While Alfa Romeo remains unwilling to launch a Giulia coupe, Zagato decided to take on the task, and with amazing results.
The legendary Italian coachbuilder on Tuesday unveiled the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato, a dramatically styled coupe based on the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan platform.
The project began in 2021 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first collaboration between Zagato and Alfa Romeo, which resulted in the Alfa Romeo G1 Zagato built between 1921 and 1923. However, it also serves as a promotional space for the talents and skills of Zagato’s Milan-based team.
The team worked closely with Alfa Romeo’s own design team on the car, whose body was constructed almost entirely from carbon fiber by Zagato. Zagato distinctive features include the double-bubble roof, powerful rear hips and Kammback tail.
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato and Alfa Romeo SZ
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato
The donor vehicle was a Giulia Quadrifoglio, although a number of the performance characteristics were carried over from the harder Giulia Quadrifoglio GTam, including the 532 hp version of the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 that normally produces 505 hp in the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The drive takes place exclusively via a 6-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.
The wheelbase was shortened, hence the abbreviation SWB for “Short Wheelbase” in the name. At the front are headlights borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Tonale crossover, a clear nod to the Alfa Romeo SZ built by Zagato between 1989 and 1991, which also featured a tri-element design for the headlights.
Only one example of the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato exists and it is intended for a German collector whose fleet includes a number of Alfa Romeo and Zagato cars. He also owns the SZ, which Zagato says he uses as an everyday vehicle.
As for a modern coupe from Alfa Romeo, in 2018 the automaker teased one based on the Giulia platform. However, plans for the car were canceled following the formation of Stellantis, Alfa Romeo’s current parent company, in 2021. Alfa Romeo is now focusing on higher-volume models, although it may launch one more supercar before moving to electric vehicles around 2026.
