And that, is the Miata replacement.
I considered many options over the past few months (E36 M3/4/5, E90 M3, E30 325i, Z4 M, 981/987 Boxster, 250 GTO, etc.) and you'll notice I was kinda all over the place but was leaning towards a sedan for the practicality.
My mood would also fluctuate between wanting something older and analog that I can restore vs. the peace of mind of having it start every time <knocks on wood> and only tinkering with mods and upgrades. Also used car prices are still high (which isn't a legit complaint when you're also trying to sell a used car).
Ultimately decided my Turo experience from 2020 was positive enough and with the significant improvement of the infotainment, went with something new:
- 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
- RWD
- Misano Blue
- 22U package
- LSD
- Sport seats
- Aluminum paddle shifters
- 19" wheels
Lease rates were horrible (e.g. 27 months, 10k miles/year, $2,500 down for $672/month). Nope. So I financed instead after getting a solid discount and a favorable rate.
The touchscreen isn't as snappy as what's in my brother's S4, but it's fine and I actually prefer using the wheel on the center console anyway. It's fairly bright in the day, looks good at night, and well integrated into the dash.
When I asked the dealer not to drill the front bumper, I was surprised to hear they never do despite being the law. "It ruins the look."
My man.
Thinking of adding PPF on the front bumper.
Veloce trim also gets the nicer diffuser with black tips. The exhaust is way too quiet but I'm not in a rush to upgrade it.
No adaptive dampers but I'm also thinking of leaving the suspension alone, although I still need to get used to approaching a dip and not slowing down.
I wish they still came with the original 5-hole design as I'm not a huge fan of the machined look that's been the trend lately. But I also don't hate it and it's very Alfa in its design. But the old ones are still available if I choose to swap them out.
However I'm definitely not keeping the all-season Pirelli Cinturato P7s...those also came on the Mk7.5 GTI and I really disliked them. As soon as Michelin offers another rebate, I'm getting the PS4S in likely the stock size (225/40-R19).
While you can't go wrong with a red Alfa, the Misano was giving me strong Sapphire Blue vibes from the 981 CS days and it was an easy decision. They had a bunch of Alfa Rosso but not many in Etna Rosso, which is the deeper red.
My high school basketball coach told me to grow a foot. Spoiler alert, I didn't, and thus with the driver's seat in the normal position, there's plenty of leg room in the back.
Engine bay will be addressed during its first wash. The motor sounds like all other turbo 4-pots but at only 146 miles, I'm still breaking it in and keeping it easy. But there's plenty of low-end torque and at less than 3,600 lbs, it feels light and nimble. I wouldn't say the cabin shrinks around you but it feels sporty, which is exactly what I wanted.
The switchgear is nice, there are actual knobs for the A/C, and while the pockets in the door cards aren't soft and the steering wheel leather feels a little rough compared to my re-wrapped 997 wheel, it still has a premium feel to it. A lot of tech features come standard and I like how it stands out amongst other midsize sedans.
I like to think this ladybug traveled across the Atlantic in the battery compartment to hide from customs.
When I came back to pick up the car, it was around 8 pm. I noticed there was still tape residue on the taillight and I didn't make a note of it. The detailer was likely gone anyway so I busted out the steamer and took care of it myself.
I'll take mirrorless pics later on after adding my typical 20% tint and Michelins.
This'll be my daily but also a great road trip car. Looking forward to Alfa ownership; it's got big shoes to fill.
