The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio has set the new benchmark for a production SUV at Germany’s legendary Nurburgring circuit, lapping the epic 20.76km Nordschleife in a record 7 minutes and 51.7 seconds. This new time is a full eight seconds faster than the previous production SUV record.
Italian driver Fabio Francia set the blistering lap record. He is the same driver who previously set the fastest Nurburgring track record for four-door saloons in the Giulia Quadrifoglio, with a lap time of just 7 minutes and 32 seconds.
Alfa Romeo’s first-ever production SUV, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio stands out thanks to its distinctive Italian style, advanced technology, innovative engines and excellent power-to-weight ratio. The vehicle extensively integrates lightweight, state-of-the-art materials, such as a carbon fibre driveshaft, to deliver segment-leading torsional rigidity, direct steering and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
The range-topping high-performance SUV is powered by an all-aluminum, direct-injection 2.9-litre 24-valve twin-turbo intercooled V6 engine, delivering 510bhp and 600Nm which is coupled with the Q4 all-wheel-drive system. The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with specific settings for shifting in just 150 milliseconds in Race mode.
Designed to enhance the all-new lightweight Alfa architecture, the 2.9-litre V6 features a compact 90-degree layout and was holistically designed for a low centre of gravity within the chassis.
Advanced technology features unique to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio include a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector with Race mode, torque vectoring differential, Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension, cylinder deactivation to maximise fuel efficiency, and optional Brembo CCM (carbon-ceramic material) brakes.
Also available for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio are ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre-shell Sparco racing seats, providing maximum lateral support during extreme cornering, and designed to be the lightest in the segment while providing comfort for long road trips.
Check out another fast and powerful SUV, Jeep’s 707bhp Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
