When an Alfa Romeo takes to the road, the classic design of the Italian performance vehicle turns heads.
In the classroom, Alfa Romeo vehicles are also an inspiration to the next generation of designers.
“When I look at candidates at design schools, they are always sketching Alfa Romeos,” said Ralph Gilles, Head of Design, FCA – Global, when he recently addressed attendees at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
As Gilles stood among modern and classic Alfa Romeos at the event, he brought attention to the design elements that inspire both students and professionals.
“Look at the deep heritage we have here with vehicles that are close to 100 years old,” Gilles added. “We really haven’t forgotten them as we approach design.”
Alfa Romeo Stradale
This approach to create a modern-day classic can be found in the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Gilles said the “engineer really made the work easy” for designers. He said the “proportions are the magic” of the Giulia with its short overhangs, wide stance and where the front wheel is relative to the bumper.
“That’s why the vehicle has this beautiful, understated quality about it,” Gilles said. “It should age very well.”
When one sees a Giulia approaching, its instantly recognizable by the iconic “Trilobo” front grille, which returns in the performance sedan.
Alfa Romeo Giulia with “Trilobo” front.
“The whole front end emanates from that grille,” said Gilles, who has driven nearly 11,000 miles in his own Giulia Quadrifoglio. “You can’t mistake it from anything else.”
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio interior
Designers also focused on the interior of the Giulia, which is an “intimate” experience as the car “wraps around” the driver and gives the driver a cockpit feeling with oversized gauges.
“It just reminds you it is about performance. It is about escapism when you get in the car,” Gilles said. “You feel the passion of the designers and engineers in the vehicle.”
Visit the Alfa Romeo website to learn more about the Giulia and other vehicles in the company’s lineup.
