2023 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Type 952 SWB Zagato is ‘new SZ’

Coachbuilder Zagato has unveiled a new, one-off Alfa Romeo sports car – the Giulia SWB Zagato – which revives the spirit of the 1989 Alfa Romeo SZ ES30. A lightweight, two-door coupe with a short wheelbase, the Giulia SWB Zagato is a one-off commissioned by a German Zagato collector, who also owns an Alfa Romeo SZ, an 8C Competizione and several Aston Martin Zagatos.

While the concept, development and production are entirely Zagato’s, the design process represents a collaboration between Zagato’s Nori Harada and Alejandro Mesonero, Alfa Romeo’s head of design, who commented: “The philosophy of this new 2023 SZ is that of the 1960s, with a body driven by simplicity, aerodynamics and lightness. As Centro Stile, we are happy to have supported Zagato by contributing to the design of this car.”

The shape is described as “dynamic, simple and muscular”. The front end has the 3+3 headlamp concept first seen on the SZ of 1989. The design features a low, forwardopening clamshell bonnet, swooping roofline, fastback tail, and the signature doublebubble roof of the Milan design house.

The cut-off Kamm-tail recalls the SZ ES30 but features a carbon diffuser, twin central exhaust and full-width light bar. The new car is presented in metallic green paint with an SZ-style dark roof and rear pillars. The interior is based on the Giulia QV’s but has many elements realised in carbonfibre, including the Zagato-branded seats.

The new Giulia SWB Zagato is based on a the Giulia Quadrifoglio with a shortened wheelbase. A QV with manual transmission was chosen as the starting point and was upgraded to GTAm spec, but it retains the six-speed manual gearbox. The GTAm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 develops 540 but lower overall weight and better aerodynamics should mean an increase in performance. The new Giulia SWB Zagato has nothing in common with Alfa Romeo’s all-new supercar, which is also due out in 2023. The latter is a mid-engined supercar inspired by the Tipo 33 Stradale that will be offered to just 100 favoured customers at very high prices. They will have the choice of full-electric or combustion powerplants.