Alfa Romeo will unveil the newly revamped MiTo and Giulietta 'Quadrifoglio Verde' editions next week at the Geneva Motor Show, March 6-16th. The name 'Quadrifoglio Verde' (four leaf clover) signifies the hottest version of an Alfa Romeo and dates back to the 1920s when Alfa Romeos were arguably the most legendary race car of the era. The clover was painted on the side of Alfa Romeo race cars as a sign of good luck. The tradition was carried over and is applied to only the most exceptional versions of a particular model.
Talk was a few years back that both the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta would wind up in America, but that seems to have past. Anticipated sales of the MiTo in America was estimated at 20,000 and would not offer the required return on investment. The Giulietta was passed on in part due to its original interior and trim not being up to North American expectations. It should be noted that both cars now feature revised interiors. We may find a redesigned Giulietta still in the works for America when Fiat unveils revised future product plans at the end of this year's first quarter.
)
UPDATE: Watch the full Alfa Romeo press conference and unveilings of the Mito and Giulietta QV and 4C Spider!
Noteworthy is the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde uses a version of the 1.4 Liter MultiAir Turbo that comes in the North American Fiat 500 Abarth. The Alfa engine produces 170 HP at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm (170 lbs-ft) at 2500 rpm in Normal mode and 250 Nm (184 lbs-ft) at 2500 rpm in Sport mode. At 124 hp/liter, this engine has one of the highest specific power values in the world.
The engine in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde is even more lust worthy. The direct injected 1750 Turbo Benzina aluminium-block engine is the same engine used in the Alfa Romeo 4C sports car and puts out 240 HP at 6000 rpm and has a maximum torque value of 340 Nm (250 lbs-ft) between 2100 and 4000 rpm, 80% of which is available at only 1800 rpm. The specific power output is an impressive 135 hp/liter and the engine's design specifications call for it to be able to produce up to 300 HP (172 HP/liter!). Speculation is that a version of this engine will show up in the upcoming rear wheel drive Giulia sports sedan that will arrive in America in 2016.
Below are the full press releases for both the MiTo and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde.
The new MiTo
‘Quadrifoglio Verde’
The new MiTo 'Quadrifoglio Verde' is the compact cars' dynamic soul. It conquered those European customers who were sensitive to Italian style and to technical excellence aimed at providing driving satisfaction in total safety.
External
The MiTo 'Quadrifoglio Verde' is identified by a sporty look featuring a rear spoiler, a sports bumper with extractor beside the new burnished finish for mirror fairings, front grille, door handles, front and rear headlight frames and 17" alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The new matt Magnesio Grey body colour exclusively created for the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde enhances this sports compact's aggressive design and highlights the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' logo located under the side direction indicator.
Interiors
The black interior respects the exterior style and at the same time features a long series of developments which underline this model's most sporty and dynamic spirit. This is highlighted by the new moulded leather steering wheel with contrasting white stitching, the new instruments with QV logo, the Competizione dashboard with 'carbon look' finish and the new special mats. Inside, black leather is used to cover the parking brake lever (with white stitching), the gearbox knob and the gearbox boot (with white and green stitching).
Engine and transmission
The engine is the heart and at the same time the true strength of every Alfa Romeo model. And the new MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is no exception. In terms of sports design and strong personality, the car introduces the new 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine which, in combination with the 6-speed transmission featuring the next generation 'Alfa TCT' double dry clutch, develops 170 HP at 5500 rpm at the maximum power and a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 2500 rpm (it increases to 250 Nm at 2500 rpm in Sport mode).
The pièce de résistance of this engine version is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind the success of Alfa Romeo cars on the road and the race track.
A desire to be ahead of its time is encoded in the DNA of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and is confirmed by the new engine: after being the first car to offer the revolutionary MultiAir engine, it is now the first car in Italy to offer the next-generation Alfa "TCT" automatic transmission matched with the 135 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine (awarded Best New Engine of the Year 2011 by an international panel of experts) and Start&Stop system.
The heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle) and reduces polluting emissions too (via combustion control). As befits a flag-bearer for the "downsizing" concept, MultiAir is a versatile technology that is easily applied to all petrol engines. Examples include the new 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir engine that has been recently introduced on the new MiTo Model Year 2014.
