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

TVR Griffith (1990 - 2002): a pure and unadulterated sports car
TVR Griffith front
Features

TVR Griffith (1990 - 2002): a pure and unadulterated sports car

The Griffith established TVR as a genuine contender and transformed the company’s fortunes – and it’s still as exhilarating to drive now as it was in …
17 Nov 2024
The new Caterham Seven CSR Twenty is an £80k road-ready Seven
Caterham Seven CSR Twenty – front
News

The new Caterham Seven CSR Twenty is an £80k road-ready Seven

Caterham’s ‘most premium Seven ever built’ costs Lotus Emira money, and celebrates 20 years of the CSR chassis
12 Nov 2024
Mazda Iconic SP rotary concept set for production – the return of the RX-7?
Mazda Iconic SP
News

Mazda Iconic SP rotary concept set for production – the return of the RX-7?

Mazda will turn its rotary-equipped Iconic SP concept into a production sports car in the 'not-so-distant future'
8 Nov 2024
Jaguar F-Type (2020 - 2024) facelift review
header
In-depth reviews

Jaguar F-Type (2020 - 2024) facelift review

The updated Jaguar F-Type appeals on style and image, but there’s no escaping its age against razor-sharp rivals
8 Nov 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes
2026 BMW 3-series front
News

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes

The next 3-series will ring in BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ and be electric, hybrid and ICE powered
18 Nov 2024
TVR Griffith (1990 - 2002): a pure and unadulterated sports car
TVR Griffith front
Features

TVR Griffith (1990 - 2002): a pure and unadulterated sports car

The Griffith established TVR as a genuine contender and transformed the company’s fortunes – and it’s still as exhilarating to drive now as it was in …
17 Nov 2024
Cupra Formentor Abt review – a 365bhp crossover for Mercedes-AMG A45 S money
Cupra Formentor Abt – front
Reviews

Cupra Formentor Abt review – a 365bhp crossover for Mercedes-AMG A45 S money

It’s farewell to the original Cupra Formentor with an Abt-tuned run-out package. It’s a quietly excellent car; just a shame about the price...
14 Nov 2024