The Stelvio Quadrifoglio, first 4x4 SUV of the Italian brand Alfa Romeo, is on sale since beginning of November in Europe. As Alfa reported, the family´s child is the "fastest SUV around the circuit", having clocked the new record for its class on the iconic Nürburgring: 7 minutes 51.7 seconds.

The 4x4-Alfa is equipped with an aluminium 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine, developed with inputs from Ferrari technologies and engineering know-how. It delivers maximum power of 510 HP at 6,500 rpm and generates a maximum torque of 600 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. This power plant is teamed with a eight-speed automatic transmission that allows gear shifts in just 150 milliseconds in Race driving mode. The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 283 km/h.

For the first time, this engine is combined with the innovative Q4 all-wheel drive. In normal conditions, the Q4 system transfers 100% of the torque to the rear axle. As the wheels approach their grip limit, the system transmits up to 50% of the torque to the front axle in real time, by means of a transfer case.

The Alfa Romeo is also efficient in terms of emission and fuel consumption, thanks to its electronically controlled cylinder deactivation system and the "sailing" function, available in Advanced Efficiency driving mode. Last but not least, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped as standard with one-piece aluminium paddle shifters integral with the steering column.

With a kerb weight of 1,830 kg, the model boasts a top weight/power ratio in its category (3.6 kg/HP) and the best specific power (176 HP/l). These results are the outcome of balanced weight distribution between the two axles. This was delivered with the aid of ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the driveshaft and aluminium for the engine, suspensions, brakes, doors, wheel-arches and bonnet.

The new Alfa Romeo is equipped with the "AlfaTM Chassis Domain Control" (CDC) unit. CDC acts as the "brain" of the SUV, and coordinates all the car's electronic systems. Specifically, the system and simultaneously assigns specific tasks to the various active systems, such as the AlfaTM DNA Pro selector, the Q4 all-wheel drive, the AlfaTM Active Torque Vectoring system, the AlfaTM Active Suspension system and the ESC.

Two electronically controlled clutches in the rear differential make it possible to control torque delivery to each wheel separately. This ensures the optimal transfer of power to the ground even when the car is pushed to its dynamic limits. This makes the Stelvio safe and fun to drive at all times, without recourse to intrusive inputs from the stability control system.

The rear suspension uses a four-and-a-half link Multilink system - patented by Alfa Romeo. An electronically controlled damping system, furthermore, adapts to driving conditions instant by instant, to opt for more performance-biased or comfort-oriented handling.

Alfa Active Suspension is a system which continually, actively controls the suspensions and shock absorbers to reduce movement of the body of the car in all driving conditions. It constantly interacts with the CDC and Alfa DNA Pro and "calibrates" its actions to suit the driving mode selected, delivering unrivalled comfort and handling.

Having made its debut with the Giulia, Alfa Romeo's Integrated Brake System (IBS) is now in use on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. This innovative electromechanical system combines stability control with a traditional servo brake to deliver instantaneous brake response and hence shorten stopping distances. On request, customers will be able to choose carbon ceramic brake discs, assuring both lighter weight (17 kg less than the standard type) and greater mechanical strength.

The interior has been "tailored" like an exquisite bespoke suit, with painstaking craftsmanship and premium materials: Carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by the new 8.8" Connect infotainment system - with 3D navigation function on request - which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM.

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