Is this Giulia Quadrifoglio a better option over a German performance sedan
It is cars like this that revives our interest in our job and even if it comes only a handful of times in a year, it is enough to ‘recharge’ our automotive emotions.
This is easily the most intoxicating sedan (the top 3 at least) you can buy today, if you have the available funds and lets not kid ourselves, it cannot be the only car in your garage.
Yes, it is an Italian engineered car and so reliability will not be on par with Japanese or European petrol ONLY powered performance sedans.
This is the Quadrifoglio version we are test driving here and is the updated model from 2020.
First shown at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2016, yes this is a 7-year old product and still selling well in selected markets. For Malaysia, you will need to buy from a private importer (AP Holder) or find a early model unit for sale in the used car market.
From the start of the Giulia project the chassis and drive engineers got it right. This Giulia combines motorsports engine performance and ample use of ultralight materials such as carbon fiber for the driveshaft, and or aluminum for the engine and suspensions (including front domes and front and rear frames).
Furthermore, the rear cross-member is made of aluminum composite and plastic. This promises excellent torsional rigidity, acoustic comfort and handling even in conditions of extreme stress.
So, why is the Quadrifoglio version very special. Well, the use of ultralight materials has been extended to other components of the bodywork. They have carbon fibre for the bonnet, roof, front splitter, rear Nolder and body inserts; aluminum for doors and wheel arches.
Meanwhile, the braking system has been upgraded in this latest version using aluminum elements and carbon ceramic discs and the seats have a carbon fiber structural frame. All this delivers a dry weight of just 1,524 kg (which is about 1 tonne less than the average electric car of the same size).
Under the hood is an engine that was inspired by Ferrari. It is a six-cylinder Bi-Turbo petrol engine made of aluminum to minimize the car’s absolute weight, especially on the front axle and so it delivers an AMG, RS and M Power rivaling 510 horsepower and a torque in excess of 600Nm, for exhilarating performance.
The top speed of 307km/h can only be confirmed after we buy the car and its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.0 seconds was confirmed after one hour behind the wheel.
In order to provide great cornering ability corners and downforce behaviour, this Quadrifoglio has an ‘Active Aero Splitter’, which is an front system which actively manages downforce for higher performance and better grip at high speed. We don’t know of any other factory production car that comes with this feature. Some have rear boot-lid active spoiler, but a front active splitter?
Ignite the engine and it delivers a muted rumble. Lower the front windows and in neutral prod the accelerator and the exhaust note enters the cabin. Its like a junior ‘Maserati’. Take the notes higher and you will see how clean and fast the engine revs. No hesitation and with full vigor.
The steering is weighted just right and the car feels completely planted and confident on a brisk inner city drive. Find an open road and it urges you to exploit its 510 horsepower. In ‘Sport’ mode the gear-changes are swift and the momentum forward reminds us why this Giulia remains a highly desirable car.
Alfa GiuliaQuadrifoglio Specification
Engine: V6-cylinder Bi-Turbo
Capacity: 2,894cc
Max power: 510hp @ 6,500rpm
Max torque: 600Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch
0-100km/h: 4.0secs
Top speed: 307km/h
Price: RM535,000.00 Used Private Import