Performance
The Alfa Romeo MiTo's most sporty model offers excellent performance. It reaches a top speed of 219 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds with reduced emissions and fuel consumption. In the combined cycle, these values are respectively 5.4 l/100 km and 124 g/km of CO2 emissions. With respect to the previous Quadrifoglio Verde, both CO2 emissions (-11%) and fuel consumption (-10%) are improved.
Not to mention the fact that Alfa Romeo power units are distinguished by their unmistakable Alfa Romeo sound that emphasises the unique nature of the car while complying fully with type approval constraints and environmental aspects.
Standard equipment and options
True to its image of technological car, the new model year 2014 MiTo 'Quadrifoglio Verde' offers the very best that is currently available in the field of infotainment and on-board comfort. This is showcased by the comprehensive standard equipment inclusive of two-zone climate control system, cruise control, special instrument panel with white graphics and 'Quadrifoglio Verde' logo, moulded sports steering wheel with white stitching and radio controls (8 buttons), fog lights, braking system 'by Brembo' and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, aluminium kick plate with Quadrifoglio Verde logo, front seats with lumbar adjustment (with height-adjustable passenger seat).
The spoiler and sports rear bumper, the twin chrome exhaust tail pipes, the 17" alloy wheels with burnished finish, the external 'Quadrifoglio Verde' logo, the gearbox boot with double white and green stitching, the parking brake lever with white intersecting stitching, the door-handle burnished finish and front and rear light clusters frames come as standard.
Moreover, the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, Model Year 2014, offers the new Uconnect system with 5" colour touchscreenas standard and is also available with a navigation system by Tom Tom. All you have to do is touch the screen to download and listen to the right music, travelling to the beat of rock. It is not by chance that since 2008 the MiTo has played the starring role in Alfa Romeo's communication campaign at concerts, events, DJ sets, exhibitions and high-level sessions sponsored by the brand.
Finally, the interiors can be equipped with Sabelt seats with a wraparound carbon fibre backrest made with the innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology, which teams great mechanical resistance with smaller dimensions and lightness. The Alfa Romeo logo stands out in the central part of the Alcantara® material. It is all embellished with new white and green stitching that highlights the craftsmanship of the product, found on the leather trim of the gearbox and steering wheel, the latter complete with radio controls.
New QV Line Pack
Inspired by the new Quadrifoglio Verde version, the new 'QV Line' pack will soon be debuting in the Distinctive trim level for all engines with the exception of the 70 HP 1.4 power unit.
The 'QV Line' MiTo will be identified by a special badge on the outside, a sports rear bumper and a refined burnished finish for front grille, door handles, 17" alloy wheels and front and rear light cluster frames. The 'QV Line' pack will also include the new black leather-coated steering wheel with contrasting white stitching and the black leather coating for parking brake (with white stitching), gearbox knob and gearbox boot (with white and green stitching).
Furthermore, the customer has a choice of 3 different types of seats with white and green stitching which reflect the interior mood by featuring either a black fabric with Alfa Romeo logo (standard equipment) or, alternatively, a fine Frau leather coating or a sporty carbon-fibre shell by Sabelt.
The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo range
The new Quadrifoglio Verde version embellishes the MY 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo range presented last year and continues to satisfy a new generation of Alfa enthusiasts, a clientele mainly made of young people who dream of purchasing a safe sports car with a unique style and high technical contents at a reasonable price.
At the same time, focus on fuel consumption and emissions, plus its dynamic qualities and compact size, made the MiTo model an attractive proposition for a more adult clientele in an automotive scenario that seems to reward the downsizing trend.
At present, the 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo offers 4 trim levels in Italy: Impression, Progression, Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde and 10 body colours including the new Antracite Grey as well as the exclusive matt magnesio Grey available on the Quadrifoglio Verde models. MiTo confirms its wide customisation levels proposing 8 different alloy wheel designs, 4 of which are available in exclusive burnished or diamond ground finishes.
Depending on the version, customers may choose from a wide range of efficient, reliable and environmentally-friendly engines: 70 HP 1.4, 78 HP 1.4, the new 105 HP 0.9 Turbo TwinAir, the new 140 HP Turbo Petrol MultiAir with 'Alfa TCT' automatic transmission and the new top-of-the-range 170 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir engine with 'Alfa TCT' automatic transmission. The offer is completed by two turbodiesel engines (85 HP 1.3 JTDM and 120 HP 1.6 JTDM) and by the 120 HP 1.4 Turbo bi-fuel engine (petrol/LPG) that brings together sportiness and respect for the environment.
