Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is set to bring another lusty Italian machine to U.S. shores. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a premium compact rear-wheel-drive 4-door sedan that is set to debut in top-line high-performance trim with some pretty impressive specs.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio will launch with a Ferrari-derived twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine packing 505 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Alfa Romeo promises a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.
High-performance features include an active-aero front splitter, which adjusts the carbon-fiber front spoiler for optimal aerodynamics and downforce; adaptive damping suspension; a torque vectoring differential that optimizes torque to each wheel separately; and Alfa DNA Pro drive mode selector, which modifies dynamic behavior among Dynamic, Natural. Advanced Efficiency, and Race settings.
The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will be built in Italy and should go on sale in the U.S. by summer 2016 with a starting price of around $70,000. The Quadrifoglio is slated to be followed by a full lineup of Giulia models at more-accessible price points, including an entry-level model with a 276-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder.
CG Says:
Alfa Romeo has a tough road ahead if they’re serious about truly breaking into the North American luxury-brand market with a full product lineup, but the Giulia Quadrifoglio certainly boasts the sexy looks, formidable performance specs, and Italian flair to make a strong case for itself. Time will tell if the car dazzles as much in the real world as it does on paper, and if it can successfully set the table for a broader lineup of Alfa Romeos to follow.
