There is quite a large gap between the power outputs of the two engines offered in the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-four making 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier QV power plant is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that creates 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Those two engines are both competitive but there's a large middle ground between them. According to Autoevolution that space may eventually be occupied by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine making 350 horsepower.

That engine would sit in a trim level called the Veloce which would come standard with all-wheel drive. Evidence of the Veloce comes in the form of a screenshot, purportedly of an Alfa Romeo document or web page, sent anonymously to Autoevolution. The screenshot shows the Giulia's current trim levels with the Veloce casually wedged between the base model and the QV. The Veloce trim level already exists in Europe but it keeps the same engine as the US-spec Giulia with horsepower slightly higher (280 vs. 276); a diesel is also available. It does have a sportier look and is more stylish than the base model. Think of it as the Ti-the middle child in the US Giulia family-with the Sport Exterior Package slapped on.

Despite the European Veloce being none too special a US model with 350 horsepower and AWD as standard sounds quite intriguing. Bridging the power gap is smart but what makes more dollars and sense is to bridge the price gap. The cheapest Giulia will run $38,990 and the QV starts at $73,595. Even when you factor in the Ti and its $40,990 price tag, that's still a gap of almost $33k between trims. The Veloce would be a nice budget alternative for the QV, providing solid power, AWD and a price tag that won't induce sticker shock (we hope).