Whatever the trim level and engine version selected, the Alfa Romeo MiTo features plenty of safety equipment as standard: 7 airbags, ESC, Hill Holder, ABS, ASR, Brake Assistant, MSR, CBC, Alfa Q2 and Alfa Dynamic Steering. Four packs grouping the most popular optional equipment and accessories are available to further customise the Distinctive versions: Sport, Comfort and Lusso.
Quadrifoglio Verde: a symbol of Italian motor racing since 1923
In short, the Alfa Romeo's philosophy expressed by the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' is based on the constant pursuit of excellence applied to competitions and then completely transferred to its production vehicles. The 'Quadrifoglio' became an emblem indissolubly linked to Alfa Romeo in 1923, when Ugo Sivocci was the first to decide to race in the Targa Florio with this symbol painted on the bonnet of his 'RL', achieving the first of the brand's ten victories in this prestigious competition.
The victory concludes a perfect competition: 432 kilometres of the Madonìe Circuit (4 laps of 108 km each) at an average of 59.040 km/h, a speed which was amazing at the time, above all considering the pitfalls and roughness of the course.
Alfa Romeo's success was so clear that the other drivers of the Alfa Romeo team - including Enzo Ferrari, Antonio Ascari and Giulio Ramponi - decided to adopt the lucky 'quadrifoglio verde' for all other races as well. From this moment on, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' became the symbol of Alfa Romeo race cars and was later also used on special series of production models to demonstrate the continuity between Alfa's "touring" cars and those designed for competition.
It was the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' that stood out against the dark red of Brilli Peri's 'P2' when he won the first "World Car Racing Championship" at Monza in 1925, the first of the five world titles that Alfa Romeo won. At the end of the 1920s, it was the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' that distinguished the Alfa Romeos built by the parent company from the Alfa Romeos with the prancing horse, managed by the "Scuderia Ferrari", on the racetrack.
In 1950 and 1951, Giuseppe "Nino" Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio won the first two editions of the Formula 1 World Championship on board the Alfa Romeos 158 and 159, the renowned "Alfettas." In the 1960s, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' was used for the "ready-to-race" version of the "Giulia", the "TI Super" and then for a few decades in combination with the Autodelta light blue triangle on the models going from the "GTA" to the "33" in a timeframe that extends to the World Championships respectively entered by the "33 TT 12" and the "33 SC 12" in 1975 and in 1977. Alfa Romeo's racing activity continues in the 1980s. After it returned to F1 in 1980, the successes in racing for touring cars were repeated ("GTV 6 2.5") up to the resounding victory in the "DTM" ("Deutsche Tourenwagen Mesterschaft") with the "155 V6 Ti" in 1993 and the long series of wins by the "156 Superturismo" (1998-2004).
Of the standard production Alfa Romeos, several bear the 'Quadrifoglio Verde'. These are particularly high-performance models produced between the 1960s and the 1980s. Some feature the symbol on the body without appearing in the official name ('Giulia TI Super', 'Giulia Sprint GT Veloce', '1750 GT Veloce' - which is actually golden - 'Alfasud Sprint'). Others instead carried the 'Quadrifoglio' in their official names starting in the Eighties, such as the 'Alfasud ti Quadrifoglio Verde', 'Sprint Quadrifoglio Verde', the various versions of the '33 Quadrifoglio Verde', '75 Quadrifoglio Verde' (also with its US version), the Spider 2.0 "Quadrifoglio Verde", "164 Quadrifoglio Verde", and "145 Quadrifoglio Verde".
In 2008, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' returns to the MiTo an in 2010 to the Giulietta, the new models which have assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the heritage of dynamic performance, without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use. Thanks to their sports and safety characteristics, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' versions of the MiTo and Giulietta have played the role of Official Safety Car in the various seasons of the SBK Superbike World Championship. Alfa Romeo has been its Top Sponsor since 2007, sharing the same values of sportsmanship, technology and safety at the highest levels.
Today, it is over to the new Model Year 2014. Both models feature the legendary 'Quadrifoglio Verde,' thus renewing the authentic passion shared by million of fans around the world which, in fact, is the secret of a brand that has written some of the automobile industry's most important pages in over one century of life.
