Skip advert
Advertisement

Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato revealed

Zagato’s teamed up with Alfa Romeo for a very special one-off two-door Giulia inspired by iconic SZ

Italian coachbuilder Zagato has revealed the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato, a hand-built one-off special that celebrates 100 years of collaboration between the two iconic Italian brands. As the name suggests, the Giulia SWB is based on the existing rear-wheel drive Giulia saloon, but features bespoke bodywork and a blend of the mechanicals from the Giulia GTA and Quadrifoglio.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Alfa Romeo’s twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine remains, but unlike UK Giulia QVs that are only fitted with an eight-speed automatic, Zagato has instead installed Alfa’s six-speed manual; Alfa initially offered a manual transmission alongside the auto when the Quadrifoglio was launched in 2016, but only a handful of left-hand drive examples were bought. For this one-off the V6 is tuned to GTAm specification, resulting in 533bhp and 422lb ft. Lighter con-rods, new cooling jets for the pistons, a new oil cooler and lighter internals for the turbochargers all play a part in the increased performance. 

Zagato’s involvement has more to do with the dramatic change to the car’s striking exterior design. Dominated by a one-piece forward-opening clamshell bonnet it features three main openings, with a typical Alfa Romeo triangular centre grille flanked by large intakes that incorporate new headlights. These are borrowed from the Tonale SUV, and feature a triple lighting signature that references Zagato’s iconic Alfa Romeo SZ.

The black a-pillars and roof are another nod to the SZ, separating the cockpit from the main bodywork. The rear end dramatically widens with aggressive haunches that finish in an upright, Kamm-style tail framed by a thin LED light strip. Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof profile extends into the rear glass. The rear diffuser, also in carbon, has two central exhaust outlets covered in carbon sleeves. The exhaust system itself is a similar titanium Akrapovic system as fitted to the GTAm. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The body itself is made of carbonfibre, sitting over the Giulia’s mixed metal chassis only with that shorter wheelbase. Zagato hasn’t gone into specifics about how much length’s been taken out, but it creates a very different silhouette compared to the four-door model. The doors themselves also now feature frameless glass, and are also made of carbonfibre. 

The GTAm’s carbon ceramic brakes, forged centre-lock wheels and Michelin Cup 2 tyres are also fitted. 

Internally the Giulia’s dash and basic structure are carried across with only subtle design and trim updates. 

No weight or performance figures have been confirmed, but thanks to the use of the smaller carbon body expect it to come in under the GTAm’s 1580kg figure. As it stands, the GTAm is able to sprint to 62mph in just 3.6sec.

Unfortunately the Giulia SWB Zagato is a definite one-off. Despite intense collaboration with Alfa Romeo in its design and engineering, the notion of a lighter, more agile two-door Giulia is something its one lucky German owner will get to experience. All hope’s not lost for a future Alfa Romeo sports car, though, with the firm confirming that a new super sports model with both ICE and EV powertrains will be revealed in 2023.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder (2019 - 2025) review – the drop-top Cayman GT4
Porsche 718 Spyder
Reviews

Used Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder (2019 - 2025) review – the drop-top Cayman GT4

The Porsche 718 Spyder is a rare gem of a sports car, combining the very best of the Cayman in a sophisticated drop-top
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025
BMW Z4 Handschalter 2025 review – manual improves Munich's Boxster rival
BMW Z4 Handschalter
Reviews

BMW Z4 Handschalter 2025 review – manual improves Munich's Boxster rival

BMW has added involvement and driver appeal to the Z4 with the Handschalter, but it’s still a better GT than it is a sports car
20 Mar 2025
New Toyota Supra on the way, A90 Final Edition not UK-bound
Toyota Supra A90 Final Edition front
News

New Toyota Supra on the way, A90 Final Edition not UK-bound

The last of the A90 Supras will be the most potent and the most focused. Will it finally realise the potential of Toyota’s sportscar?
11 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025