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Alfa Romeo turns 100 by debuting updated Giulia QV and Stelvio Q
Only 100 anniversary models apiece will be made, but with more power albeit only for buyers in Europe and China.
Similar to the standard Giulia, the QV receives new Matrix LED headlights, but also a more dramatic restyled front bumper. Image: Alfa Romeo
Having last year debuted the unofficially titled ‘series II’ version of the Giulia and Stelvio, Alfa Romeo has applied the same range of exterior and interior changes to the respective Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) and Stelvio Quadrifoglio flagship models, albeit with a subtle twist.
Potentially the last updates the current models will receive as the next generations will become solely electric after 2027, the showcased versions also celebrates Alfa Romeo’s 100th anniversary this year with the inclusion of unique touches not offered on the “standard” QV or Quadrifoglio.
What has changed
Building on the exterior changes applied to the respective four-cylinder variants, both the Giulia QV and Stelvio Quadrifoglio additionally boast carbon fibre mirror caps and carbon grille inserts, along with what Alfa Romeo calls burnished alloy wheels measuring 19-inches on the former and 21-inches on the latter.
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As part of the 100th anniversary touches, the green four-leaf clover badge on the front wings have been redesigned to include a gold outer edge inscribed with 1923-2023, while the brake calipers now feature a gold finish.
In total, only three colours have been allocated for both models; the familiar red known as Rosso Etna, black, or Nero Vulcano in Alfa-speak and the Verde Montreal green that became available at the first revision in 2020.
Subtle interior changes
Inside, the main change brought from the 2.0-litre Giulia and Stelvio is the new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and nothing else.
Again though, the anniversary touches sets the interior apart from the standard Giulia QV and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and comprises real carbon fibre inserts on the doors, centre console and instrument panel, a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with carbon inserts and a black leather finished dashboard complete with gold pinstriping and an embroidered 100 logo plus a new Quadrifoglio logo on the passenger’s side.
Powered-up but…
On the power front, the 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 engine has been uprated, but only for Europe and China with an eight kilowatt power hike from 375 kW to 383 kW.
Although no additional torque has been extracted from the engine, meaning 600 Nm regardless of where sales takes place, the mechanical self-locking differential from the limited-run Giulia GTA has been added to the European and Chinese model’s spec sheet, along with an Akrapovič exhaust system.
As before, the only transmission available is the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic that sends the amount of grunt to the rear wheels in the Giulia QV and to all four in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
Despite no performance figures for the upgraded models being revealed, expect the 375 kW versions to continue as is with a top speed of 307 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds for the Giulia QV, and a v-max of 283 km/h for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio Alfa Romeo says will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.
South Africa waits
Now available for ordering, the standard Giulia QV and Stelvio Quadrifoglio will both be sold without a specified amount, whereas only 100 examples apiece of the anniversary models will be offered.
For now, neither of the quartet are destined for South Africa as Alfa Romeo parent company, Stellantis, hasn’t yet confirmed availability of the regular four-cylinder variants after debuting the series I updates two months before the series II premiered.
However, expect an announcement pertaining to the latter to be made at some stage this year, with the same applying to the Giulia QV and Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
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