The Alfa fightback starts now, and what a stunning car to start with - this is pure automotive porn......

• All-new Alfa Romeo Giulia unveiled on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A in the renovated Alfa Romeo Museum – “La macchina del tempo” – in Arese, Italy
• Stunning design expresses three quintessential elements of Italian design: taut proportions, simple elegance and high-quality surface treatment
• Driver-focused rear- or four-wheel drive platform with perfect weight distribution, advanced suspension and most direct steering in its class
• Quadrifoglio version debuts bespoke state-of-the-art six-cylinder turbo engine with Ferrari-inspired technologies producing 510hp
• Extensive use of ultralight materials result in an exceptional weight-to-power figure resulting in a 0-to-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds
• Innovations such as Torque Vectoring, Integrated Brake System and Active Aero Splitter also introduced on this exciting new model
• A new Alfa Romeo logo can also be found nestled in the distinctive trefoil nose of the new Giulia

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has been unveiled to the international media on the 105th anniversary of the founding of A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) at a special event in the newly-refurbished Alfa Romeo Museum – “La macchina del tempo” – in Arese, Italy, in the presence of some of the most significant cars in automotive history.

Developed by a Skunkworks of the best engineers, designers and stylists within FCA, the new Giulia embodies the core elements which have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands - distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio.

The taut and compact proportions of the Giulia have evolved from its all-new, rear-wheel drive architecture (all-wheel drive will also be available). With the engine and major mechanical components arranged between the axles to ensure perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Giulia has very short overhangs, a long bonnet and muscular haunches, while the wheelbase is longest in its segment to maximise stability, comfort and practicality.

Naturally, traditional Alfa Romeo design cues have not been forgotten, as demonstrated by the simple, natural lines of the Giulia, the perfectly-honed surface treatment and the legendary trefoil nose, one of the most recognisable style elements in the automotive world.

Inside, the design is just as crisp and fuss-free and, crucially, centred around the driver, with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel in a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car, while the human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system. Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.

Under the bonnet, a range of state-of-the-art engines power the new Giulia with a bespoke unit created for the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio version.  Tuned by engineers from a Ferrari background, the flagship V6 turbo petrol powerplant delivers an impressive 510hp, propelling the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds, while also offering surprising fuel efficiency thanks to electronically-controlled cylinder deactivation system. As with all next-generation petrol and diesel engines, this six-cylinder unit is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and will, of course, deliver that distinctive Alfa Romeo sound to complement the performance.

In terms of the suspension, a sophisticated “Alfalink” multilink solution has been chosen for the rear axle, while the front suspension employs a new, double-wishbone set up. Developed exclusively by Alfa Romeo, a new semi-virtual steering axis optimises the filtering effect and guarantees rapid, accurate steering by keeping a constant caster trail in corners. In combination with electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, the always-perfect footprint allows the Giulia to tackle high lateral forces while still ensuring the steering feels direct, natural and instinctive even at very high speeds.

To emphasise the purity and excellence of the mechanicals, it was also determined that electronics should only be used to improve the driving experience. With this in mind, the Giulia introduces an innovative double-clutch Torque Vectoring system to allow the rear differential to control the torque delivery to each wheel independently, improving traction in low grip conditions without having to run up against an invasive stability control system.  The Integrated Brake System is also being introduced on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia – an innovative electromechanical system which combines stability control and a traditional servo brake for instantaneous brake response and record-breaking stopping distances.

The new Giulia Quadrifoglio even has a front Active Aero Splitter to actively manage downforce for higher stability and better cornering grip even at high speed. These state-of-the-art systems are all governed by Chassis Domain Control, the 'brains' of the on-board electronics which has been assigned the specific task of optimising performance and driving pleasure.

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia also features a new Alfa DNA system which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient (a new energy-efficiency mode introduced on the Giulia) and, naturally, Racing mode for high performance versions.

To obtain its extraordinary weight-to-power ratio (remarkably, lower than 3kg or 6.6lbs per hp) the Alfa Romeo Giulia combines ample engine performance with the extensive use of ultralight materials throughout. For example, carbon fibre was chosen for the propeller shaft, bonnet, roof and seat frames, while aluminium was selected for the engine, suspension – including the front domes and front and rear frames – wings and doors. The rear cross-member is made of aluminium composite and plastic and the braking system uses aluminium callipers and carbon ceramic discs.

