and 306 pound-foot version.

Diesels should also be offered, starting with the 2.2-liter four-cylinder. However, while the sedan gets a 148-horsepower and 280-pound-foot version, Alfa could skip this one and go for the more powerful 177-horsepower and 331 pound-foot rating. The Veloce model uses the same oil burner but rated at 210 horses and 346 pound-feet.

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV Pricing

Pricing for the Alfa GTV depends on what trim levels will be offered. If the coupe will get a similar range to the Giulia sedan, which retails from $38,195, the GTV could start from around $43,000 in base trim. Various packages like the Ti and the Lusso would increase the sticker to around $45,000 and $48,000, respectively. Finally, the GTV Quadrifoglio would top the range at around $78,000.

2020 Alfa Romeo GTV Competition

BMW 4 Series / BMW M4

The Italian coupe will compete against the BMW 4 Series in non-Q trim, while the Quadrifoglio will go against the M4. One of the most popular coupes on the premium market, the 4 Series is a bit long in the tooth though, with a brand-new generation set to debut soon. However, the 4 Series is still a looker, and its interior remained somewhat fresh over the years. Two models are available in the U.S. The range begins with the 430i, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. More power comes with the 440i, which gets 322 horsepower and 332 pound-feet from a 3.0-liter inline-six mill. Both are available with xDrive all-wheel drive. The M4 is the sportier proposition and features a more aggressive exterior and extra gear inside the cabin. This version gets its juice from a beefed-up 3.0-liter six-cylinder that delivers a solid 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of twist. Pricing for the 4 Series coupe starts from $44,800, while the M4 retails from $68,700.

Read our full reviews of the BMW 4 Series and BMW M4.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe / Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

The C-Class Coupe didn't get too many upgrades with its mid-cycle facelift, but it's not as old as the 4 Series. The two-door is heavily based on the larger S-Class inside and out, which gives it a unique position on the market. What's more, its cabin is one of the best-looking in the segment, while the technology package is one of the most advanced. The North American range begins with the C300, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet to move about. Next up is the AMG C43, which upgrades the engine to a 3.0-liter inline-six that delivers 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The GTV Quadrifoglio will go against the AMG C63 model. This version gets its juice from a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the S model comes with 503 horses and 516 pound-feet on tap. Pricing for the C-Class Coupe starts from $43,200, while the AMG C43 retails from $55,900. The AMG C63 and AMG C63 S come in at $67,500 and $75,500, respectively.

Read our full stories on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.

Audi A5 / Audi RS5

The A5 coupe was redesigned for the 2017 model year, and it continues to be a two-door version of the A4 sedan. The evolutionary design still carries some of the previous styling cues, but the A5 is a bit more angular overall, thus boasting a sportier stance. The interior is quite fresh and modern compared to the 4 Series, but not as organic and exciting as the C-Class Coupe. Under the hood, the U.S.-spec A5 hides a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The RS5 is more aggressive on the outside, while the cabin gets a blacked-out look and sportier trim. Power is provided by a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 engine that generates 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Pricing for the A5 starts from $42,800, while the RS5 fetches $69,900 before options.

Read our full reviews of the Audi A5 and Audi RS5.

Final Thoughts

Alfa Romeo is barely getting back on its feet after launching the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. The Italians definitely need more models in the lineup, and a coupe aimed at the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe seems like the right choice. Bringing back the GTV name is also a great idea, even though this new coupe will have very little in common with the original fastback. If the Giulia Q is any indication, the GTV Quadrifoglio should be a screamer performance-wise, and the 600-horsepower output will trump everything BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have to offer. After all these years, Alfa Romeo is finally making a hot coupe. I'm definitely excited!

GTV Heritage

The GTV name goes back to the mid-1970s when it was introduced as a performance version of the Alfa Romeo Alfetta. A two-door fastback coupe, the Alfetta gained a "GTV" badge with the introduction of Alfa's turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which made it the first Italian car to use a turbo gasoline unit. The styling of the GTV was inspired by the Montreal sports car, but the fastback was still heavily related to the regular Alfetta.

The coupe received more upgrades in the 1980s when Alfa introduced the GTV 2.0 and the GTV6. The later used a 2.5-liter V-6 engine from the Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 luxury sedan and gained rave reviews from the automotive media.

The GTV6 also became a successful race car, winning the European Touring Car Championship four years in a row, a record back then. The GTV also scored wins in the World Rally Championship and the British Touring Car Championship. The original GTV was discontinued in 1987.

The name returned in 1994, this time around on a smaller and much sleeker coupe, joined by a convertible version called the Spider. Penned by Pininfarina, the second-gen GTV was offered with a wide variety of engines ranging from 1.8- and 2.0-liter four-cylinders to 3.0- and 3.2-liter V-6 mills. The GTV6 was once again the most aggressive version of them all, generating 237 horsepower from the latest version of the 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The second-gen GTV remained in production until 2005, when it was replaced by the Brera.

References

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe.

Read our full review on the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Read our full review on the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio,

Read more Alfa Romeo news.