Alfa Romeo Plans Giulia Coupe with Hybrid Option

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Alfa Romeo unit is developing a coupe version of its Giulia sedan that will include a hybrid variant with a Formula One-style kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

Last year Alfa Romeo nixed plans for a sportwagon variant of the Giulia, due in part to the launch of the Stelvio crossover vehicle. The rear-wheel-drive Guilia sedan (pictured) bowed in early 2016.

The coupe variant likely would maintain most of the sedan’s styling cues. Among the expected changes will be a sportier roofline, longer doors and new rear quarter panels. An updated front end—and possibly a rear hatch in place of the trunk—also could be used to differentiate the models, Autocar notes.

In addition to two power variants of the turborcharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine used in the base sedan, the coupe could get the 503-hp 2.9-liter turbo V-6 from the souped-up Giulia Quadrifoglio model. A 148-hp diesel engine also is said to be under consideration.

In the hybrid models, combined output for the V-6 and an electric motor could top 640 hp, according to the report. The performance version of the 2.0-liter hybrid is estimated to generate 345 hp.

KERS stores energy in a battery during braking and returns it to the drivetrain through an electric motor during acceleration. In the Giulia, the system likely would operate like the HY-KERS setup developed by Ferrari and Magneti Marelli for the LaFerrari supercar.