The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio at a glance
Giulia Quadrifoglio with carefree ease
What the BMW M3 (or M4) is to the Bavarians, the 375 kW / 510 PS strong Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio is to the Italians (combined fuel consumption: 10.0 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 227 g / km²). Both claim the gold medal in terms of driving dynamics, both want to move ahead instead of just riding along. The clover-leafed Giulia is now in its fifth year on the market and has already outlived an M generation. Does that mean that it is falling behind, that it would even be a bad buy?
But not! In old age you only really notice what the Turinese have trained the Giulia to perfection years ago: lightness! That carefree longitudinal and lateral acceleration that they apparently no longer want to have in Garching, Affalterbach or Neckarsulm and in the end try to imitate again with more and more technical gadgets. This works to a certain extent, but only until you’ve ridden the Giulia Quadrifoglio once.
Easy steering, weight-optimized body
One might criticize the steering for the fact that it is indeed a bit slightly weighted, but there are no doubts as to how the car behaves with the slightest movement on the wheel. The steering commands are implemented very directly and precisely; the curb weight of almost 1,700 kilograms always feels lighter than current Bavarian new editions. Among other things, the bonnet, the roof and the cardan shaft are made of weight-optimized carbon fiber, while the carbon-ceramic brake from Brembo installed on the test car for 8,500 euros also saves a few pounds.
Ferrari V6 with endless power
Equipped in this way, it is no wonder that the 90-degree V6 developed by Ferrari with a displacement of 2.9 liters and twin-turbo charging has easy play with the body and the 510 hp ensure brilliant performance. 3.9 seconds pass from a standstill to 100 km / h, the top speed is reached at 307 km / h. From 2,500 tours, the full 600 Newton meters of torque are already available and pull the Italian cleanly from the acceleration strip or from the hairpin. The power can be easily sorted using manual gear changes in the ZF 8-speed automatic. But the machine itself usually reacts appropriately so that the driver can concentrate on other things.
Powerful sound, resilient chassis
For example, how robust the Giulia can sound thanks to the Akrapovic exhaust system, which costs 5,000 euros. The acoustic background is right with the Italians, but at the same time it never appears superimposed or even intrusive. There is also praise elsewhere. Hardly any dynamically tuned sedan today can do without adaptive dampers – including the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
In contrast to BMW, for example, the neutral position of the systems, which is provided from the engine start, is really made for long journeys. The “dna” driving mode switch can then be used to further refine it. Even in the sport setting, the Turinese have a heart for battered backs, deliver a softer spring rate at the push of a button, which hides noticeably bad spots on the road.
Brake that takes getting used to, high consumption
In race mode, of course, the Giulia is also more radical, i.e. harder on the road. However, it is the spread between sport and comfort that is pleasing in the long term. On the other hand, the brake-by-wire system is less of a hit – or a lot of getting used to. You can’t say that the optional carbon-ceramic system would slow you down badly. The opposite is the case. However, their braking point and the braking feel as such are more of a changeable nature.
Incidentally, the same applies to consumption. Less than 10 liters per 100 kilometers are hardly possible, despite cylinder deactivation, the sporty rule is more 13 to 15 liters. But power comes from fuel and, measured at least in terms of driving pleasure, you get a lot in return for the fuel you use. As a consolation: Even the refreshed competition hardly needs less.
Sufficient space, outdated infotainment
On the other hand, you notice in the interior that you end up dealing with an aging handling queen. Yes, the value is right and analogue ads are so old-school that they are almost in fashion again. The seating comfort is also okay, there is enough space at the front for two adults and at the back for two children. Some luggage can also be stowed in the 480 liter trunk.
The infotainment system is almost literally looked into the tube. The central touchscreen is anything but brand new, the operation is not very intuitive and the voice input is also of a rudimentary character. The assistance systems are also rather simple and induce you to drive the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio as its builder originally intended: self-determined.
Conclusion
Are you looking for a car that is not only fast in a straight line, but also turns nimbly around the bend at the same time? Then the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is still worth a closer look. The Ferrari V6 shakes its 510 PS easily out of its sleeves, sounds good and clearly sets itself apart from the competition in terms of top speed. Chassis and steering are also pleasing, but the ceramic brakes in particular require a certain amount of getting used to. On the other hand, compromises have to be made with infotainment and operation, the consumption values are at the expected high level. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)