We may be giving Europeans more credit for pioneering fashion than they deserve. Dress shoes without socks? The Italians started that heinous trend and it’s unforgivable. But Italy also gave us Alfa Romeo, a brand that persists solely because of the warm feeling it evokes in a specific subset of the motoring population. Someone who owns an Alfa probably cares about style and they’ll happily discuss the merits of being fashionable while wrapped in designer clothing.
That’s why we were surprised when the brand introduced black editions of the Giulia and Stelvio at the New York International Auto Show. Officially called “Nero Edizione,” the appearance package removes every square centimeter of shiny trim and replaces it with a flat black alternative. While the murdering out of cars feels distinctly American, it isn’t. The trend spilled over into nearly every automaker with a global footprint and is now appearing in showrooms worldwide.
Still, it feels more than a little odd for Alfa to chase the de-chromed trend this late in the game.
The package, limited to four-cylinder models, is likely the blackest money can buy. Assuming you also ordered black paint, a Nero Edizione Alfa would be entirely devoid of color. Even pitch-colored calipers can be optioned — although red and yellow stoppers are also available.
Both the Giulia and Stelvio have their grille surround, mirror caps, rear skidplate, headlamp bezels, roof rails, window surrounds, and all exterior badging replaced with blackened variants. The same applies to the wheels, which receive caps with a desaturated version of the Alfa Romeo logo. While not available right away, Giulias and Stelvios will eventually be available with black exhaust tips, too.
In person, the overall impression is one of added menace and slightly lessened class. The vehicles seem more stripped down, serious, and ready to race. But the Nero Edizione doesn’t feel more expensive, despite being an optional appearance package requiring additional investment. Depending upon one’s taste, the black edition Alfas could easily rub you the wrong way or stroke you under the chin. This author hates it.
[Images: Alfa Romeo]
So Alfa will fiddle with an appearance package while the company burns?
Nice.
The design of the Alfas is statement enough, murdering them out is overkill. The Alfa Romeo logo should have color, it’s such a classic.
The badge on the grille does maintain the original colors — if that makes you feel any better.
Yes, thanks. Now that I enlarged the pic I see it.
So it comes plasti dipped logos from the factory… got it.
I for one am waiting for the monochromatic look to make a come back. Back in the 80s there was a trend for all the trim to be painted the same color as the car. My brother had that look applied to his CRX-Si, so the bumpers, mirrors, even wiper blades were painted to match. I’m sure paint booth guys loved this trend – no more masking anything, just cover the windows and wheels then spray it all!
Quite a few wheels were color matched then, too.
While these are at least red, the whole blacked out trend is the worst. Especially when the car itself is black, it looks so flat and cheap (and from far away, like you’re driving steelies). Like something that was modded by a teenager. I’m not a fan of over chromed cars either, but you need to have some areas of contrast or pop.
This trim package will make them more vulnerable to collision by Uber AVs.
This is great if you want to spend a lot of money to look like you’re driving a third or fourth hand luxury car.
Alfa Romeo Eurosport?
When your car drives nicely, you can do whatever fashion you wish
Can the Claudius Edition be far behind?
“Can the Claudius Edition be far behind?”
Aye.
Make mine “Caligula” (o_O)
“Let them HATE, so long as they FEAR.”
YES
Wow, my 1990 Pontiac Sunbird had black trim all over it. I had no idea it was so fashion forward!
Also, I test drove a Giulia over the weekend and I kinda regret it. I know it’s a trap and I know it’d break my heart. But it was really a nice drive. I’m seriously considering one when my Regal’s lease is up.
As long as they are throwing money on the hood, you might as well while you have the chance.
Who knows how long the brand will stick around.
Just what we needed… A murdered-out, stripped-down, menacing, 2.0l 4-cyl small crossover.
For $70 grand.
What will the lease payments be on leftover 2018s in Jan 2020? I guess there’s a market for this grade school nonsense. In Jersey.
Somehow I don’t think “nerdizone” is a good marketing strategy. Oh, wait…
Nice try at working in the fashion angle, Posky, but Italians wear loafers without socks, not dress shoes. Your review would have been a lot stronger without this heinous, unforgivable metaphor.
My God, those are lovely vehicles!