2017 Alfa Romeo giulia Quadrifoglio – A Delicious Driving Experience

The Quadrifoglio is one sweet, hot, Italian ride. It’s the perfect blend of sculpted body, Italian luxury, advanced technologies, and a heavy dose of Alfa Romeo racing DNA. For serious drivers who demand performance, and also appreciate the lap of luxury, the Quadrifoglio is a delicious driving experience.

This Alfa Romeo is more than just an exciting entry in the luxury sports sedan class. It is a bright star for beleaguered Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA). The folks at FCA have been able to tap into the 108 years of Alfa Romeo racing and develop a vehicle that integrates acclaimed Italian design and luxury features with a responsive performance platform. And they priced it right. At a base price of $72,000, it is a virtual “Blue Light Special” in the world of luxury sedans.

From 24 Horsepower to 505 Horsepower in Just 100 Short Years

In 1910 the Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili company opened its doors. In 1911, A.L.F.A. raced its first sports car, a 24-horsepower model at the Targa Florio competition. With the exception of a break during WW II, Alfa Romeo has not quit racing. Its current American rendition more than lives up to that legacy.

Consider the following:

• Underneath its sleek, sloped hood is a twin-turbo, V6 engine that pumps out 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.
• That snarling engine propels the QF from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds and promises a top speed of 191 mph.
• Muscle car enthusiasts will appreciate the track speeds but the Quadrifoglio does much more than go in a straight line very fast. It is a perfectly balanced platform. Use of carbon fiber in the hood and roof displaces weight to much lower to the ground. Carbon fiber in the drive shaft reduces rotating mass to keep the track true. On the RWD version, the front to rear weight distribution is 49.8/50.2. For the AWD model its 52/48. Toss in torque vectoring and you have a car that will not be challenged by even the tightest hairpin of curves.
• An eight-speed transmission distributes the power and a host of driver assist features insures this beauty sticks to the asphalt regardless of lateral Gs.
• If you just want to cruise along in luxury you can select Advanced Efficiency or Natural drive mode. Two of four modes that determine the feel of the ride. If you are in a hurry, select Dynamic for a more responsive throttle and a throatier exhaust tone. If you want to rip it, there’s always Race mode.

Muscle Yes, but Eye Candy Too

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is based on performance but it’s exceptionally easy on the eyes (and all the other parts of your body) as well. The design is classic Italian. It looks like a piece of automotive sculpture.

The body lines sweep back to a compact trunk space, bumping over the rear wheel wells. The fenders frame exceptional wheel rims. The overall impression is one of aerodynamic sleekness combined with an aggressive stance. There is no doubt what this car’s intentions are.

Open the door and slide into the heavily bolstered leather seats with power adjustments. You and your passengers will be kept snugly in place even if you decide to carve up some curves. Everything about the interior says “premium.” Real carbon fiber and aluminum accents are artfully placed and promote a sense of luxury.

The curving dash and instrument pods fit perfectly in the design. An 8.4-inch touchscreen provides easy access to all controls. Care for a little music? A 14 speaker 900-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system will make you think you’re in a concert hall. 

There’s very little not to like about the 2017 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio. The only performance related issue may be the wire controlled brakes which give a surprisingly wooden feel. Other than that, from the luxurious leather-wrapped steering wheel, the push button “on” system, the 505 horses under the hood, the amazingly responsive feel of the ride, and an EPA rating of 23 mpg/31 mpg, there is very little to complain about.

If you are in the market for a luxury sports sedan, you most definitely need to take a serious look at the 2017 Quadrifoglio!