And yet despite all this weight optimisation, the car also boasts the best torsional rigidity in its class, which helps not only optimise handling but also ensures better quality over time and improved acoustic comfort as well.

In short, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can be summed up by the Italian term 'la meccanica delle emozioni' (the mechanics of emotion), a phrase which will be used to publicise the car globally. In addition, the model also heralds the introduction of a new Alfa Romeo logo, designed by Robilant Associati, the distinctive shape and style elements of which are retained but modernised and renewed in line with the launch of the exciting new Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Alfa Romeo aims to 'play with the big boys', and I think they will be up to the job !

Alfa Romeo will resemble BMW in products and pricing when it offers a full lineup through 2018, executives at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles suggested last week during the auto show here.

The company will reveal many of the revived brand's characteristics when it unveils an Alfa Romeo sedan on June 24 in Italy. The sedan goes on sale in the United States this summer.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne said that other vehicles would follow every six to nine months until Alfa Romeo had filled out its lineup. The new vehicles will be rear-wheel drive, executives said.

THE BELOW PICTURES ARE JUST POSSIBLE PRODUCTS AND ARE NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE ACTUAL CARS THAT WILL ARRIVE, ALFA HAS BEEN VERY GOOD AT KEEPING ALL THIER NEW MODELS A CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET, HERE AT TMW CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY SO ACTUALLY COME UP WITH.

Asked if the sedan due in June would carry the historic Giulia name, Harald Wester -- Alfa Romeo's global head and the man leading the brand's resurrection -- declined to say. But he said that the Giulia and Giulietta nameplates "are milestones in Alfa's history, which are worthwhile to be reconsidered."

He said the sedan would compete with the performance version of BMW's 3 series. The BMW M3, a high-performance 3 series, starts at $62,950, including shipping.

For U.S. dealers, the next Alfa Romeo is important because it represents the brand's first high-volume vehicle. In November, Alfa Romeo began selling new cars in the U.S. for the first time since 1995. Dealers sold just 91 Alfa Romeo 4Cs during November and December. A 4C Spider convertible, unveiled at the Detroit auto show, is due in U.S. showrooms this summer.

Alfa Romeo wants to reach 400,000 annual sales globally with the redesigned lineup by 2018. The two-seat 4C and 4C Spider are expected to account for only about 3,000 sales per year worldwide.

About 150,000 of the 400,000 annual global sales goal for Alfa Romeo are expected to come from North American consumers, said Reid Bigland, Alfa Romeo's brand head in North America.

Future Alfa Romeo customers -- the brand refers to its enthusiasts as 'Alfisti' -- are car enthusiasts who are more likely to be drivers of high-end German or Japanese sports cars now than to be Alfa Romeo owners before the brand left the U.S., Wester said.

Marchionne said Alfa Romeo will again "play with the big boys" in the premium segment such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. He said it was not that long ago that the Germans "used to look at Alfa with envy."

That day will return, he said, thanks to 800 engineers working in "bunkers" on future Alfa Romeo vehicles.

He predicted that Alfa Romeo will achieve its product goals -- and have a successful distribution network in the United States -- before a certain electric-powered rival achieves its lofty sales goals.

Marchionne said, "Before Tesla does its stuff, we'll do ours."

Larry P. Vellequette

REPORT HERE

SOUTH AFRICA - AutoWeek magazine awards the Alfa 4C as its Drivers Car Of The Year 2015

South African newspaper AutoWeek has voted the Alfa Romeo 4C as its Drivers car of the year for 2015.

The 4C emerged victorious over a group of finalists including fourteen new performance-oriented cars launched in the past year and subjected to to an intensive three-day shootout on the road and around a secret test track to ascertain which of those was the most pleasing to drive.

AutoWeek’s Drivers car of the year split the fourteen finalists into three groups: hot hatchbacks, sedans and sportscars to determine a winner of each group; with each winner going through to the podium and the final shootout.

The podium saw the Volkswagen Golf R emerging as AutoWeek’s Drivers hatchback of the year, the BMW M3 selected as the AutoWeek Drivers sedan of the year and the Alfa Romeo 4C chosen as the AutoWeek Drivers sports car of the year.

A further shootout between the three saw the Alfa Romeo 4C emerge as the overall AutoWeek Drivers car of the year 2015.

“None of its rivals came close to 4C’s charm and allure, its cheeky, busy noise and a feeling you will only otherwise get inside a Ferrari 458,” AutoWeek editor Michele Lupini reported.