Giulietta celebrates its 60th anniversary with a new 'Quadrifoglio Verde'
To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Giulietta is also available in a new Quadrifoglio Verde version, a true expression of Alfa Romeo's DNA.
With respect to the other versions in this range, the new Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde is characterised by a decisive look and a strong personality. In addition, it features the exclusive engine inherited from the Alfa Romeo 4C supercar: the new 240 HP direct injection 1750 Turbo Petrol aluminium-block engine combined with state-of-the-art 'Alfa TCT' 6-speed twin dry clutch transmission.
To mark the launch, Alfa Romeo will present a special 'Launch Edition' Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde in a limited edition of only 500 vehicles featuring specific components such as: carbon spoilers and mirror fairings, front and rear sports DAMs, side skirts and 18" alloy wheels with five holes and glossy Antracite finish. The Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde 'Launch Edition' will be available in Alfa Red or in Competizione Red (triple coat) in addition to the exclusive matt Magnesio Grey livery.
External
Outside, the car is distinguished by a ride typical of a true sports car and by the legendary 'Quadrifoglio Verde' emblem located on the left side panel, near the direction indicator. Furthermore, a glossy 'antracite' finish for mirror fairings, front grille, door handles and fog light frames distinguish even further the new Quadrifoglio Verde within the Giulietta range.
The new version's aggressive look is highlighted by specific large exhaust tail pipes and 17'' or 18'' alloy rims that reveal the braking system 'by Brembo' with 4-piston fixed red brake calipers and discs oversized by 320 millimetres.
Interiors
Attention was paid to details and high quality materials were chosen to represent the ultimate expression of Italian style. In particular, the black sports arrangement stands out and is further enhanced by the new instruments with QV logo and by the new leather and Alcantara trim wraparound sports seats with built-in head restraints. The new moulded steering wheel with leather trim and contrasting white stitching is supplied as standard. The gearbox boot and the parking brake lever are leather coated with white and green stitching. Aluminium sport pedals, a black roof and special mats complete the new version's interiors.
Engine and transmission
After its introduction on the Alfa Romeo 4C, the range's top performing engine is now fitted on the new Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde: the new direct injection 1750 Turbo Petrol aluminium-block engine delivers 240 HP at 6000 rpm and has excellent specific torque and power values for its category, namely: 194 Nm/l and 135 HP/l. Extraordinary elasticity and sportiness are ensured by the 340 Nm max torque that remains stable between 2100 and 4000 rpm, but is already 80% available at only 1800 rpm.
The 240 HP direct injection 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.
The new 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is matched with the state-of-the-art 'Alfa TCT' 6-speed twin dry clutch transmission in a combination made of automatic transmission practicality and sequential shift responsiveness. In detail, the transmission works in either all-automatic or sequential mode. The "up and down" positions of the precise and ergonomic gear lever are managed manually by the driver, who can also choose to combine it with the "shift paddles" on the steering wheel. The driver can also customise his car's character using the Alfa DNA driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency.
Performance
With this engine, the Giulietta's flagship can exceed 240 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds, that is 2 tenths of a second less than the previous version with manual gearbox. The driving emotion is further enhanced by a roaring sound produced both by the new fuel intake unit magnifying the low frequencies and the Alfa Romeo engine typical roar.
This impressive level of performance has been achieved with minimum impact on the environment: thanks to multiple injection control and advanced anti-friction and energy loss reduction systems, the emissions of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' version meet the strict limits of Euro 6.
The top-performance emblem is thus reinterpreted with a modern touch, combining the utmost driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness for an eco-conscious and sustainable sportiness.
Standard equipment and Infotainment
On the back of these exceptional dynamic qualities and performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde comes with an unprecedented array of standard equipment. This is shown by: new leather and Alcantara trim wraparound sports seats, specific instruments with QV logo, moulded steering wheel with leather trim and white stitching, 'Quadrifoglio Verde' external logo, front headlights with dark finish, Privacy rear windows, sports suspensions, side skirts, braking system 'by Brembo', aluminium sports pedals, special mats with the Quadrifoglio Verde logo and special glossy 'antracite' finish sports elements (door mirror fairings, door handles, front grille and fog light frames).
