Entry-Level Alfa Romeo Giulia Spotted Alongside QV Model in Amsterdam

The entry-level version of the Giulia has recently been spotted in Amsterdam, with the Alfa still wearing heavy camouflage. The Giulia was following a QV model, which was being driven around without any form of disguise.

Even so, the appearance difference between the two is obvious. For instance, the standard Giulia lacks the hood-mounted air vents, packs two tailpipes instead of four and rides on smaller wheels. And the lesser trim isn't only differentiated in terms of the sporty elements, as its headlamps use halogen technology.

We should see the Giulia arriving at dealerships in the second half of the current year, so it's only natural for the engineers to complete the testing these days.

We have to admit we did go to sleep thinking about Alfa's future on the day we found out it managed to go round the Nurburgring in 7:39, with the 503 hp (510 PS) Italian machine becoming the fastest street sedan to have ever lapped the Nordschleife.

Now that the Quadrifoglio has done its engineering and marketing job, it's time for the standard model to deliver the sales Alfa Romeo needs in order to conquer the US market and regain the status it used to have in Europe.

Even without the performance bits, the sheer idea that you drive a car whose performance incarnation is fast enough to leave a Lamborghini trailing in its wake will be a strong argument for sales people.

And we'll remind you the Giulia is just the beginning of a story that will see Fiat Chrysler use RWD platform expertise and Ferrari engine know-how to build products as diverse as SUVs, muscle cars and perhaps even supercars.