ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT PUNCH!
The Italians once believed that the Quadrifoglio (in plain English, a four-leaf clover) helped ward off bad luck. Now, the symbol means more than just averting any sort of calamity. For Alfa Romeo, a division of Stellantis, it translates into a high-performance model that evokes the brand’s iconic history. And it is the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio with the four-leaf clover badge splashed all over its exterior that we recently test drove. If you have a passion for driving that goes beyond a mere grocery getter, then this attention-grabber will spark a thrill, bar none.
Equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio packs 505 horsepower @ 6500 rpm and 443 pounds-feet of torque @ 5500 rpm. Step on the throttle and the all-wheel-drive, midsize luxury SUV will catch you off guard. It’s super quick, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds with top speed of 175 mph. Mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox, the Quadrifoglio-tuned double-wishbone front and an Alfa-link design rear suspension effectively eliminate sharp bumps on the road and reduce body roll. Providing a positive on-center response is the variable electric assist steering. Braking is handled skillfully by massive and powerful 14.2-inch front and 13.8-inch rear Brembo vented rotors. The five-hole, 21-inch forged aluminum wheels (optional) come shod with 255/40 up front and 285/35 at the rear. The “dna” modes available stand for dynamic, natural, advanced efficiency and race.
Kudos go to the exterior styling, which keeps up with the Alfa Romeo tradition of a triangular V-Scudetto grille with functional air intakes hosting the Italian automaker’s emblem while flanked by bi-xenon Trilobe headlights. The handy interior is done nicely with a robust manual tilt/telescopic steering column for a rock-solid grasp. Also worth a mention is the updated 12.3-inch instrument cluster of the 200-mph analog speedometer and tachometer gauges and digital driver information center. Leather and carbon fiber trim is sprinkled throughout to lend classiness. The 14-way power front leather seats are not just plush but also comfy. Other particulars include dual auto a/c, steering wheel aluminum paddle shifters, power lift gate, Harmon Kardon audio with 14-speaker, 900-watt sound system, aluminum sport pedals/footrest, and the 8.8-inch nav/audio/phone display as well as a dual-pane sunroof.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with stability/traction and adaptive cruise control, blind spot and cross-path detection, forward-collision and lane departure warning, rearview camera and front/rear park and hill start assist, mechanical limited-slip differential, tire pressure monitor and daytime running lights.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts off- and on-road capabilities in a nimble, luxury-packed ride, ensuring safety for occupants under inclement weather and road conditions. Plus, the practical, muscular and purposeful SUV adds some vim and vigor found lacking among contenders.
Nitish S. Rele operates motoringtampabay.com and Khaas Baat, and was an automotive editor/columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Email him at motoringtampabay@gmail.com.
