Alfa Romeo Estrema special series under investigation for South Africa

Alfa Romeo South Africa has confirmed that it is “currently investigating options” to launch the new Estrema special series in the domestic market.

Estrema, Italian for Extreme, is the automaker’s “first global special series” and is “targeted at driving purists.”

The Giulia and Stelvio Estrema offer a blend of technical refinement, driving pleasure, and sporty luxury through the use of bespoke underpinnings, model-specific design enhancements, and a choice of two turbocharged engines, said Alfa.

Estrema series specifications

The new Alfa Romeo Estrema derivatives build on the specifications of the Giulia and Stelvio Veloce by installing the Alfa Synaptic Dynamic Control adaptive suspension system alongside a limited-slip differential.

These components provide more stability and control in all grip conditions by variably distributing torque and traction at high speeds, when exiting corners, and during acceleration.

Both inside and out, the special series models then get carbon fibre and dark painted design elements as part of the Estrema treatment.

On the outer shell, you’ll find a carbon fibre V-shaped grille with matching mirror caps, while darkened Estrema badging and five-hole alloy wheels – 19 inches on the sedan and 21 inches on the SUV – are also fitted.

The visual enhancements continue inside the cabin with carbon fibre accents, Alcantara and leather seats, and red contrast stitching.

As standard, the Estrema models also get a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system connected to an 8.8-inch central display.

Under the hood, drive is provided by a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor with 208kW on tap, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox turning the rear wheels in the Giulia and all four tyres in the Stelvio.

A 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel unit is on offer for the Stelvio, too, putting out a lower 157kW.

In the petrol configuration, these upgrades are good for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds for the sedan and 5.1 seconds for the SUV.

South African availability

If the Alfa Romeo Estrema models do end up coming to our showrooms, the first units will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2022, Alfa Romeo South Africa told TopAuto.

However, the company reiterated that nothing is set in stone yet and there is still a possibility that the special series will not be launched locally.

The Estrema derivatives are positioned below the high-performance Quadrifoglio models as the new mid-range options in Alfa’s line-up.

As such, the Giulia Estrema is expected to be priced somewhere between the R1,014,900 Veloce and R1,672,900 Quadrifoglio – while the Stelvio Estrema will sit between the R1,188,900 Super and R1,829,900 Quadrifoglio.

Alfa Romeo Estrema Series