The 2024 Caramulo Motorfestival, Portugal’s most iconic automotive celebration, is in full swing, featuring a stunning array of vintage and modern cars, thrilling races, and electrifying debuts. This year, Alfa Romeo has taken center stage as the official sponsor, showcasing its rich heritage and future-forward innovations, including the highly anticipated all-electric 280-hp Junior Veloce.
Held in the picturesque Serra do Caramulo, the event is organized by the Caramulo Museum in collaboration with the Automóvel Club de Portugal. This year’s edition witnessed the presence of a special guest, Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO and a veteran driver. Tavares took the wheel of Alfa Romeo’s new Junior Veloce, making a powerful statement as he ascended the legendary “Michelin Historic Hill Climb,” a highlight of the festival.
The Junior Veloce, a 100% electric sports car, wowed onlookers with its compact, yet fiercely sporty presence. It’s a vehicle that encapsulates Alfa Romeo’s timeless design ethos and engineering prowess. Equipped with a new 280-hp electric motor and Alfa Romeo’s exclusive fourth-generation TorSen “D” mechanical limited-slip differential, the Junior Veloce is purpose-built for high performance. Enhanced driving dynamics and a lowered suspension further amplify the car’s agility, while a special livery created by Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile paid tribute to both the brand’s storied history and the vibrant colors of the Portuguese flag.
Carlos Tavares, who has a deep connection to Alfa Romeo’s heritage, underscored the brand’s relentless focus on delivering exhilarating driving experiences. “The Junior Veloce is a testament to Alfa Romeo’s engineering mastery, combining cutting-edge electric technology with a driving dynamic that feels unmistakably Alfa,” Tavares remarked after completing his hill climb.
Alfa Romeo’s presence at the festival didn’t stop at the Junior Veloce. The brand also displayed the Tonale Tributo Italiano, the world’s first special series that honors Alfa Romeo’s Italian craftsmanship and sporting heritage. Alongside these modern marvels, a collection of 12 classic Alfa Romeo models, including the 1956 1900C SS, the 1961 Giulietta Spider Veloce, and the 1970 Giulia GT 1300 Junior, further celebrated the brand’s illustrious past. These vintage icons, driven by three all-female crews, took part in the hill climb, offering a nostalgic nod to Alfa Romeo’s enduring legacy.
One of the most electrifying moments of the event was the 510-hp Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport, leading the way in the uphill race. This limited-edition model pays homage to Alfa Romeo’s first Mille Miglia victory in 1928, embodying the brand’s legendary motorsport heritage.
Visitors to the Alfa Romeo stand were treated to more than just a static display of cars. The interactive experience included driving simulators and co-drive sessions in the 280-hp Junior Veloce, offering fans a hands-on taste of Alfa Romeo’s next-generation electric performance. Enthusiasts also had the chance to win Alfa Romeo merchandise, further immersing themselves in the brand’s culture.
The Caramulo Motorfestival is not just a showcase of cars; it is a celebration of automotive passion, and Alfa Romeo has delivered a thrilling display that bridges the gap between its historic roots and its bold, electrified future.
