Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio priced under $150k
Alfa Romeo has confirmed full local details for its high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV.
Due to arrive in showrooms from mid-January, the high-riding, Ferrari-powered wagon will command a $6000 premium over the Giulia QV sedan it shares its mechanical set-up with.
Priced from $149,900 (plus on-road costs), the Stelvio Quadrifoglio joins a growing league of high-performance mid-sized luxury SUVs, including the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 and the upcoming BMW X3 M.
Like the Giulia QV, Alfa Romeo's first hot rod wagon is powered by a Ferrari-developed 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 (essentially a smaller version of the V8 in the back of the Ferrari 488 GTB with two less cylinders) that produces 375kW and 600Nm and drives through an eight-speed automatic. However, it is exclusively offered with an all-wheel drive transmission - rather than the Giulia's rear-drive set-up - that makes it one of the quickest wagons on the planet, capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and recording the fastest laptime around the Nurburgring for an SUV.
It will be offered in a single specification, loaded with an extensive list of standard equipment. It will ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, has adaptive suspension and will be fitted with a dual-mode exhaust with quad outlets. The cabin will be trimmed in leather and Alcantara with figure-hugging sports front seats, and feature cabin fibre trim highlights and an 8.0-inch colour infotainment display with sat nav, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices and a high-quality Harmon Kardon audio system.
Not only is the Stelvio Quadrifoglio quick, but it comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and has a reverse camera with front and rear parking sensors.
Owners can tailor the Stelvio with a selection of optional extras, including carbon ceramic brakes ($12,000) and brake calipers either painted in yellow or black (normally they are red) for an extra $700. A range of metallic paint colours will cost $1300 while a special tri-colour paint job is $3500.
The cabin can be upgraded with lightweight Sparco carbon fibre seats for $5000, a dual-pane sunroof for $2400 and a steering wheel with carbon inserts for $500.