Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 BiTurbo

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 BiTurbo

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, named after the famous Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps, brings the Giulia Quadrifoglio's Ferrari-derived powertrain and driving dynamics to the SUV segment. When it launched in 2018, it set the Nurburgring lap record for production SUVs, a statement of intent that underlined Alfa Romeo's commitment to building performance vehicles regardless of body style.

The powertrain is shared with the Giulia Quadrifoglio: a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine derived from Ferrari's modular engine architecture, producing 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses an aluminum block and heads, with twin turbochargers mounted within the vee for optimal packaging and response. The result is a powertrain that combines the response and character of a naturally aspirated engine with the effortless low-end torque of forced induction.

All that power is directed to all four wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that sends 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels under normal conditions, engaging the front axle only when slip is detected. This rear-biased character gives the Stelvio Quadrifoglio a more engaging, sports-car-like driving feel than many all-wheel-drive SUV competitors.

The chassis is based on Alfa's Giorgio platform, featuring double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes. Adaptive dampers adjust between comfort and sport settings, and active torque vectoring differentials at the rear improve cornering agility. The overall dynamic package is remarkably sporty for an SUV, with crisp turn-in, excellent body control, and a willingness to change direction that belies its size and weight.

The Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) badge has a long history at Alfa Romeo, dating back to 1923 when Ugo Sivocci painted a white four-leaf clover on his racing Alfa for good luck before the Targa Florio. Today, it designates the most performance-oriented variant of each Alfa model.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio competes directly with the BMW X3 M Competition, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, and Porsche Macan Turbo. While it may not match the German competitors for interior quality or technology, it offers a driving experience and emotional connection that is distinctly Italian and impossible to replicate.