Alfa Romeo is rolling out new, limited-edition Giulia and Stelvio Estrema models, which might be the best high-performance sedan and SUV value-priced at under $60,000, less than competitors Porsche and BMW.
It’s the first time Alfa Romeo – now part of the Stellantis automotive group that includes Chrysler and Jeep – has offered a limited model available globally.
2023 models will be available in the third quarter of 2022, but orders are being accepted now.
Based on the top-of-the line Veloce trim, Estrema models bridge the step to the high-performance Quadrifoglio model with
- A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with best-in-class standard horsepower at 280, routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard Q4 all-wheel drive on Stelvio Estrema (optional Q4 on Giulia Estrema)
- Standard adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential
- Unique exterior and interior design include carbon fiber veneer
In addition, the Estreme models feature such conveniences as wireless charging for your devices and a dual-pane sunroof.
A Step Above Premium
Engineers started with the premium Veloce trim level and added driving dynamics technology from the high-performance Quadrifoglio model, including standard Alfa Active Suspension.
The advanced suspension technology reads the road and quickly adjusts shock valving to deliver greater handling characteristics at speed while maintaining a comfortable ride.
The control system acts according to the selected mode on the Alfa Romeo DNA performance switch in the center console.
Estrema models benefit from continuous dynamics and weight collaboration with Alfa Romeo’s F1 Team ORLEN to get the most out of Formula 1 know-how.
Safety Systems are Standard Equipment
The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio include
- Standard active cruise control,
- Active Blind-spot Assist,
- Lane Departure Warning,
- Automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning with full stop capability.
Optional lActive Assist Plus package includes:
- Driver Attention Alert
- Intelligent Speed Assist
- Highway Assist System
- Lane Keep Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Active Blind-spot Assist with braking
- Security alarm
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are shared with Giulia and Stelvio models. The Estrema adds Alfa Romeo’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system standard on the Stelvio and optional on the Giulia.
The direct-injection engine delivers best-in-class numbers for a standard powertrain with 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque. That output helps deliver quick acceleration times:
- Giulia: 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds for RWD and 5.1 seconds for AWD
- Stelvio: 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds for AWD
Additional technology the Estrema model shares with the Quadrifoglio includes a limited-slip rear differential, which distributes torque and traction during acceleration.
The Estrema exterior wears a carbon fiber veneer on the grille and mirror caps. Dark “Estrema” badging hangs on the fenders and rear.
The B-pillar and side window trim are covered in gloss black, which blends into the side windows. Alloy wheels (19-inch on Giulia Estrema, 21-inch on Stelvio Estrema) are gloss black.
An optional staggered wheel package for the Giulia Estrema adds a wider rear wheel/tire combo for enhanced vehicle dynamics and a unique appearance.
Behind the wheels, gloss black colored brake calipers are branded with Alfa Romeo script in white.
Colors and Features
The limited-edition Estrema models are available in four colors: Alfa White, Alfa Rosso (red), Misano Blue and Vulcano Black.
Estrema includes an interior that tops the range for style and sportiness. Standard leather dash, steering wheel, center armrest, shift lever and upper door panel coverings are laced with red stitching.
Carbon fiber accents, similar to the Quadrifoglio trim, cover parts of the dash, doors and center console. Black leather sport seats hold occupants in place when driving the vehicle to its capability.
Both Stelvio and Giulia also include a dual-pane sunroof that allows more natural light.
The interior is finished off with a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and wireless phone charging.
Pricing:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema RWD – $55,090
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Estrema AWD – $57,090
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Estrema AWD – $58,950
Prices exclude a destination of $1,595
Follow www.alfaromeousa.com for updates on Estrema and other premium automobiles from Alfa Romeo.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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