2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

As part of the 100th-anniversary festivities for the partnership between Alfa Romeo and Zagato, which got its start in 1921 with the TIPO G1, the Milanese Atelier decided to create a new model to mark this significant milestone in 2021.

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

With a two-door Coupé Zagato body made of carbon fiber and a reduced wheelbase, the objective was to highlight the current Alfa Romeo manufacturing of the Giulia and Stelvio, as well as the iconic 6-cylinder engine in its most recent GTAm iteration.

A German buyer who was chosen by Zagato collectors and had a large collection of Alfa Romeo in his garage, including all the current models in addition to a rare 8C Competizione, expressed interest in the project right away.

While it wears unique bodywork, the SWB Zagato is based on the high-performance Giulia Quadrifoglio.

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

Under the hood, A twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 upgraded to GTAm level, which produces 533 hp (398 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb.-ft) of torque, powers the one-of-a-kind Giulia coupe.

In contrast to the original GTAm, which was only offered with an eight-speed automatic, the Quadrifoglio has a six-speed manual transmission that transfers power to the wheels.

In addition to modifying the overhangs and shortening the wheelbase of the Giorgio architecture, Zagato also upgraded the structural support to GTAm standards.

Zagato doesn’t make any performance claims for the one-off model, but we would expect similar metrics to the GTAm, with the sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) in the mid-three-second range and a quarter-mile time under 12 seconds.

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

It is common knowledge that the Italian coachbuilding business has traditionally depended on the engines and chassis made by automakers to outfit their vehicles with distinctive bodywork. Since the beginning of design work, Zagato and the Alfa Romeo Design Centre have collaborated ardently.

The front end is very aggressive, combining low-mounted LED headlights sourced from the Alfa Romeo Tonale with a large scudetto grille surrounded by a pair of massive bumper intakes and an additional opening on the heavily sculpted vented bonnet.

There is also a carbon fiber splitter accentuating the sporty looks. The result has the brutality of the SZ from the ’90s, although it is a lot curvier compared to the boxy original.

Side gills, the triangle Quadrifoglio insignia, and the Zagato logo are all present on the front fenders. The five-spoke center-lock alloy wheels are likewise from the GTAm, but they have yellow brake calipers and a sparkling silver finish instead of black.

The wheelbase is considerably less than that of the Giulia sedan, and the two substantial doors have handles that are concealed.

The tall bonnet and sloping roofline leading to the fastback tail through the prominent shoulders give the car proportions reminiscent of earlier Zagato coupe versions.

A narrow LED strip highlights the Kamm-tail shape that distinguishes the rear end and is reminiscent of the TZ line of Zagato-designed Alfa Romeos.

Other features include the large two-story diffuser with centrally-mounted dual exhaust pipes and the bubble roof which is a signature design element of Zagato and extends to the inclined rear windshield.

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

The two humps on the roof, which were included to improve aerodynamics without compromising internal ergonomics, are another distinguishing feature of the cabin, which is entirely made of carbon.

It combines black leather with green accents and stitching, matching the exterior shade which looks like the GTAm Montreal Green.

The “Cannocchiale” instrument cluster has a mixture of analog and digital gauges, while an infotainment touchscreen is likely hidden behind the black panel.

The temperature controls, the aluminum shifter for the manual transmission, and the start-stop button on the steering wheel are all directly derived from the Giulia, while other components, like the carbon-fiber door cards, are custom-made.

Predictably, the cabin has a two-seater configuration, with carbon-fiber bucket seats featuring the Z emblem on the integrated headrests.

2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato

Before being given to its owner, the special model was photographed on the "La Pista" circuit in Arese, close to the Alfa Romeo Museum, to cap off an important year for Zagato and cement a partnership that has produced more than 150 models of the highest collectors' value over the course of more than 100 years.

The Italian design house didn’t reveal the cost of the one-off Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato, although we expect it to be quite high.

As with previous extremely collectible specialties bearing Zagato's stamp, the model's uniqueness, its custom body, and the significant alterations to the Giulia foundations are more than enough to warrant an extravagant price tag.

Statement by Andrea Zagato CEO ZED Milano

"We chose for the shooting 'La pista' circuit in Arese - formerly Alfa Romeo - where the Giulietta SZ and Giulia TZ were born. This track and the nearby Museum are places that bear witness to how Alfa Romeo is the origin of Italian motorsports - and also baptized Ugo Zagato and Enzo Ferrari. We are extremely satisfied with the collaboration we had throughout this period with Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the teamwork was perfect, also with the Marketing and Communication department. It has been an exhilarating experience that has confirmed how the combination of Alfa Romeo and Zagato is an absolute classic of collecting".