With Alfa and Ferrari coming back to full production, launches are back
Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, are not slowing down. With their 510hp 2.9-litre V6 Bi-turbo engine, augmenting their supercar-level performance for 2020, they are launched with a wide range of design, technology, and safety upgrades.
Angrier looks
Outside, the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio add new LED rear light clusters with dark lenses, carbon fiber front grille, mirror caps and rear spoiler, and new 21-inch alloy wheels for the Stelvio.
Inside, the center console improves to offer greater tactile and visual impact. Storage space is enhanced and a new leather trimmed steering wheel and gear stick are standard. There is now an optional choice of red or green seat belts over the classic black version. New perforated upholstery will also be available on the Quadrifoglio models, fitted with leather and Alcantara sports seats as standard and available with optional carbon shell Sparco seats.
Exclusively available on the Quadrifoglio models, the new Performance Pages show the temperatures of the main mechanical components. Torque delivery, turbo pressure and power used, as well as digital chronometers to measure acceleration and maximum speed data allow the driver to view performance levels and vehicle status in real time.
Even more sporty
Their aluminum, 2.9-litre V6 Bi-turbo engine remains capable of unleashing 510hp and 600Nm torque at 2,500rpm. Transmission to the wheels is the responsibility of the Alfa Active Torque Vectoring system, assisted in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio by the Q4 all-wheel-drive system. The 8-speed automatic transmission is calibrated to optimize flow and comfort so the vehicles can easily be driven everywhere.
In RACE mode, gear changes become faster than the blink of an eye. Only 150 milliseconds. And each Quadrifoglio is fitted with a range of systems designed to enhance the pleasure of driving. These include Active Suspension, DNA Pro selector with Race mode and the Active Aero splitter on the Giulia. The Chassis Domain Control (a different kind of CDC) unit monitors a vast array of sensors to adjust the car to optimal performance.
The soundtrack accompanying the Quadrifoglio driving experience is provided by a dual mode quad exhaust system. Splurge is welcome with the new Akrapovič exhaust option. In Titanium. With carbon fiber tailpipes. Goosebumps.
Active safety
Level 2 autonomous driving comes courtesy of the collaboration with Bosch to develop the new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). It is designed to intervene only in heavy traffic or highway travel. As it stands, it offers throttle, brakes and steering aids under certain conditions and always in deference to the driver who, at this point, must maintain her hands on the wheel.
Coming into the market in the summer, we await for pricing and testing units for a full review. But if we are honest, we do know the Stelvio will sell more. We want the Giulia…