ROAD TEST: 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

PRICE: $73,595 MPG: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway WHAT WE LIKED: Italian style and heritage, excellent driving dynamics. WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE: Tricky entry and exit.

T HE four-leaf clover that first symbolized excellence for Alfa Romeo in 1923 has a new effect today. Called quadrifoglio in Italian, this emblem staved off bad luck for Alfa’s racers and signified potency for production models.

The buyer of a 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio may touch the emblem on either front fender for luck and then lie about the car’s price, saying it cost $150,000 instead of $79,095. Few will know the difference.

The Giulia Quad is one of the bestlooking sedans on the street, relying on traditional forms and historic cues. The bodywork caresses the Alfa badge in front. The hood bulges with a power dome. Look at a 1965 Giulia Spider, and you’ll see much the same.

Our test left us feeling passionate about the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Not only was it striking in rosso com

petizione, or racing red, but also it was quite satisfying inside. Beautifullystitched black leather predominated, with synthetic suede at key touchpoints and carbon fiber inserts in surprising places. Primary controls are integrated into the steering wheel.

And what a performer it is! With a modest 2.9-liter V6, the output is 505 horsepower thanks to twin turbochargers. Turning the dial from “normal” to “dynamic” dispenses power at the whim of the right toe, while the 8-speed automatic transmission gains alertness and the steering and suspension respond likewise.

Negatives are the rough idle on cold starts, and the stop-start system for saving fuel took some getting used to.

Nevertheless the Giulia Quad is the most exciting car in the midsize sport-sedan segment, managing to be both extravagant and weaponlike. Our advice to the prospective owner, though — tell yourself the truth about tire bills of the future.