Alfa Romeo TZ4: Samir Sadikhov imagines a modern Giulia TZ-inspired coupé

Alfa Romeo is determined to broaden its SUV line-up with two additional models: the Tonale (roughly the size of a Peugeot 3008…) and a small crossover whose name is still unconfirmed (could it be Brennero?), built on the CMP platform (the same one used by, for example, the Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka or Citroën C4). Their launches are planned for 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Alfa Romeo’s SUV push - and the missing coupés and spiders

So where does that leave the Alfa Romeo of coupés and spiders? Since the 4C was discontinued, there doesn’t appear to be anything in the pipeline along those lines - we don’t know of anything… - and it’s easy to see why, commercially, introducing one or two SUVs makes more sense.

Even so, some people can’t help picturing what a new sports coupé from the Arese marque might look like, and this Alfa Romeo TZ4 imagined by designer Samir Sadikhov offers a glimpse of that possibility.

Alfa Romeo TZ4 by Samir Sadikhov: a digital GT with racing DNA

While the Alfa Romeo TZ4 brings to mind more recent creations such as the 8C Competizione, the designer’s main inspiration is actually the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ (1963). TZ stands for Tubolare Zagato and, as the name suggests, it was produced by Carrozzeria Zagato, with styling by Ercole Spada - the “father” of other legendary models such as the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.

The Alfa Romeo TZ and, later, the TZ2 were notable for their innovative coda tronca (truncated rear), also known as a Kamm tail (a reference to the aerodynamic research of Wunibald Kamm). In simple terms, the concept helps to cut aerodynamic drag substantially.

This digital model faithfully follows the lines of that era (there’s a hint of Ferrari 250 GTO in it, wouldn’t you say?), yet the 3D-shaped LED headlamps, the slender door mirrors, the very pronounced rear diffuser and the two generously sized, geometric exhaust outlets make it clear this is a prototype with its eyes on the future.

Although this Alfa Romeo exists only in the digital world, the technical execution is flawless. Then again, that’s hardly surprising: its creator, Samir Sadikhov, has already worked with brands such as Lamborghini and Genesis.

It goes without saying that it’s extremely unlikely this Alfa Romeo TZ4 will ever reach production, but there’s no harm in dreaming. After all, few marques can match Alfa Romeo’s competition heritage - and for that very reason, a sports car with Grand Tourer cues can never be completely off the table.

Why TZ4 instead of TZ3?

Why TZ4 and not TZ3, which would be the more logical number after TZ2? In fact, in 2010 - to coincide with Alfa Romeo’s centenary - Carrozzeria Zagato launched a TZ3, or rather two TZ3s, which also reinterpreted the original TZ models: a one-off, the TZ3 Corsa, and nine examples of the TZ3 Stradale.

The latter was based on the… Dodge Viper. Complete with a V10.

Images by Samir Sadikhov