“But when you take it out on a racetrack and drive it to the absolute limit, there is nothing that comes near. The 4C was the only car that was still beckoning for more – taunting us to seek out the limits.

“This is Drivers car of the year, so a less than genteel entrance or exit to or from a slightly crab-like driving position, or a little extra leather lining make little difference; as much as a questionably sculpted centre console corner and a lack of ultimate build quality don’t really matter either.

“What does matter is how this Alfa Romeo talks to the driver, how you feel when driving it – especially at the limit and how it performs and behaves on the road,” Lupini concluded. “And this little Alfa does all that brilliantly.”

AutoWeek newspaper is on sale as usual throughout South Africa from Thursday 18 December and is also available as a digital issue

Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta “Quadrifoglio Verde" to be unveiled at Geneva.

• High-performance models of the 2014 Alfa MiTo and Giulietta ranges to be named 'Quadrifoglio Verde', the Italian translation of ‘Cloverleaf’
• The new Alfa Giulietta QV is powered by same all-aluminium, 240hp, turbo-charged petrol engine and advanced six-speed TCT transmission as the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar
• Exterior Alfa Giulietta revisions include carbon fibre front spoiler, side skirts, door mirrors and rear spoiler - plus new alloy wheels with a burnished anthracite finish
• Interior upgrades include new leather and Alcantara® seats with one-piece backrests, as well as a new steering wheel and new QV instruments
• Alfa MiTo QV is powered by a new 170hp 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo engine with Alfa TCT as standard for improved performance and emissions
• Interior revisions include contrasting white and green stitching, new QV instruments and a “Competizione” carbon-look dashboard
• New Matte Magnesio Grey body colour created for limited-run “Launch Edition” available on both models

The new, high-performance Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta 'Quadrifoglio Verde' models will make their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4^th 2014, combining 90 years of 'Quadrifoglio Verde' heritage with the very best of Alfa Romeo's DNA - as optimised by the astounding Alfa Romeo 4C supercar.

Indeed, the new Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde shares its heart with the Alfa Romeo 4C – under the bonnet beats the same 1750 turbo-charged petrol engine - complete with direct-injection; dual variable valve timing; an anti-lag, turbo scavenging control system and a lightweight aluminium engine block - which delivers a maximum output of 240hp at 6,000rpm and an impressive 250lb ft (340Nm) of torque between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm, with 80 percent available from only 1,800 rpm. The new Alfa Giulietta QV accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 6.6 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the current car, and can reach149mph where legally permitted.

The new 1750 turbo petrol engine is combined with the state-of-the-art ALFA TCT six-speed, twin dry-clutch transmission which offers fully automatic or sequential manual shifting, either via the gear lever or paddle shifters mounted on the steering-wheel. As with all Alfa Romeos, the driver can also customise the vehicle characteristics using the Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector which adjusts throttle response, engine performance, transmission responsiveness (and shift patterns in auto mode) as well as the level of power steering assistance. To further enhance the QV driving experience, Alfa Romeo has also developed a new fuel intake unit to ensure the engine produces the sort of sound that is expected of the sportiest Alfa Giulietta in the range.

This impressive level of performance has not been at the expense of the environment: thanks to multiple injection control and advanced anti-friction and energy loss reduction systems, the emissions of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' meet the strict Euro 6 regulations.

Externally, the new Quadrifoglio Verde is distinguished by the glossy anthracite finish on the door mirror, front grille, door handles and fog light bezels, and it is also equipped with large exhaust tail pipes, new anthracite alloy rims, side skirts, a rear spoiler and red, four-piston Brembo® brake callipers with 320mm front discs. And, of course, there’s the legendary Quadrifoglio Verde emblem on the front wings, like so many of its illustrious predecessors.

Interior highlights include the new leather and Alcantara wraparound sports seats with one-piece backrests; new instruments (complete with the QV logo) and a new steering wheel with leather trim and contrasting white stitching. The gear lever boot and the handbrake lever are also leather wrapped with white and green stitching while aluminium sport pedals, black roof lining and special floor mats complete the new QV’s upgrades. As with all versions of the 2014 Alfa Giulietta, standard equipment includes the Uconnect™ touch-screen multimedia system and Bluetooth connectivity.

