EuroCompulsion unlocks the true potential of the Giulia 2.0

This is the first of several articles being published around the 2017+ Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0. Check for more content in the future as we dive further into this vehicle.

From the factory, the Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 was a game changing entry in the crowded and highly competitive sport sedan market. When compared to the Audi A5, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, BMW 330i, etc., it not only led in acceleration, but also in handling. Making 280hp from a 2.0L is great, but you can’t help but wonder what kind of untapped potential is being left on the table, especially when you consider its brilliant chassis and steering.

Luckily for us, the folks at EuroCompulsion share that same curiosity. Starting with several product options back in 2016 when the 2017 Giulia first launched, they began experimenting with airflow. Being in the unique position of being able to design, test, and manufacture components in house, they launched their V1 Intake. This component utilized the stock airbox (although a high flow filter was recommended) but upgraded the intake pipe with a better flowing, more thermally stable silicon tube. The end result is increased air density at the turbo inlet (grater volume of air), reduced intake temperatures, and of course more power. So the V1 gave you more power and better aesthetics, but this was only the beginning.

The release of the V2 intake was and still is the highest performing intake on the market for the Giulia 2.0. Italian cars are known for passion and creating emotion. The sounds that the EuroCompulsion V2 intake releases from under the hood is reason enough to make the upgrade, never mind the bump in performance. You get more torque (+15) and horsepower (+8), more instantaneous power at low rpms, and support for the next and most important upgrade you can have for your Giulia. It also looks good, with color choices of red, black, or the new and unique Tiffany Blue. It also comes with a dual-inlet high flow air filter. Expect to see a red one in our Giulia soon! This intake retains all stock sensors and will not trigger any codes. Most dealers will accept this upgrade and retain your vehicle warranty, but it’s always best to check with your local dealer first to make sure. Otherwise, just swap the stock air system back whenever bringing your car in for service. This should only take an hour or so to swap. The V1 and V2 intake do not require any permanent modifications to install, so going from stock to aftermarket and back is a breeze. If you want a simple upgrade that’s perfectly safe for your Giulia while retaining the stock exhaust, the V2 intake should be the first option on your mind.

Now on to my favorite component from EuroCompulsion. EuroCompulsion spent months testing and tweaking an ECU modification product before releasing it to the market. The end result is a massive performance increase that maintains or enhances every aspect of driveability a stock Giulia has. They call it the Euro+Drive Tuning System. The Euro+Drive ECU upgrade is so good, I wish every dealer had a demo car with the flash and intake just so you know what your car is capable of. Anyone questioning the viability of a 2.0 used in a performance sedan would instantly stop after experiencing a EuroCompulsion modified car. Flashing back to stock is almost shocking in that the car feels so bland in comparison. I can’t imagine driving a stock tuned Giulia anymore.

The P1 (EC’s name for Stage 1) Euro+Drive tune works with the stock airbox and exhaust. So if you want a stealthy upgrade that offers a noticeable performance bump, this is perfect. It currently sells for $1200 on the EuroCompulsion website which is a steal once you feel the difference. I will write up a separate article on flashing the Giulia ECU, but it’s only a 20 minute process once you receive your unique tune file from the guys over at EuroCompulsion. I currently use the P1 with a couple enhancements from the P2 for increased rev limiter and dynamic traction control.

The Giulia has a drive selector called DNA. A, or Advanced Efficiency, greatly reduces throttle response and fuel consumption. It’s fine for slippery weather or long/boring highway commutes. N, or Natural Mode, is smooth and capable, but not extreme in any way. It’s a good daily setting without burning too much fuel. D, or Dynamic Mode, is where the P1 (EC’s name for Stage 1) resides. It feels like a 50 horsepower bump at the turn of a knob. Suddenly your sport sedan is a true canyon carver. It’s honestly incredible how much of a difference they managed to make with software alone. Shifts are blisteringly fast yet smoother than the stock calibration, with increased torque throughout the entire rev band.

For those itching for more, EuroCompulsion makes something truly insane. If you purchase an intake and exhaust (they sell multiple options of both), you can apply the stage 2 (P2) tune at no additional charge. So if you started with P1, then a year later decided to add an intake and exhaust, you request the P2 tune file. The end result is an absolutely bonkers 390 horsepower and 442 lbs-ft of torque. Yes that’s from a stock 2.0L engine. Yes that same tune still allows 35mpg on the highway in “A” mode. With all said and done, a $2700 investment, will get you over 100 hp and 130 ft-lb gain. Not bad when you consider what kind of cars that the Giulia will now be able to compete against.

Tuning Options:
P1 – Enhances D mode for more power
P2 – Greatly enhances D mode for more power, requires intake and exhaust
P1+P2 Dual Map – P1 tune applied to N mode, P2 applied to D
Pops and Bangs – When added, creates pops and bangs from exhaust under partial deceleration, this is the only additional cost upgrade
Dynamic Traction – Allows the car to get more loose before TCS system interferes, in Dynamic mode only (a must in my opinion)
Increased Rev – Higher rev limiter, in gear (6400), full rev range in N/P

EuroCompulsion considers the Giulia an on going project, not a one-and-done job. They are constantly refining and expanding their product line, and have arguably the best support for the Giulia platform. This is evident with new tune options and products being continuously added over the past couple years. With new features like increased rev limiter, pops-and-bangs, dynamic traction enhancement (more fun), and more, it only seems to get better. I currently have P1 installed but will be applying the intake, exhaust, and P2 modifications this year. Expect a lot more great things to come! Be sure to check out their website if you haven’t already.

https://shopeurocompulsion.net/