An automotive platform is the structure, or architecture, on which is assembled a vehicle. Developing a proper platform is an extremely complex undertaking as every element of the vehicle relies on its ability to do its job.
A world-class reference
The goal for the Giorgio platform was simple enough: underpin the best-driving all-new Alfa Romeo vehicles ever. With a history loaded with countless motorsports victories and some of the most intoxicating cars to drive from the last century, this was a tall order.
Furthermore, this platform was to serve both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive drivetrains as Alfa Romeo had plans to demonstrate its superior technical know-how in more ways than one. In order to meet these demands, the Giorgio team looked to using extremely lightweight, state-of-the-art materials. Segment-leading torsional rigidity was one of the many favorable results of the decision to keep weight at a minimum.
The Giorgio platform also delivered a lower centre of gravity as well as a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. In fact, the rear-wheel-drive Giulia Quadrifoglio achieved a textbook 50/50 weight distribution.
The perfect building block
Every vehicle Alfa Romeo built must embody La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) which simply means that the end-user must benefit from the high-performance and precision expected from an Alfa Romeo.
To this flawless structure, Alfa Romeo was able to fit a chassis unlike any other. It’s important to recall that the Giorgio platform was initially envisioned to underpin the fantastic Giulia Quadrifoglio, which serves to explain why the “regular” Giulia and Stelvio are equipped with such a sophisticated suspension.
A double-wishbone front suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis assures extremely responsive steering feel. The front suspension’s geometry enables the tires to retain a perfect footprint which in turn means that the vehicles can tackle high lateral accelerations. At the rear, Alfa Romeo designed and patented the Alfalink multi-link system with four-and-a-half links to certify maximum performance and more importantly, for the daily commute, remarkable passenger ride comfort.
And the Giorgio is not done yet as it is slated to be used as the foundation for future plug-in hybrid and fully-electric vehicles.
The results speak for themselves
Only a few months after the new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio was introduced, it went on to set a 7 minutes and 32-second one-lap record of the notorious and extremely challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack. Scarcely a year later, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio would also set a new lap record. With this in mind, it’s none too difficult to imagine that the “regular” Giulia and Stelvio are the best-driving vehicles in their corresponding segments.
