Alfa Romeo launches 100th Anniversario models

THE four-leaf clover, as used in Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio performance vehicles, is 100 years old this year and to commemorate the occasion, Alfa is producing 100 units each of the Stelvio and Giulia models with enhanced spec’ and performance.

It is highly unlikely that any will make it Down Under as the ‘exclusive’ models will certainly be snapped up quickly by customers in Europe, the UK and China.

The desirability factor is high in both as each is powered by a 382kW, turbocharged petrol V6 engine with Ferrari/Maserati lineage.

Alfa claims the Anniversario models provide “best in class driving dynamics, the result of surprising lightness due to the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminium for the engine and carbon fibre for the drive shaft, bonnet, spoiler, and skirts”.

On the Giulia, active aerodynamics is aided by the carbon-fibre front splitter which, when activated, controls the quality of airflow passing under the vehicle, increasing stability and performance. 

The Akrapovich exhaust system gives the car’s an unmistakable (loud) sound.

Both are tech rich’ exemplified in the mechanical, self-locking limited slip differential – a feature that makes its debut on this special launch series.

Alfa puts an emphasis on the differential it says is an important technical device that’s specifically tuned from the Giulia GTA's design experience, and “contributes to improving the car's behaviour and traction, optimising torque transfer, and increasing stability, agility, and speed in bends”.

Other kit includes full LED matrix headlights and a new digital instrument cluster with 'telescopic' design… a head nod to past models.

As ‘exclusive’ variants, the Quadrifoglio 100^th Anniversario twins boast many distinctive features including commemorative badging designed by the “Centro Stile Alfa Romeo” and new gold brake callipers.

The grille and mirror caps are highlighted in visible carbon while the interior uses visible gold stitching to the upholstery and celebratory badges on the dashboard embellish a sporty environment dominated by carbon, with a new 3D finish.

An Alfa family appearance characterised by ‘3+3' headlights flows through to the Anniversario models while each rolls on burnished five-hole 19-inch sports alloy wheels for the Giulia, and 21- inch for the Stelvio.

Three colours are available: Rosso Etna, Verde Montreal, and Nero Vulcano.

Inside maintains the outside’s ‘exclusive’ look highlighted by technology and connectivity with a focus on the ‘telescopic’ instrument design that delivers access to all the vehicle’s information through selectable layouts (Evolved, Relax and Heritage) and the exclusive ‘Race’ configuration on the Quadrifoglio.

Back a century on April 15th, 1923 the Quadrifoglio brand make its debut on Ugo Sivocci’s “Corsa” version of the Alfa RL model, which won the XIV edition of the Targa Florio.

Sivocci, an important driver of his time, brought home the win thanks to his skills and a series of fortunate (lucky) events which would make the choice of the Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) even more meaningful as an emblem of sportiness and good luck on the bonnets of race cars.

The race was one of the most important milestones of its time for drivers and could thrust particular car models and entire brands onto the market. That’s why, in 1923, Alfa Romeo put enormous importance on the Sicilian race, developing a specific version of its RL and recruiting talented drivers.

The Quadrifoglio name has been around since 1923 earning ‘legendary’ status along the way thanks to racing success and desirable road cars with high power engines and sporty dynamics.

The Quadrifoglio badge made its first appearance on a road vehicle with the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce sports model, a tradition that continues to this day. These are the brand’s most powerful versions in their ranges and have been designed for car-enthusiasts who are passionate about sporty driving.

Alfa Romeo launched the new models at the same location as the first car had its successful debut… the places of the Targa Florio in Sicily.

Alfisti globally would be hoping some features from the Anniversario models may make it onto mainstream production models.