To mark the launch, Alfa Romeo is introducing a special Launch Edition Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. With a limited run of just 500 vehicles, 100 of which are destined for the UK market, the Alfa Giulietta QV Launch Edition is further enhanced with carbon spoilers, front and rear sports air dams and side skirts, as well as 18" alloy wheels with a five-hole design and a burnished anthracite finish. The Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde Launch Edition will be available in Alfa Red or in Competizione Red (triple coat) as well as the exclusive Matte Magnesio Grey.

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is also revised for 2014 and, as with the Alfa Giulietta, it is the powertrain that undergoes the most significant changes: Under the bonnet there’s a new 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine which develops 170hp at 5,500 rpm and up to 250 Nm at 2,500rpm in Sport mode (230Nm in Natural or All-weather modes). The MultiAir electrohydraulic valve management system reduces fuel consumption by controlling intake air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle) and reduces polluting emissions by using extremely precise combustion control.  

In place of the six-speed manual gearbox fitted to the previous-generation model, Alfa Romeo’s latest-generation, six-speed, double dry-clutch ALFA TCT transmission is now fitted as standard to the 2014 Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. As in the Alfa Giulietta, the new transmission offers automatic or sequential manual shifting, either via the gear lever or steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, and can be reconfigured for different driving scenarios via the Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector, which also tunes throttle response, engine performance, power steering assistance and the suspension depending on the mode.

As a result of these new technologies, the 2014 Alfa MiTo QV returns 52.3mpg on the official combined fuel cycle and its CO₂ emissions are just 124g/km (an improvement of 10 and 11 percent respectively). These figures are all more impressive when you consider that this is a car that is capable of dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in just 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 136mph.

External enhancements for the 2014 MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde include a burnished finish for exterior detailing, twin chrome exhaust tailpipes, a rear spoiler, sports rear bumper, 17" alloy wheels and Brembo® brake callipers finished in red. Once again, the Quadrifoglio Verde emblems take pride of place on the front wings.

Inside, the new Alfa MiTo QV is equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, new QV instruments, a sports steering wheel with white stitching and a gear-lever boot and handbrake lever both embellished with white and green stitching. The new Uconnect™ infotainment system is also standard, featuring a five-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Sabelt® seats with wraparound carbon fibre backrests and the Alfa Romeo logo embossed into the Alcantara® material are optional.

New QV Line

As the Quadrifoglio Verde is launched, new Alfa MiTo and Giulietta QV Line models will also be added to the ranges. QV Line model will capture the essence of the Quadrifoglio Verde but will be offered across a broader range of engines. The availability and final specification of QV Line models in the UK will be announced at a later date.

About Quadrifoglio Verde:

The Quadrifoglio Verde has been a symbol of Italian motor racing since 1923 when Ugo Sivocci first decided to race in the Targa Florio with this symbol painted on the bonnet of his ‘RL’ for good luck. Sivocci completed the 268 mile race of the Madonìe Circuit (four laps of 67 miles each) at an average of 36.7mph, a speed which was amazing at the time given the hazards and quality of the road surface.

Soon the other drivers of the Alfa Romeo team – including Enzo Ferrari, Antonio Ascari and Giulio Ramponi – decided to adopt the lucky Quadrifoglio Verde as well. From this moment on, the Quadrifoglio Verde became the symbol of Alfa Romeo race cars and was later also used on special series production models to demonstrate the continuity between Alfa Romeo’s “touring” cars and those designed for competition.

It was the Quadrifoglio Verde that stood out against the dark red of Brilli Peri’s ‘P2’ when he won the first “World Car Racing Championship” at Monza in 1925, the first of the five world titles that Alfa Romeo won. By the end of the 1920s, it was the Quadrifoglio Verde that distinguished the factory Alfa Romeos from those managed by the “Scuderia Ferrari”, with its prancing horse symbol, on the racetrack.

In 1950 and 1951, Giuseppe "Nino" Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio won the first two Formula 1 World Championships on board the Alfa Romeos 158 and 159 respectively, the renowned "Alfettas." In the 1960s, the Quadrifoglio Verde was used for the ready-to-race version of the “Giulia” and the “TI Super”, and then in combination with the light-blue Autodelta triangle on models ranging from the "GTA" to the "33 TT 12" and "33 SC 12" which were entered in the World Championship in 1975 and in 1977. The success of the Quadrifoglio Verde continued in touring car racing, culminating in resounding victory in the DTM with the 155 V6 Ti in 1993, the British Touring Car Championship in 1994 with the revolutionary 155 TS and a long series of wins by the 156 Superturismo between 1998 and 2004.

