Alfa Romeo Giulia QV testing

Alfa's new 510hp super saloon is testing - where else? - on the Nordschleife

This is the first time the new Giulia has been seen on the Nordschleife, where it's currently lapping during the semi-secretive 'Industry Pool' sessions. As our exclusive photos show, this is no far-fetched test mule either. Apart from the disruptive vinyl camouflage, this car looks almost ready for the the showroom. Plastic grills, sensors for the adaptive cruise control, a sort of numberplate; it all looks very much like a finished product.

You best not be setting a lap time Alfa...

Judging by the big brakes and exciting engine note (more of that soon, we hope), this would be the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 'QV' version revealed last month. Going head to head with some of the mightiest four-door saloon cars the segment has ever seen, the Giulia's appearance at the Nurburgring (hopefully) speaks volumes about its intent. The latest turbocharged AMG C63 S and BMW M3 both spent years testing here, and it's clear that the Italians must battle these Germans as well as a faster Jaguar XE, surely due in the near future.

But while the Germans test their prototypes on the Nordschleife under heavy disguise from an early stage in the development, it appears Alfa have brought the almost-finished product to the 'ring for some final polishing. Let's hope they can produce more a dynamic success than the flawed 4C, which also arrived at the 12.9-mile Nordschleife in a very late stage of development. Some might say, too late.

Due on sale in 2016, the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) version will lead the Giulia's charge into a very talented class of compact executive rivals including the Jaguar XE, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Expect all kinds of options and engines, but rear-wheel drive and a manual with 510hp sounds like a damn good start!