Friday, February 28, 2014

Alfa Romeo’s Sports Models Go Automatic For 2014

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde and Giulietta

Woefully short on new product, Alfa Romeo is re-launching the top-of-the-line versions of its existing lineup. The MiTo supermini, launched in 2008, and the Giulietta, first shown in late 2009, will be available in uplevel Quadrifoglio Verde trim again. The name refers to the cloverleaf symbol from Alfa's rich racing history.

The diminutive MiTo had been available as a Quadrifoglio Verde since 2009, powered by a 168-hp, 1.4-liter turbo. It is essentially the same engine that powers the Fiat 500 Abarth and the Fiat 500 L, the latter of which we found to be less impressive. The big change for 2014 is the six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which replaces the previously used six-speed manual. Alfa claims zero to 62 mph takes 7.3 seconds, and it rates top speed at 136 mph. That's cool (except for the automatic), but where is the GTA? We have almost given up hope.

At first glance, the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde offers more promise. Alfa gushes that this sibling of the Dodge Dart now comes with "the same engine and transmission as the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar." A supercar engine in a four-door sedan? That brings about memories of the awesome late-1980's Lancia Thema 8.32, that beautifully equipped executive sedan with a 2.9-liter Ferrari V-8 shoehorned into its elegant front end.

The truth is a bit more trivial. Alfa Romeo has upgraded its ubiquitous 1.7-liter four, which the company refers to as the "1750″ in an attempt to evoke memories of its heritage models, from 232 to 237 horsepower and coupled it with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. This happens to be the same powertrain fitted to the 4C, and Alfa's gushing only serves to remind us that the 4C was engineered with a remarkable number of off-the-shelf parts.

Claimed 0-to-62 times drop from 6.8 to 6.6 seconds, but top speed is unclear. While Alfa Romeo communicated a clear 150 mph for the pre-facelift model, it now says "over 149 mph." At least the newly designed intake system should provide what Alfa calls "a roaring sound."



The new automatic-equipped Quadrifoglio Verde models will be sold in Europe from May onward. Their appeal is somewhat limited by the fact that Alfa will also offer a QV Pack for less powerful gasoline and diesel versions of both the MiTo and the Giulietta. They have the looks of the Quadrifoglio Verde (wheels and decor) but lack the power upgrades. But at least you can get the QV Pack cars with a manual transmission.

2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde and Giulietta
2014 Geneva Auto Show Full Coverage



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