The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio marked a significant moment for the Italian marque’s return to the American sedan market. For too long, American enthusiasts had been deprived of Alfa Romeo’s distinct blend of passion and performance, primarily seeing only rare coupes and convertibles. The Giulia, alongside its SUV sibling the Stelvio, represented Alfa Romeo’s ambitious endeavor to not just re-enter, but to recapture the hearts and minds of American drivers. This wasn’t just another sedan; it was a statement, a moonshot aimed directly at the established German dominance in the performance sedan segment. The Quadrifoglio, in particular, stood as the halo model, promising a driving experience that could rival, and perhaps even surpass, the legendary BMW M3.
A Bold Return: The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio’s Arrival
Positioned as a direct competitor to the BMW 3-Series, the Alfa Romeo Giulia immediately carved its own niche. While appearing dimensionally similar to the popular BMW, the Giulia possessed a unique Italian flair and a broader spectrum of models. Starting with an accessible base model around $38,000, the range escalated to the formidable Quadrifoglio, with a starting price near $75,000. This pricing strategy mirrored the 3-Series’ approach, offering something for a range of buyers, but the Quadrifoglio was unequivocally aimed at challenging the BMW M3’s throne. Under the hood of this top-tier model resided a potent, over 500 horsepower, twin-turbo V6 engine, rumored to share its lineage with the engines found in Ferraris like the California. The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio wasn’t entering the ring quietly; it was here to make a resounding statement of intent, directly targeting the benchmark of performance sedans.
Inside the Quadrifoglio: A Blend of Familiarity and Italian Flair
Stepping inside the Giulia Quadrifoglio, a sense of familiarity might strike those accustomed to German automotive interiors, particularly BMW. The design language subtly echoed BMW’s driver-focused approach, a nod perhaps to the successful formula pioneered by its Bavarian rival. The infotainment system, while not as polished as BMW’s iDrive, was functional and intuitive enough for daily use. A minor inconvenience noted was the need to manually re-establish Bluetooth audio connection upon each restart, a small quirk in an otherwise well-executed system.
However, the Italian artistry wasn’t absent. The interior build quality felt robust, matching the standards set by its German competitors. The switchgear was tactile and logically placed. Distinctive Italian touches included a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and the placement of the engine start/stop button directly on the steering wheel itself. The turn signal operation, while initially reminiscent of BMW’s system, presented a slight difference in cancellation, requiring an opposite direction push rather than either direction, a detail that could take some acclimatization. Despite these minor nuances, the interior of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio provided a comfortable and well-crafted environment, though the true essence of the car lay beyond the cabin, on the open road.
Unleashing the Beast: Driving Dynamics and Performance Modes
The driving experience of the Giulia Quadrifoglio is multifaceted, thanks to its DNA drive mode selector, offering distinct personalities at the turn of a dial. These modes, labeled with characteristic Italian flair, cater to various driving styles:
- Dynamic: Offers a sporty yet approachable driving experience, suitable for spirited daily driving.
- Natural: Provides a balanced and comfortable setting for normal, everyday conditions.
- Advanced Efficiency: Prioritizes fuel economy, a nod to sensibility even within a high-performance machine.
Beyond these, lies the most extreme setting:
- Race: This mode unleashes the Quadrifoglio’s raw potential. Engaging Race mode amplifies the exhaust note, sharpens throttle response, and crucially, disables both stability and traction control. In Race mode, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio transforms into a purely visceral driving machine, demanding respect and skilled handling. The sheer ferocity of this mode highlights the car’s track-ready capabilities, though it might leave drivers yearning for the option to retain some electronic aids while enjoying the aggressive engine and exhaust settings. In full attack mode, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is nothing short of “vicious,” delivering near-instant gear changes and a throttle response that belies its forced induction nature. Even at high RPMs, the engine feels eager for more, a testament to its potent power delivery. Despite utilizing electric power steering, a system often criticized for lacking feel, the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s steering proved remarkably communicative and well-weighted, effectively masking any artificiality. This positive steering feel is a significant achievement and a testament to Alfa Romeo’s engineering prowess.
The ZF 8-Speed Transmission: A Game Changer?
One potential point of contention, particularly for purists, is the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio’s transmission: a ZF 8-speed automatic. In a segment often associated with driver engagement and manual transmissions, the exclusive availability of an automatic might raise eyebrows. However, the ZF 8-speed is not just any automatic; it’s a highly regarded unit known for its speed, responsiveness, and versatility, found in numerous performance vehicles. Skepticism towards automatics in performance cars is understandable, especially for those who cherish the direct connection and control of a manual gearbox.
Yet, spending time with the Giulia Quadrifoglio equipped with the ZF 8-speed challenges these preconceptions. The driving experience is undeniably engaging and thrilling. While the satisfaction of a perfectly executed heel-toe downshift in a manual might be uniquely rewarding, the ZF 8-speed in the Giulia Quadrifoglio provides a surprisingly close approximation. Using the paddle shifters delivers rapid and responsive gear changes, allowing for a high degree of driver involvement. The visceral experience of hearing and feeling the engine surge through gears, controlled by the paddles, is genuinely captivating. The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, with its ZF 8-speed transmission, prompts a re-evaluation of what constitutes an engaging and high-performing driving experience, even for staunch manual transmission enthusiasts.
Second Thoughts and Lasting Impressions
The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is more than just a fast sedan; it’s a car that challenges assumptions and redefines expectations. It delivers an exhilarating driving experience that transcends transmission preferences and delves into the core essence of driving enjoyment. The Quadrifoglio’s blend of raw power, dynamic handling, and Italian passion creates a compelling package that leaves a lasting impression. It encourages a rethink of preconceived notions about performance cars and the role of automatic transmissions within them. This Italian masterpiece offers a unique and deeply satisfying driving experience, proving that Alfa Romeo is not just back, but back with a vengeance, ready to compete at the highest level of the performance sedan segment.
