Luxurious Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio costs €118,795

ALFA Romeo says its new Stelvio Quadrifoglio has set-out to become the new benchmark in the premium compact SUV segment. With its awe-inspiring design, performance and technology, Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the ‘fastest SUV around the circuit’, having clocked the new record for its class on the iconic Nürburgring: 7 minutes 51.7 seconds.

Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped with the exclusive aluminium 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine, developed with inputs from Ferrari technologies and engineering know-how, which delivers maximum power of 510hp at 6,500rpm and generates a maximum torque of 600Nm from 2,500 to 5,000rpm. This power plant is teamed with the specifically calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission that allows gear shifts in just 150 milliseconds in Race driving mode. Moreover, to maximise the driving experience, the model is equipped as standard with one-piece aluminium paddle shifters integrated with the steering column.

It accelerates from zero to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 176mph. However, the Alfa Romeo sports SUV is also incredibly efficient in terms of emission and fuel consumption, thanks to its electronically controlled cylinder deactivation system and the “sailing” function, available in Advanced Efficiency driving mode.

For the first time, the 510hp 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine is combined with the innovative Q4 all-wheel drive system, offering a perfect blend of performance, traction, driving pleasure and safety in all situations. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped with the exclusive AlfaTM Chassis Domain Control unit and it’s the only SUV in its class to provide differential AlfaTM Active Torque Vectoring as standard. Also standard is the innovative AlfaTM Active Suspension, the system that continually, actively controls the suspensions and shock absorbers. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio guarantees impeccable handing and comfort thanks to its suspension layout, with the exclusive AlfaLinkTM technology: up front it has a double wishbone system with semi-virtual steering axis, with a four-and-a-half link Multilink system at the rear. In any situation and at all speeds, driving the Quadrifoglio SUV, with the most direct steering ratio on the market (12.1:1), is natural and instinctive.

Stelvio Quadrifoglio holds two best-in-class titles which make it the highest-performing SUV in its segment: with a kerb weight of 1,830kg, the model boasts the best weight/ power ratio in its category (3.6kg/hp) and the best specific power (176hp/l). These amazing results were achieved through perfect weight distribution between the two axles and the use of ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the driveshaft and aluminium for the engine, suspensions, brakes, doors, wheel-arches, bonnet and tailgate.

The innovative electromechanical Integrated Brake System (IBS) – exclusive to Alfa Romeo - has become the new benchmark in terms of both swift response and stopping distance, on any road surface, and weight reduction compared to a conventional braking system. High-performance carbon-ceramic discs are also available as an option.

Extreme performance and leading-edge technology are unmistakably conveyed by the unique style of Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the finest expression of Italian design, interpreted with Alfa Romeo’s unique flair and the perfect synergy of form and function, in a sensual, muscular car body. The new model’s most distinctive characteristics include the bonnet with structural vents to allow heat to escape from the engine compartment, the sporty sideskirts and the flared wheel arches, all body-coloured, and finished with a quad exhaust.

The same sporty imprint, with a touch of typically Italian elegance, is found in the interior, which has been tailored with painstaking craftsmanship and premium materials: carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by the new AlfaTM Connect 3D NAV 8.8-inch infotainment system. The system offers Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in car as well as being Android AutoTM compatible, bringing the best of Google into the car.

Developed with inputs from Ferrari technologies and engineering knowhow, the engine mounted on Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the exclusive aluminium 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol unit. With the latest technology and ultimate performance, this powerplant has become the brand’s new gold standard.

Made from aluminium - to reduce the car’s overall weight, especially on the front axle - the 2.9 Bi-Turbo petrol engine delivers maximum power of 510hp at 6,500rpm and maximum torque of 600Nm from 2,500 to 5,000rpm. What’s more, it is combined with a specifically calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission.

Even with the sensational power and torque values, the 510hp 2.9-litre Bi-Turbo petrol unit is particularly fuel-efficient and, like all new-generation Alfa Romeo engines, delivers a genuine Alfa Romeo roar.

With Q4 four-wheel drive as standard, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio can be yours from €118,795.