Among the many elements added to the Giulietta starting from Model Year 2014 and then extended to the Quadrifoglio Verde version there is the new Uconnect multimedia device with 5" or 6.5" touch screen built into the dashboard. Both versions come complete with Bluetooth interface, Aux-in connector, USB port and voice commands. What's more, the 6.5" device also has a satellite navigation system with 3D bird's eye view maps, progressive route guidance and the 'One Step Voice Entry Destination' function for entering the address with voice commands. Both systems have been developed in collaboration with first-class partners: Harman and Here Auto for UConnect 6.5" and Continental for UConnect 5".
New QV Line Pack
As the Quadrifoglio Verde is launched, the 'QV Line' pack is added for the Giulietta. In this way, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' flair is also made available to the Distinctive and Exclusive trim levels fitted with other engines (with the exception of the 105 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol and the 120 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol LPG engines).
The 'QV Line' Giulietta is identified by a special external badge and by a ride typical of a true sports car, the braking system 'by Brembo', the front headlights with dark finish, the Privacy rear windows, side skirts and special glossy 'antracite' finish sports elements for door mirror fairings, door handles, front grille and fog light frames. The same sports feel can be found inside the vehicle, as shown by the black dashboard, the aluminium sports pedals, leather and Alcantara upholstery for the sports seats, the moulded steering wheel with white stitching and the kick plate with the Quadrifoglio Verde logo.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde at Nürburgring. It is the previous model but still fun to watch.
Giulietta 2014 and the new 175 HP TCT 2.0 JTDm engine
The new Quadrifoglio Verde version expands the important developments recently introduced in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Model Year 2014. These two recently redesigned models will continue to leave a mark in their respective market segments by showing that 'powerful' is not in contrast with 'efficient', 'elegant' may also be 'comfortable' and 'compact' can go together with 'fun'.
The style too has been updated, with a brand-new front grille, new chrome-plated frame for the fog lights and various 16", 17" and 18" wheels. The colour range is more extensive now with three new body colours added: Moonlight Pearl, Anodizzato Blue and Bronze. New features are also found inside, like the steering wheel and seat coatings or the treatments for dashboard, door panels and handles.
Today, depending on the individual countries where it is marketed, the 2014 Giulietta range may include 5 trim levels - Impression, Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and the new Quadrifoglio Verde - and 7 engines including, in particular, the new 150 HP 2.0 JTDM 2 engine, the 175 HP 2.0 JTDM 2 turbodiesel engine (the latter is associated to the TCT automatic transmission) and the powerful 240 HP 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, which is exclusively fitted on the Quadrifoglio Verde version. The 205 HP 1.6 JTDM turbodiesel engine, the 105 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol and the 120 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol engines together with the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir engine (the last one is also available with the Alfa TCT automatic transmission) and the 120 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol engine with dual fuel supply (LPG and petrol) complete the offer.
Among the most important 2014 range developments, there is the new 175 HP 2.0 JTDM engine associated with the Alfa TCT transmission. This solution offers the typical advantages of a turbodiesel engine as well as the comfort that an automatic transmission alone can offer. After being on sale for a few weeks, an example of the Giulietta 2.0 JTDM featuring a 175 HP TCT will be displayed for the first time in an international event on the occasion of the 84th Geneva Motor Show.
In detail, the new turbodiesel engine is equipped with a latest-generation MultiJet injection system allowing optimised combustion under all engine operating conditions while ensuring a significant reduction in fuel consumption and noise.
Using a small-sized turbocharger means delivering high torque at low rpm (350 Nm at 1750 rpm) and maximum running flexibility. And that's not all. With this engine, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees outstanding performance: top speed of 219 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, 4.4 /100 km fuel consumption and 116 g/km CO2 emissions in the combined cycle.
The main feature of the 2.0 JTDM 2 engine is without a doubt the latest-generation Common Rail injection system that uses innovative injectors able to control the amount of diesel injected into the combustion chamber with utmost precision with a particularly quick and flexible injection sequence thanks to the balanced hydraulic servo valve.
More in detail, up to eight injections per cycle are possible together with strategies that optimise the increasingly advanced combustion, such as the Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) system which involves two consecutive injections so close together in time as to generate a continuous and modulated fuel supply into the cylinders. In this way the combustion process is improved, all to the benefit of quieter operation and particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Furthermore, the new injection system is even simpler and more reliable because the injectors have a simpler structure. .
Read more:
C-Evo chassis world preview
The US Fiat 500 Abarth...How much horsepower? Try 170hp!
0 Comments:
Post a Comment