Alfa Romeo’s new 503 bhp beast is set to snuff out its German rivals in a closely contested segment.
As the high-performance version of Alfa Romeo’s recently resurrected Giulia sports saloon model line, the Quadrifoglio re-adopts a more sporting rear-drive configuration, like the 1963 Giulia Ti Super, and adds a lot more punch than its more recent 2001 front-drive 156 GTA predecessor.
Taking direct aim at the Mercedes-AMG C63 and BMW M3, the Giulia Quadrifoglio oozes charisma, glamor and desirability. It combines supercar performance and intuitively agility, and is the curviest and most viscerally desirable car in its segment.
The lusty Quadrifoglio is sleek and slinky with flowing roofline, slim-browed headlights, short front overhang and broad hips. It bears Alfa Romeo’s traditional four leaf clover good luck insignia. It features large mesh intakes, subtle side gills prominent side sills and vents, quad tailpipes, and functional rear air diffuser and active front air splitter.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is powered by a Ferrari-developed 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged direct injection V6 positioned deep within the engine bay for almost perfect front-to-rear weighting. It develops a raging 503 BHP at 6500 rpm and 443 lb/ft torque throughout a wide and versatile 2500-5500 rpm. Eager to its 7400 rpm rev limit, the prodigious Quadrifoglio puts power down effectively through its driven rear wheels. Weighing a moderate 1580kg, the supercar swift Quadrifoglio dispatches 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, tops out at 307km/h, and returns restrained 8.2l/100km combined fuel efficiency.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is flexible and eager in mid-range, and seamlessly swift reaching for its viciously urgent top-end with turbos located between cylinder banks for short gas flow paths and almost lag-free responses from standstill. Its engine also responsively winds down on throttle lift-off. Offered with a choice of six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox—as driven—shifts are satisfyingly swift, slick and succinct.
The Quadrifoglio is balanced through bends and buttoned down at speed. Additionally, its handling is intuitive and seemingly adjustable, yet reassuring, committed and precise. With light, exact and well-weighted steering with a good measure of road feel for its class, the Quadrifoglio turns in crisp, tidy and with tight front grip.
Meanwhile, taut suspension provides terrific lateral body control through sudden maneuvers, switchbacks, fast bends and tight turns. Driven with dampers, throttle, steering and gearbox in second sportiest Dynamic mode at high speed at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco proving ground, the Quadrifoglio’s weight, handling and direction seemed intuitively adjustable. It seemed to respond well to input and intention, whether to shift weight out, or for grippy cornering.
Driving the rear wheels through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the Quadrifoglio diverts power to the wheel best able to use it for agility, stability and to tighten a cornering line. Large staggered 245/35ZR19 front and 285/30ZR19 rear tires meanwhile provided both steering precision and committed rear grip, and six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes were effective with good pedal feel. Its air splitter helps generate up to 100kg down force and low CD0.32 aerodynamic drag.
Finished with black leather and carbon fiber inside, the Quadrifoglio is well-equipped, yet distinctly sporting, with thick, sporty and well-adjustable steering, driver-focused instruments, controls and infotainment screen. Its carbon-fiber spine seats proved supportive, ergonomic and comfortable, with an alert driving position and good front visibility. Cabin and boot space is meanwhile decent.
Specifications
Engine: 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged, V6-cylinders
Gearbox: 8 speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Driveline: Electronic limited-slip differential
Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 503 (510) [375] @6500 rpm
Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 443 (600) @2500-5500 rpm
0-100km/h: 3.9 seconds
Top speed: 307km/h
Fuel consumption: 8.2 liters/100km
Length: 4639 mm
Width: 1860 mm
Height: 1426 mm
Suspension, F/R: Double wishbone / multi-link, active dampers
Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs, 360/350mm
Tires, F/R: 245/35ZR19 / 285/30ZR19