Amongst production Alfa Romeos, the Quadrifoglio Verde symbol sometimes appeared on the body without appearing in the official name: Giulia TI Super , Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, 1750 GT Veloce (which features a gold-coloured QV on its rear buttresses) and Alfasud Sprint are all examples of such models. From the eighties onwards, however, the Quadrifoglio Verde began to appear in the vehicle names, such as the Alfasud ti Quadrifoglio Verde, Sprint Quadrifoglio Verde, various versions of the 33 Quadrifoglio Verde, 75 Quadrifoglio Verde, Spider 2.0 Quadrifoglio Verde, 164 Quadrifoglio Verde and 145 Quadrifoglio Verde.

After a brief hiatus in the early part of century, the Quadrifoglio Verde returned on the highest-performance versions of the Alfa MiTo in 2008 and Alfa Giulietta in 2010. For 2014, the Quadrifoglio Verde name is officially revived, thus renewing the passion shared by millions of Alfisti all over the world and beginning a new chapter in the history of the legendary Alfa Romeo brand and the storied Quadrifoglio Verde moniker.

Giulietta and MiTo 'Quadrifoglio Verde': the legend continues.

• Since 1923 a symbol of Italian sport.
• Giulietta and MiTo 'Quadrifoglio Verde': the legend continues.
• MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4 170 BHP QV: a blend of technology and design, in 200 examples.

The 90th anniversary of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' (Cloverleaf), the legendary symbol that has identified Alfa Romeo's sportiest models, is being celebrated this year. That refers not only to the cars which have taken to the world's race circuits, but also to certain special production versions.

The origin of this symbol has been lost in legend, but it is interesting to note its correspondence with the flag that distinguished the aeroplanes of the "10th Caproni Bomber Squadron" in the Great War. Today the Quadrifoglio is part of the Italian Air Force's coat of arms and at the same time remains the symbol of Alfa Romeo's philosophy, based on the constant pursuit of excellence applied to competitions and then completely transferred to its production vehicles.

The first Alfa Romeo car to be adorned with the quadrifoglio verde was Ugo Sivocci's 'RL'. In it he won the 14th edition of the Targa Florio in 1923. Since then, all of Alfa's racing cars have been distinguished by this emblem and lucky charm, known throughout the world, the same which characterised certain standard production Alfa Romeos from the 1960s onwards.

The 'Quadrifoglio Verde' is present today on the Giulietta and MiTo, the latest models which have already assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the heritage of dynamic performance, without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use. A sports tradition that lives on in the brand-new Alfa Romeo MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4 170 BHP QV, a concentrate of technology and design derived from the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' version and produced in a limited run of 200 examples.

The symbol recognised on race circuits and streets throughout the world

The 'Quadrifoglio' became an emblem linked to Alfa Romeo in 1923, when Ugo Sivocci was the first to decide to race in the Targa Florio with this symbol painted on the bonnet of his 'RL', achieving the first of the brand's ten victories in this prestigious competition.

Victory followed a perfect race: 432 kilometres of the Madonìe Circuit (4 laps of 108 km each) at an average of 59.040 km/h, a speed which was amazing at the time, above all considering the pitfalls and roughness of the course.

Alfa Romeo's success was so clear that the other drivers of the Alfa Romeo team - including Enzo Ferrari, Antonio Ascari and Giulio Ramponi - decided to adopt the lucky 'quadrifoglio verde' for all other races as well. From this moment on, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' became the symbol of Alfa Romeo race cars and was later also used on special series of production models to demonstrate the continuity between Alfa's "touring" cars and those designed for competition.

It was the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' that stood out against the dark red of Brilli Peri's 'P2' when he won the first "World Car Racing Championship" at Monza in 1925, the first of the five world titles that Alfa Romeo won. At the end of the 1920s, it was the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' that distinguished the Alfa Romeos built by the parent company from the Alfa Romeos with the prancing horse, managed by the "Scuderia Ferrari", on the racetrack.

