Yahoo Finance Engine and Transmission
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Implanted with a rhapsodic twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and an exquisitely calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission, the rear-drive-only Giulia Quadrifoglio is a riot to pilot. The Italy-built, Ferrari-derived engine produces a spine-tingling timbre that shames most rivals. Too bad a manual transmission isn’t available on the U.S. version, and several mechanical glitches we experienced have reminded us of Alfa’s infamous reliability issues.
What’s New for 2018?
Since 2018 is only its second year of production, we correctly assumed that Alfa wouldn’t alter the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s engine and transmission. While we hoped that a manual version would make it to our shores, that dream did not come true.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The QF’s boosted mill generates 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, which makes more stallions than the BMW M3 or Cadillac ATS-V. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S almost matches the QF with 503 horses, but its glorious twin-turbo V-8 has a greater torque reserve (516 lb-ft). Our comparison test confirmed that this duo of four-door tour de forces have almost indistinguishable performance. Since that comparison, we tested another Quadrifoglio that hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and bridged 50 to 70 mph in 2.9 ticks (both adding 0.1 second, respectively). In both tests, it finished the quarter-mile in less than 12 seconds-impressive for any car. The Alfa and AMG are virtually equals, with dead-even acceleration times and base prices separated by $130. Although the diminutive Audi RS3 is in another class, its pared-down price and eye-popping performance warrant comparisons.
The Giulia’s engine contains its excitement when cruising at low rpm and in top gear. A hint of hesitation precedes throttle prompts below 3000 rpm, but then the twin turbos spool up and power builds in a whirlwind of acceleration and thunderous exhaust sounds. It’s a spectacular sensation that is simultaneously chaotic and exotic. The QF gets an upgraded version of the Giulia’s DNA drive-mode selector, which offers Dynamic, Natural, and Advanced Efficiency settings. The DNA Pro system in the Quadrifoglio gains an exclusive Race setting, which activates the dual-mode exhaust and deactivates the security of electronic stability control. While we mourn the missing manual gearbox, the eight-speed automatic is fantastic. Large steering-column-mounted paddles are perfectly placed and sweet to squeeze. The autobox is decisive and imitates the quickness of dual-clutch alternatives in its sportier drive modes.
Test Results: Acceleration
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