First official images of the new QV models as Alfa Romeo's famous historical designation, the Quadrifoglio Verde, gets set to make a comeback with the evocative 'green cloverleaf' symbol gracing new versions of the Alfa 147 and GT.

One of Alfa Romeo's most famous historical designations, the Quadrifoglio Verde (QV), is set to make a comeback with the evocative green cloverleaf symbol gracing new versions of the Alfa 147 and GT which will be powered by the potent new 170 bhp 1.9 JTDM engine.

The four leafed clover badge has been used by Alfa Romeo's factory racing teams throughout the brand's history as a good luck symbol, and over the decades it has adorned track winners such as the F1 World Championship-conquering Alfa Romeo 159 at the beginning of the 1950s, to the glorious breed of Tipo 33 designated machines that went on a winning spree in sportscar racing during the 1970s.

Meanwhile on the public roads, the 'green' badge saw widespread use most recently in the 1980s and 1990s denoting the only most sporting, agile and powerful versions of the range, starting with the Alfasud TI and its slippery coupé derivative the Sprint, before gracing its more practical successor, the Alfa 33, and then a raft of potent models including the Alfa 75, 145, 146 and 164.

Now the Green Cloverleaf badge is making a comeback on the Alfa 147 and GT to denote models which will be powered by the new 170 bhp 1.9 JTDM engine. This unit made its debut last month at the Bologna Motor Show in the limited-edition Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, and the two new models will generate similar performance to the Ducati Corse branded car which accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 215 Km/h.

The powerful 1.9 JTDM 170 bhp engine will be paired - on both models - with the “Q2” system (self-locking front differential) which significantly improves roadholding, traction and stability while reducing understeer during acceleration and intervention of electronic control systems. Specifically, the Torsen “Q2” system is responsible for the continuous dynamic distribution of torque between the front drive wheels, depending on driving conditions and road surface. The self-locking differential combined with the quadrilateral front suspension allows the Alfa 147 to achieve handling performance and roadhold that are among the best in its class.

Inside there will be changes too. On the tunnel inside the cockpit, just like the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, there will be a sport button which varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal. The driver has the option of a “touristy” mapping or a more sporty configuration which enhances the car’s response and makes for an even more exciting drive.

New lowered suspension will provide the Green Cloverleaf models with the agility to match the performance. The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse offers a range of detailing touches, including chromed exhaust tailpipe, red brake calipers (optional), satin-finished grille and whiskers, and most of these are likely to be carried over to the new QV models. Optional 18-inch alloy wheels will also be available.

Inside, the Alfa 147 QV and GT QV will also draw on the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse's distinct styling touches which include a darkened roof section, black front dashboard section and A-pillars, as well as other touches such as an aluminium pedal board, aluminium-effect gear lever knob and kick panel. The new models will be available with the full range of customisable options from the new Alfa Unica programme, and will offer the new MY08 paint finishes and fabrics.

The Alfa 147 QV and GT QV will both be highly specified, including the dual-zone automatic climate control system, stereo system with CD and mp3 player and controls on the steering wheel, Bose system with amplifier and subwoofer, rear spoiler (on the 147) and VDC system.