Findlay executives impressed with 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

Dealership Internet Sales Manager Christopher Preciado attended the three-day event and returned impressed with what he had witnessed. Also attending was dealership General Manager John Saksa and Sales Manager Bob Boyle.

“Alfa Romeo is roaring back with its answer to the big three German automakers — the all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Quadrifoglio,” said Preciado. “The dealership is expecting its first shipment of the cars before the end of February. The cars have been met with such high demand that the dealership has collected deposits on some of these units already.”

The Giulia has two best-in-class engines including the 280 horsepower I-4 with 306 pounds of torque, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a zero-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds along with the 2.9 liter Bi-Turbo 505 horsepower V-6 Quadrifoglio engine with a top speed of 191 mph and zero-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, according to figures released by Alfa Romeo.

“Both engines offer impressive power that will leave loyal German buyers desiring more,” said Preciado, a native of Las Vegas. “We learned big-time about the Alfa Romeo engineering during the ride-and-drive.”

Preciado said the chance to drive the Alfa Romeo models and its competition at a racetrack in New Orleans was invaluable.

“It wasn’t until I sat in each of the competitors’ vehicles that I discovered how much of a great product we have in power and style,” he said.

Preciado was also impressed with the suspension and overall handling of the Giulia models.

“The Giulia isn’t all muscle, and after all, it is an Italian luxury vehicle and with that comes no shortage of sexy lines across the vehicle and a wide assortment of luxurious interiors,” Preciado said. “Real Italian leather comes standard on all Giulias along with premium accent finishes like carbon fiber, brushed aluminum and genuine wood panels.”

“The steering on the vehicle was unbelievable and it handled tight curves on the track like a dream,” he said. “I simply had great confidence when I was behind the wheel.”

Saksa added, “I have been in the car business for 33 years, and it’s not often that a car comes along that impresses me and the Giulia has me eating my words.”

He said the event participants tested the car on a wet track during a violent thunderstorm.

“Much to my amazement, the Giulia drove and performed like it was glued to the track,” Saksa said. “It was the only car out of the four types we drove that you could push the car even on a wet and slick road — and it wanted more.

Saksa also praised the fit and finish portion of the Giulia.

“The fit and finish and interior appointments and quality far surpassed the others — right down to the beautifully integrated navigation system. It’s been a long time since we have had a car this exciting, and I look forward to the Guilia being a big seller,” he said.

Pricing is $37,995 for the Giulia, $39,995 for the Giulia Ti and $72,000 for the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

The Giulia will be available for test drives. Call the dealership at 702-982-4888 or visit www.alfaromeousaofhenderson.com.