2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Performance

The performance potential of the Giulia Quadrifoglio is no secret. Unlike BMW and Mercedes rivals that are offered in various configurations with different outputs, there is just one Quadrifoglio on offer. With that 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 unleashing 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, the red-hot Alfa will reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and power on to a top speed of 191 mph, making it one of the fastest contenders in its class. That's without the added traction of an all-wheel-drive system, as this Alfa directs its power to the rear axle exclusively. This Italian thoroughbred is not just blindingly quick in a straight line, though, as it achieved a Nürburgring lap time of seven minutes and 32 seconds. Combined with the sedan's superb balance and an intoxicating engine note, it's clear why the Giulia Quadrifoglio has been lauded. Although the base model BMW M3 isn't as quick, the M3 Competition will match the Alfa up to 60 mph according to the German marque's claims. The older Mercedes-AMG C63 S also registers an identical 3.8-second time to 60 mph.

At the heart of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine generating 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Like its chief rivals, power goes to the rear axle and the V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. Notably, the new M3 offers a manual transmission but the Alfa does not.

Although throttle response is mediocre lower down, once you get past 3,000 rpm, the Giulia comes alive and will leave most other sedans behind. Although it can effectively potter around town, this car was designed to be driven aggressively. Not only is power delivery explosive once you're on the move, but the gearbox blitzes through its ratios quickly and smoothly. The aluminum paddles not only feel good but respond quickly, too, making manual mode genuinely engaging. Yes, a manual transmission would've been fantastic, but the auto 'box operates effectively whether left to its own devices or not.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is marginally more efficient than the new M3, returning EPA-rated figures of 17/25/20 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, but that depends on how much you use that V6's performance. By contrast, the BMW manages 16/23/19 mpg. Bettering both is the Mercedes-AMG C63 which can return 17/26/21 mpg. With a 15.3-gallon gas tank, the Alfa's combined cruising range works out to around 306 miles.