2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio| “Sportivo Mafioso”
Unleashing the spirit of Italian excellence on four wheels, the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio asks for attention with its cool design, Mafioso looks, and amazing performance. In this review, we navigate the curves and straightaways to uncover the real essence of this automotive masterpiece.
“Il Padrino” - The Godfather
Join me as we embark on an exciting journey through the exterior details of this "Full Mafioso" car. Starting our exploration at the front, the spotlight is on Alfa Romeo's iconic triangular grille, a distinctive feature that defines the brand's identity. Enhanced by an intimidating honeycomb pattern, this grille radiates a strong performance vibe, setting the tone for what lies beneath the hood. The grille is flanked by sleek and narrow Full LED Matrix headlights, skillfully integrating a touch of modernity into the timeless design, providing not just illumination but also an aesthetic flourish. As our gaze moves upward to the hood, an additional layer of sporty flair reveals itself with strategically placed and eye-catching air shafts, super contrasting in combination with that beautiful Misano Blu exterior color. The air shafts not only contribute to the car's dynamic aesthetics but also serve a functional purpose, hinting at the high-performance capabilities waiting to be unleashed. More about that later!
Next up, moving along the sides of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, you can't miss the strong wheel arches that hold the eye-catching 21” Prototipo wheels. If I would spec this car for myself, I would certainly choose those wheels as well! The roofline slopes gracefully towards the back, giving the car a more sporty look. Up front, the famous silver-white-green Quadrifoglio symbol pays tribute to Alfa's racing history. And those side mirrors? They're finished in cool black, adding to the overall sporty vibe.
Last but not least we end up at the rear of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which is truly exceptional. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the stylish Akrapovič exhaust system – four sleek tailpipes seamlessly integrated into the rear bumper. It's not just a visual treat, it also delivers the perfect sound for the Italian Boss. Enhancing this impressive exhaust setup is the meticulously designed rear diffuser. It plays a crucial role in improving aerodynamics and emphasizing Stelvio Quadrifoglio's commitment to style and high-performance functionality. This subtle yet impactful feature underscores the SUV's dedication to a perfect balance of form and function. Completing the rear profile are the distinctive LED taillights, showcasing Alfa Romeo's signature design. Beyond their eye-catching appearance, these lights ensure visibility while gracefully wrapping around the rear corners.
“Soggiorno Italiano” - Italian Living Room
Let’s step into the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, where Italian luxury meets sporty functionality. Inside, the Quadrifoglio blends high-end style with performance features. The driver-centric dashboard immediately catches your eye, decked out in carbon with a cool 3D design. And it's not just there – the carbon touch extends to the dashboard, door panels, center console, and steering wheel, adding to the interior's charm. The steering wheel, inspired by ones used on race tracks, amps up the driving experience. It comes with fixed aluminum shift paddles and handy controls for a smoother ride. Look through the steering wheel, and you'll spot the 12.3” customizable instrument panel. You've got four layout options to choose from: Evolved, Relax, Heritage, and Race.
Speaking of displays, the heart of the cabin is an 8.8” touchscreen infotainment system, turning navigation and smartphone usage into seamless experiences. The well-designed center console ensures effortless control over the infotainment system, climate settings, and audio, enhancing overall convenience. Within the console, you'll also find noteworthy features like the iconic DNA selector, a leather-upholstered gear shifter, and a wireless smartphone charger. There's one more button I haven't talked about – the volume button. You might be thinking, "Why bring up the volume button?" Well, for all the music enthusiasts out there, that small button is in charge of the premium Harman Kardon sound system, boasting 14 speakers and a subwoofer. That's truly a symphony for my ears!
Last but not least, let's talk about the beautiful race seats. They're a great mix of fanciness and comfort, making your ride super comfortable. It's not just about the looks but these seats are also convenient. The Stelvio has a big 525-liter cargo space in the back, perfect for everyday stuff and longer trips. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio combines style, performance, and practicality, making it a really awesome ride.
“Modalità Bestia” - Beast Mode
Let's explore the thrilling driving experience with the Quadrifoglio. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a dynamic powerhouse, effortlessly combining strength, high-performance features, and advanced technology. Its remarkable aluminum 2.9L V6 engine produces an impressive 520HP (206 kW) at 5250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2250 rpm, all managed by a top-notch ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Not only does the Stelvio Quadrifoglio excel in power, it's also an engineering marvel that appeals to car enthusiasts. In addition to its impressive power, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio achieves notable fuel efficiency at 10.2L/100km. This makes it a well-rounded masterpiece, catering to both performance and efficiency enthusiasts.
Beyond its outstanding specs, what sets it apart are the numerous performance-tech features. A standout is the Active Alfalink suspension system, which employs adaptive damping technology. This ensures each wheel on the same axle can move vertically independently of others, creating a driving experience that perfectly blends sporty handling with a comfortable ride.
Another cool feature is the Q4 system with a limited-slip differential, showcasing Alfa Romeo's commitment to top-notch performance. It brings together great control and outstanding performance. The real-time torque distribution between the front and rear axles makes driving simpler, all while keeping an eye on road and traction conditions. There's a clever system of gears and clutches at play, adjusting the wheel speeds to deliver more power to the wheel with the best grip. This tech is super important for nailing the best driving and cornering moves, connecting back to Alfa Romeo's roots.
But wait, there's more! The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also boasts the DNA + Race Mode, elevating the cool factor. This mode allows drivers to choose different styles for their ride, whether navigating city streets or hitting the track for an adrenaline-pumping experience. It fine-tunes the car's performance to match the driver's unique style. And yes, you read that right—there's a "Race Mode," exclusive to the Quadrifoglio edition. This mode involves limited intervention from electronic driving systems, along with customized steering, ACC, brake, and suspension settings designed for track use, topped off with the loudest exhaust setting. And believe me, the sound of the amazing Akrapovic exhaust system is incredible, especially in combination with the backfire you get when shifting manually! It's all geared towards delivering the purest driving experience ever.
“Concluso” - Wrapped Up
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio's 2.9-liter V6 engine, generating 520 horsepower, propels to exhilarating speeds. Its advanced features, such as the Q4 all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated suspension, contribute to a dynamic driving experience. While the price tag of €102.700 (BE) may be a bit overwhelming, the combination of performance, luxury, distinctive styling, and all mentioned before makes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2023 a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a cool and powerful performance SUV.
