Heading 1: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio: A Super Saloon with Enhanced Performance
Heading 2: The Success of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Since its launch in 2016, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has received widespread acclaim from car enthusiasts. It quickly established itself as a top contender in its class, offering exceptional rear-driven handling, precise steering, and a powerful Ferrari-derived V6 engine. The car’s agility, compactness, and fierce performance made it an instant hit among car enthusiasts.
Heading 2: A Simplified Approach to Performance
In a surprising move, Alfa Romeo has decided to improve the Giulia Quadrifoglio by simplifying its design. The car now features the same mid-life updates as the regular Giulia, including new headlights, a redesigned radiator grille, updated digital instruments, and an enhanced infotainment system. However, the Quadrifoglio version stands out with its increased engine power of 514bhp and recalibrated suspension and driveline specifications.
Heading 3: The ‘100 Anniversario’ Edition
To celebrate the centenary of Alfa Romeo’s green cloverleaf iconography, the ‘100 Anniversario’ edition of the Giulia Quadrifoglio was introduced. This limited edition model features gold-edged badging and detailing. Only 100 units will be produced for the global market, and all of them have already been sold in the UK.
Heading 2: Improving Dynamics and Stability
Alfa Romeo aimed to address some of the previous model’s on-track frailties and dynamic scruffiness with the updated Giulia Quadrifoglio. The car’s old damper calibration and torque-vectoring rear differential were known to create issues, especially with overheating. To combat these problems, Alfa Romeo made bold decisions regarding the car’s mechanical specifications.
Heading 3: A New Approach to Differential
One significant change is the replacement of the electronically controlled ‘eDiff’ with a more conventional mechanical limited-slip differential. This new differential offers a locking ratio of up to 35% under power and 50% on the overrun. The goal was to achieve greater predictability, quicker chassis response, and a more old-school handling feel.
Heading 3: Enhanced Suspension and Dampers
In addition to the new differential, Alfa Romeo increased the anti-roll bar stiffness on both axles and adjusted the calibration of the electronic dampers at their firmest setting. These changes improve the feeling of the rear axle and enhance the car’s limit handling with the ESC switched off. Alfa Romeo believes it is essential to include this feature in a performance car, and they have made it more consistent in the updated Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Heading 2: Unchanged Appeal and Driving Experience
Despite the updates, the Giulia Quadrifoglio maintains its appeal and driving experience. The low and well-supported driving position, simple cockpit layout, and responsive controls continue to impress. The car’s compactness and agility on the road remain as appealing as they were in 2016.
Heading 3: Comfortable Ride and Responsive Steering
The ride and damper calibration of the Giulia Quadrifoglio remain comfortable when driving in ‘natural’ mode. The steering feels light but direct, allowing for precise control. The engine and gearbox are generally docile enough for everyday traffic, although there may be occasional moments of low-speed driveline shuntiness from the transmission.
Heading 3: Additional Horsepower for Enthusiasts
While the extra few horsepower may not make a significant difference in performance, it adds to the appeal for enthusiasts. The 2.9-litre V6 engine retains its elastic mid-range torque and eagerness for high revs. However, some enthusiasts may desire a bit less exhaust noise and more genuine combustion noise.
Heading 2: Enhanced Track Performance
To truly experience the improvements made to the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s handling, a few laps on the track were necessary. The updated chassis revisions result in a more stable and precise performance on the track. The car feels better connected to the road, especially over fast crests and through compressions. The new mechanical limited-slip differential allows for a more exuberant driving style while maintaining stability and traction.
Heading 2: The Ultimate Super Saloon
In conclusion, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio remains one of the most natural, poised, and intuitive-handling super saloons on the market. The recent updates have enhanced its track precision and staying power, addressing previous shortcomings. With its combination of performance, agility, and refined design, the Giulia Quadrifoglio continues to impress car enthusiasts worldwide.