In 1950 and 1951, Giuseppe "Nino" Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Alfa Romeo 158 and 159 - the celebrated "Alfettas" - to victory in the first two Formula 1 World Championships. Then, in the 1960s, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' was the hallmark of the "ready-to-race" version of the "Giulia", the "TI Super", and then sat beside the blue Autodelta triangle for a number of decades, from the "GTA" to the "33" and up to the two World Championships of the "33 TT 12" (1975) and the "33 SC 12" (1977). Alfa Romeo's racing activity carried on in the 1980s: after it returned to F1 in 1980, the successes in racing for touring cars were repeated ("GTV 6 2.5") up to the resounding victory in the "DTM" ("Deutsche Tourenwagen Mesterschaft") with the "155 V6 Ti" in 1993 and the long series of wins by the "156 Superturismo" (1998-2004).

Production Alfa Romeos have also carried the 'Quadrifoglio Verde', particularly high-performance models built from the 1960s to the 1980s. Some feature the symbol on the body, without an appearance in the official name: "Giulia TI Super", "Giulia Sprint GT Veloce", "1750 GT Veloce" - which is actually golden - "Alfasud Sprint". From the 1980s onward, others have 'Quadrifoglio Verde' as part of their official name, such as the "Alfasud ti Quadrifoglio Verde", the "Sprint Quadrifoglio Verde", the various versions of the "33 Quadrifoglio Verde", the "75 Quadrifoglio Verde" (also in its USA version), the Spider 2.0 "Quadrifoglio Verde", the "164 Quadrifoglio Verde" and the "145 Quadrifoglio Verde".

The 'Quadrifoglio Verde' returns to the current Giulietta and MiTo models

Distinguished by the legendary emblem, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' versions of the MiTo and Giulietta have assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the heritage of dynamic performance, without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use.

In particular, the exclusive 235 BHP Giulietta 1750 TBi Cloverleaf offers the most high-performance engine in the range and an authentic sports set-up which ensures segment-leading driving pleasure with surprisingly limited fuel consumption and emissions for this power rating.

The 1750 TBi boasts a specific torque of 195 Nm/litre (one of the highest of all petrol engines in the category) and - an outstanding characteristic - a torque output of 340 Nm achieved at just 1,900 rpm. The engine features some cutting-edge technological solutions, including direct petrol injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary 'scavenging' control system that eliminates so called 'turbo lag'.

The 170 BHP MiTo Cloverleaf 1.4 MultiAir Turbo also ensures excellent performance, offering a specific power value (124 BHP/litre) among the highest in the world and a chassis worthy of a higher category. Moreover, the pièce de résistance of this engine version is its exceptional weight/power ratio (6.7 kg/BHP), which has always been one of the key factors behind the success of Alfa Romeo cars on the road and the race track.

Thanks to their sports and safety characteristics, the Cloverleaf versions of the MiTo and Giulietta have played the role of Official Safety Car in the various seasons of the SBK Superbike World Championship. Alfa Romeo has been its Top Sponsor since 2007, sharing the same values of sportsmanship, technology and safety at the highest levels. This year the baton is taken up by the MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4 170 BHP QV.

Alfa Romeo MiTo SBK Limited Edition 1.4 170 BHP QV

Produced as a limited edition of 200 examples and created on the base of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' version, the new MiTo SBK Limited Edition is distinguished by some specific elements that highlight its extreme sports appearance: from the side skirts to the rear dam, as well as the eye-catching red Brembo brake calipers behind the 18" titanium alloy wheels. The exclusive version also adopts the most powerful engine in the range, the 170 BHP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo, which powers it from 0 to 62 mph in just over 7 seconds.

The MiTo SBK Limited Edition comes in black with an Alfa red roof. The same sporty imprint has been given to the interior, enhanced by the Sabelt seats with a wraparound carbon fibre backrest made with the innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology that teams great mechanical resistance with smaller dimensions and lightness. The Alfa Romeo logo stands out against the central Alcantara® fabric, reproduced in an absolutely original way. It is all embellished with new red stitching that highlights the craftsmanship of the product, found on the leather trim of the gearbox and steering wheel, the latter complete with radio controls. Lastly, the central panel of the dashboard is made truly unique by the SBK Limited Edition plate with progressive numbering from 1 to 200.

The extensive standard equipment includes: sports pedal unit, two-tone paintwork, Titanio Grey headlight and light cluster surrounds, rear parking sensors, automatic dual-zone climate control, steering wheel radio and telephone controls, Blue&MeTM Bluetooth® hands free system with voice commands and MP3 media player with USB port and AUX-in socket, specific Titanio Grey 'SBK Limited Edition' stickers and setup for a portable satellite navigation device.