Since it arrived in the U.S. market, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has been a stylish Italian alternative to the established crop of german sporty luxury sedans. For the enthusiasts, Alfa Romeo makes a more powerful version called the Quadrifoglio, which produces 505 hp. That power output landed the Giulia in a unique position in a recent MotorTrend list of cars with over 500 hp, being the only car to do so with a V6. 

The rest of the list is just as impressive

Getting over 500 hp is easy when you’re spending over six figures. Thankfully, MotorTrend’s list does an excellent job of highlighting options toward a more reasonable end of the market. At the beginning of the list, there is a trio of V8-powered American muscle cars with the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with 717 hp, the Chevy Camaro ZL1 with 650 hp, and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 with 526 hp. Aside from sharing the same country of origin, these three also carry starting prices very close to the $60,000 mark. 

Representing the SUV/crossover segment is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe with 503 hp and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with 707 hp. Aside from having boosted V8 engines, these SUVs also share starting prices around $80,000. However, this list’s outlier has to be the Tesla Model S Performance with its 762 hp. Not only is it the only electric vehicle on the list, but it also manages to provide that hefty figure without crossing the six-figure mark. 

Under the hood lives a V6 by Ferrari

According to Alfa Romeo, the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 produces 505 hp and can rocket the Giulia to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Flat out, the Giulia can achieve a top speed of 191 mph. Aside from the potent powertrain, the Quadrigoflio configuration also has a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The extensive use of carbon fiber in significant components such as the hood and the roof helps keep the weight equally distributed. 

The Alfa’s unique V6 engine is a derivative of the Ferrari F154 twin-turbo V8 from the California T. That V8 now lives in the 488 GTB, 488 Pista, and the new F8 Tributo. While it may have lost two cylinders during its transition into the Giulia, the 3.8-liter V8 also made its way to the Maserati Quattroporte GTS and the Levante Trofeo with minor changes. 

Alfa Romeo also makes a track-focused Giulia GTAm

The 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA was the main inspiration for the new special editions. The modern GTA and the track-focused GTAm receive a 35-hp increase to 540 hp. Inside the GTAm, you’ll find two racing seats, coupled with a roll bar and six-point harnesses.

In contrast, the GTA features Alcantara door panels and dashboard. The Giulia GTAm builds on the carbon fiber elements already offered on the Quadrifoglio and adds a carbon fiber front bumper, front wheel arches, and rear-wheel arch inserts. The result is an overall weight reduction of over 220 pounds when compared to the standard Quadrifoglio. 

The carbon fiber aerodynamic components on both the GTA and GTAm, such as the side skirts, rear spoiler, and active front splitter, were developed in conjunction with the Sauber F1 team. Being a limited edition model, only 500 GTA and GTAm models will be produced and sold for a price that Alfa Romeo has not disclosed. For interested buyers, Alfa Romeo is currently taking orders, although a delivery date is still unknown.