The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is one such thoroughbred. It boasts 505 horsepower from its sizzling twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6, serves up keen handling, and is draped in gorgeous sheetmetal that turns heads no matter what color it's painted. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be an Alfa without a checkered history for reliability something we experienced when we had one for an extended 40,000-mile long-term test. But to diehard drivers, the Giulia's performance and extroverted personality are worth any service headaches. There are other fun-to-drive sports sedans with better reputations, such as the BMW M3, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, and the Mercedes-Benz C63, but the Giulia QF can go wheel to wheel with any of them and it always feels fully alive and vibrant, no matter what kind of road you're on or how fast you're going.
Engine
With its rhapsodic twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and a well-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission, the rear-drive-only Giulia Quadrifoglio is a riot to pilot. The Italian-built, Ferrari-derived engine produces 505 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque, and a spine-tingling timbre that shames most rivals. Too bad a manual transmission isn't available. We're also sad to report that Alfa Romeo lives up to its reputation for unreliability, with our long-termer exhibiting several mechanical glitches. The Giulia's engine contains its excitement when cruising at low rpm and in top gear. Applying the throttle below 3000 rpm results in merely a hint of hesitation, but then the turbos spool up and power builds in a whirlwind of acceleration and a ripping exhaust note. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is decisive and quick to swap gears in the sportier drive modes, and the Giulia's supple chassis is a willing partner in high-spirited hijinks. The Alfa shines on track and handles daily driving well, with perfect damping and notable isolation from harsh impacts. The zestier driving modes don't compromise ride quality, either.
Price
Giulia Quadrifoglio $81,855
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