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Alfa Romeo is allegedly working on a high-performance Giulia coupe with a 641 hp hybrid powertrain.

According to Autocar sources, the hybridized, two-door Giulia will tap the company’s twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, which makes 505 hp in the Giulia Quadrifoglio. The engine will be paired with a Formula 1-inspired energy recovery system (ERS) with a small battery pack and electric motor. This ERS system will charge the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking, harvesting power that can then be deployed for an electrically-assisted boost. The system is apparently based on the LaFerrari’s ERS system, which was developed by Ferrari and Magneti Marelli.

Standard, less powerful versions of the Giulia coupe, which may adopt the Giulia Sprint name, will also be on the cards. Just like the sedan, these will include a 275 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged model and a 505 hp Giulia Quadrifoglio. Autocar says the ERS system could also be added to the 2.0-liter Giulia, creating a 345hp quasi-performance model that would bridge the gap between the non-hybrid 2.0-liter and the Quadrifoglio.

SEE ALSO: Alfa Romeo Giulia Coupe Expected for Late 2018

While still just a rumor, the 641 hp hybrid Giulia coupe is not out of the realm of possibility. FCA does indeed have access to an ERS system in the way of Magneti Marelli’s LaFerrari technology, and rumors that a Giulia coupe is on the way are nothing new. Additionally, Alfa Romeo is a title sponsor of the Sauber Formula 1 team, which uses Ferrari engines in its cars. A high-performance Giulia coupe with F1-inspired ERS technology would help justify the sponsorship and offer F1 fans a product that is somewhat related to what they see on the racetrack.

We hear the Giulia Coupe, and the near 700 hp hybrid performance model, could debut sometime later this year before going on sale in 2019.

[Source: Autocar]

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