Gorgeous Alfa Romeo Giulia Speciale Is For One Country Only

Not too long ago, Alfa Romeo unveiled the Giulia and Stelvio Estrema, limited edition models designed to plug the gap between the regular models and the hardcore Quadrifoglio high-performance vehicles. Now another special edition joins the fray, and it's limited to just 15 examples - all heading to our friendly Northern neighbors.

Yes, Canada will be the sole market to receive the new Giulia Speciale. Based upon the Veloce AWD trim, these highly limited sports sedans promise plenty of dynamic delight. As standard, the Speciale receives Alfa Adaptive Suspension which, says the brand, allows for superb handling without impinging on the ride quality.

Like the Estrema twins, our biggest criticism of the Speciale pertains to the powertrain. There's nothing wrong with it, but we were hoping for a power boost to set it apart from lesser models. As such, the Giulia Speciale retains the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque.

Performance is impressive for a 2.0-liter turbo-four, though. Alfa Romeo claims a 0 to 62 mph dash of 5.1 seconds and, while there's no mention of top speed, we assume the Speciale (like its lesser siblings) will be limited to 149 mph. Like the Veloce, the stylish special edition receives a limited-slip differential.

Where the Speciale edges ahead of the regular models is in terms of design. The Giulia is already a gorgeous car, but several exterior-enhancing modifications have been added here. The exclusive Verde Montreal Tri-Coat paintwork is exquisite and works well with the staggered 19-inch five-hole wheels finished in a dark hue.

Further sporting flair is afforded by the yellow brake calipers, while carbon-fiber mirror caps and side sills add to the menacing look. The infamous Scudetto grille has also been festooned with the lightweight material. Lastly, the exterior badging has been painted black. Perhaps it's not as sinister as the Estrema pictured below, but the Speciale certainly has more presence, while not encroaching too much on the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Inside, you'll find further distinguishing touches. Leather has been used liberally and not only covers the sports seats, but the dashboard, steering wheel, center armrest, and door panels, too. To underline its athletic persona, red stitching can be found throughout the cabin which also receives a Harman Kardon audio system. The carbon fiber inlays are a neat touch, too.

"Alfa Romeo and the City of Montreal have a proud connection to each other, and the new Giulia Speciale model enhances that relationship by providing consumers with an unrivaled driving experience and a head-turning appearance unique to Canada," said Larry Dominique, head of Alfa Romeo North America.

As mentioned, the Speciale is limited to just 15 units, all wearing an MSRP of CA$71,995 (approx. $55,200) - not too far off what we pay for a well-equipped Veloce in the States. Eye-catching the Speciale may be, we can't help but wonder whether Alfa is trying to shift existing stock before the recently spied facelift arrives.