2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia

What you see here is our best guess at what the next-generation Alfa Romeo 159 replacement — rumored to be called the Guilia – will look like. The new Alfa is due out in Europe by late 2011.

As you can see, it’s definitely an Alfa Romeo. And in true Alfa Romeo fashion, it’s very attractive. Many of the same sumptuous, athletic styling cues portrayed by contemporary models like the 8C and MiTo have been integrated into the Giulia’s sheetmetal. Its heritage is most obvious from the front, as it wears the traditional tiered Alfa nose and bold twin hood lines.

To the sides of the prominent trademark are pulled back HID headlamps that rake beautifully into each of the quarter panels. Take a peek at the hard side view and you’ll notice a sleeker profile with significantly shorter windows than the outgoing 159.

Designers continued the sporty aesthetics to the rear clip and included a subtle decklid lip atop the trunk. Sharp, ultra-thin LED taillights further ensure the striking model gets noticed while strolling on the Autostrada.

Power will likely continue to be derived from a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, but now with direct-injection and a turbocharger to produce 200 hp (up from 138 hp). A six-speed manual or automatic with electronic limited-slip differential is rumored to send power to the front wheels.

Given the approved Chrysler/Fiat merger, and what we’ve seen of future product plans, it could only a matter of time before the Guilia reaches our shores. Or, at least, that’s what we’d love to believe.