Offically launched earlier last month, the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which gains the Giulia sedan's 2.9 litre V6 twin turbo engine and becomes the first SUV ever to carry the 'quadrifoglio' badge, is now rolling out to the dealerships across Europe.
The Stelvio SUV is based on the Giulia sedan's architecture which means that slotting in the 2.9 litre V6 twin turbo power unit is a straight forward proposition and that gives the Stelvio a range topping performance version that can match its segement rivals.
The V6 engine is based on Ferrari's F154 V8 unit and was developed with the Maranello brand's engineering input. Power and torque figures remain identical to the Giulia Quadrifoglio with the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's maximum power quoted at 510 HP at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque coming in at 600 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. That gives it class leading levels of power and torque while the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's overall weight also undercuts its key rivals meaning it comes out on top in the power/weight stakes.
This power plant is mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission that allows gear shifts in just 150 milliseconds in 'Race' driving mode. For the first time this engine is being offered with four wheel drive. Other key features include carrying over the Giulia Quadrifoglio's carbon fibre driveshaft while carbon-ceramic brakes will be a future option.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds, with a claimed 'best in class' top speed of 283 km/h.
The new Stelvio Quadrifoglio also becomes the fastest SUV to ever lap the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit having posted a new lap record in 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds.
Q4 all-wheel drive system combined with Alfa Active Torque Vectoring
For the first time, the 510 HP 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine is combined with the innovative Q4 all-wheel drive, with its guarantees of unbeatable performance, traction, driving pleasure and safety in all situations. In normal conditions, the Q4 system transfers 100% of the torque to the rear axle. As the wheels approach their grip limit, the system transmits up to 50% of the torque to the front axle in real time, by means of a transfer case.
The Alfa Romeo sports SUV is also incredibly efficient in terms of emission and fuel consumption, thanks to its electronically controlled cylinder deactivation system and the "sailing" function, available in Advanced Efficiency driving mode. Last but not least, to maximise the driving experience, Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped as standard with one-piece aluminium paddle shifters integral with the steering column.
Alfa Chassis Domain Control (CDC) and Alfa Active Torque Vectoring
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped with the exclusive Alfa Chassis Domain Control unit and is the only one to provide differential Alfa Active Torque Vectoring as standard. CDC acts as the "brain" of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and coordinates all the car's electronic systems, to deliver the best performance and the utmost driving pleasure at all times. Specifically, the system and simultaneously assigns specific tasks to the various active systems, such as the Alfa DNA Pro selector, the Q4 all-wheel drive, the Alfa Active Torque Vectoring system, the Alfa Active Suspension system and the ESC.
The Torque Vectoring technology optimises the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's drive distribution and accentuates its sporting character. The two electronically controlled clutches in the rear differential make it possible to control torque delivery to each wheel separately. This ensures the optimal transfer of power to the ground even when the car is pushed to its dynamic limits. This makes the Stelvio safe and fun to drive at all times, without recourse to intrusive inputs from the stability control system.
Best-in-class specific power (176 HP/l) and weight/power (3.6 kg/HP)
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio holds two best-in-class titles which make it the highest-performing SUV in its segment: with a kerb weight of 1,830 kg, the model boasts the best weight/power ratio in its category (3.6 kg/HP) and the best specific power (176 HP/l). These results are the outcome of perfect weight distribution between the two axles, which required management of weights and materials, achieved by tweaking the Alfa Romeo SUV's layout and arranging the heavier elements in the most central position possible.
While the new Stelvio Quadrifoglio carries over the Giulia Quadrifoglio's carbon driveshaft for extra weight saving the SUV doesn't get a carbon roof or bonnet like the sedan version; however the doors, wheel arches and bonnet are made from aluminium, as are the engine, suspension and brakes. The reduced weight does not affect the car's excellent torsional rigidity, which guarantees durability, low noise levels and first-class handling even under extreme stresses.
Suspension system with exclusive AlfaLink technology and the category's most direct steering
Up front, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio has a double wishbone system with semi virtual steering axis, to optimise bump filtration and ensure quick, precise responses to steering inputs. By keeping the contact patch of the tyre constant when cornering, this exclusive Alfa Romeo set-up affords outstanding levels of lateral grip.
The rear suspension uses a four-and-a-half link Multilink system - patented by Alfa Romeo - to deliver a combination of performance, driving pleasure and comfort. An electronically controlled damping system, furthermore, adapts to driving conditions instant by instant, enabling the driver to opt for more performance biased or comfort oriented handling.
Alfa Active Suspension is a system which continually, actively controls the suspensions and shock absorbers to reduce movement of the body of the car in all driving conditions. It constantly interacts with the CDC and Alfa DNA Pro and "calibrates" its actions to suit the driving mode selected, delivering unrivalled comfort and handling. In any situation and at all speeds, driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with the most direct steering ratio on the market (12.1), is natural and instinctive.
Integrated Brake System (IBS) and carbon-ceramic discs
Having made its debut with the Giulia, Alfa Romeo's unique Integrated Brake System (IBS) is now in use on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. This innovative electromechanical system combines stability control with a traditional servo brake to deliver instant brake response and shorten stopping distances, while also making a significant contribution to weight optimisation.
On request, after the launch, Stelvio Quadrifoglio customers will be able to choose carbon ceramic brake discs, assuring both lighter weight (17 kg less than the standard type) and greater mechanical strength, even at the highest temperatures, in both dry and wet conditions.
Design
The bonnet of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio has structural vents to allow air to pass from the inside to the outside of the engine compartment, the intercooler air vents at the side, the sporty side-skirt and the massive wheel arches, all body-coloured, not to mention the four exhaust tips and the unmistakable "Kamm tail", rooted in the Alfa Romeo tradition. Meanwhile, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's interior features upgrades in the use of premium trim materials such as carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara.
Alfa Connect 3D infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
The centre of the dashboard is dominated by the new 8.8-inch Connect infotainment system - with 3D navigation function on request - which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the technologies developed by Apple and Google respectively to replicate the smartphone environment on the on-board display.
