Alfa Romeo Reimagines Classic Icons: The 2014 MiTo and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde
The heritage-rich, Italian automaker Alfa Romeo has rekindled its legendary Quadrifoglio Verde (four-leaf clover) emblem with the unveiling of two spruced-up variants - the MiTo and Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. First revealed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, these high-performing models are now ready to hit the European markets, offering a harmonious blend of power, style, and 'pure Alfa Romeo' technology.
The Legacy of Quadrifoglio Verde
The 'Quadrifoglio Verde', a symbol dating back to 1923, has long been a trademark of Alfa Romeo's highest-performing vehicles. It was first sported on the 'RL' model, a victorious contender at the 14th edition of the Targa Florio, and subsequently found its way onto a series of road-going performance Alfas. With the 2014 MiTo and Giulietta, Alfa Romeo extends this celebrated tradition, translating its brand's DNA into the modern era.
Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde: A Dynamic Force in the Compact Segment
The MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is a sporty, compact automobile that encompasses Italian style, and aims to cater to the needs of European customers who value technical excellence and driving satisfaction. With its unique blend of performance and style, it's evident that Alfa Romeo intends the MiTo to stand out in the compact car segment.
Design: A Blend of Sport and Elegance
The MiTo's external style is one of aggressive sportiness, distinguished by a rear spoiler, sports bumper, and a matte Magnesio Grey body that highlights the Quadrifoglio Verde logo. The interior continues this sporty theme, with a moulded leather steering wheel, new instrument cluster, and a 'carbon look' dashboard.
Engine and Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
The 2014 MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde is powered by a new 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine that offers 170 HP at 5500 rpm, and is mated to a 6-speed Alfa TCT double dry clutch. The car’s standout feature is its weight-to-power ratio, a characteristic that has long played a part in Alfa Romeo's success. Fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, as well as an Alfa Romeo trademark – the distinctive engine sound, combine to make the MiTo a robust, yet responsible performer.
Features: Cutting-Edge Comfort and Infotainment
The new MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde doesn't skimp on features either, with a comprehensive range of standard equipment. Highlights include an updated instrument panel, moulded sports steering wheel, fog lights, braking system by Brembo, and a host of aesthetic enhancements. Additionally, the car offers the new Uconnect system with a 5" color touchscreen as standard, further establishing the MiTo as a technologically advanced vehicle.
A plethora of optional features such as Sabelt seats with a wraparound carbon fibre backrest, Frau® leather seats, and a new Matt Grey colour option, among others, ensure the new MiTo can be customized to a buyer's preference.
Detailed Look at the QV Line Pack
Enhancing the charm of the vehicle, the 'QV Line' pack comes with a new black leather-coated steering wheel with white stitching. Furthermore, it introduces a black leather coating for the parking brake, gear lever knob, and boot - each uniquely accented with white and green stitching. Customer options are broad, extending to three different seat types – each adorned with white and green stitching, and reflecting the vehicle's interior mood. Seat choices range from standard black fabric sporting the Alfa Romeo logo to an exquisite Frau leather coating, and even a sporty carbon-fibre shell by Sabelt.
The 2014 MiTo Range: A Blend of Style and Performance
The 2014 Alfa Romeo MiTo range presents itself as an attractive proposition for young Alfa enthusiasts who desire a unique, technologically advanced sports car that doesn’t skimp on safety, all at a reasonable price. The model's focus on fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and compact size also appeals to a mature clientele who appreciate the trending downsizing movement in the auto industry.
On offer are a variety of engine options ranging from the 70 HP 1.4, the new 105 HP 0.9 Turbo TwinAir, to the top-of-the-range 170 HP 1.4 Turbo Petrol MultiAir engine with 'Alfa TCT'. Complimenting the petrol engine options are two turbo diesel engines (85 HP 1.3 JTDM and 120 HP 1.6 JTDM) and a 120 HP 1.4 Turbo bi-fuel engine (petrol/LPG) that presents a blend of sportiness and environmental friendliness.
Quadrifoglio Verde: Alfa Romeo's Racing Heritage
It's vital to note that the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' (Green Four-Leaf Clover) symbol has been a signature of Alfa Romeo's racing heritage since 1923. It first debuted on the bonnet of Ugo Sivocci's 'RL' during the Targa Florio race, marking the beginning of Alfa's ten victories in the prestigious competition. This symbol subsequently became an emblem for all of Alfa Romeo's race cars and special series production models, signifying the continuity between Alfa's touring cars and those built for competition.
Over the years, several standard production Alfa Romeos, particularly high-performance models produced between the 1960s and the 1980s, have carried the 'Quadrifoglio Verde'. These models, such as the 'Alfasud TI Quadrifoglio Verde', 'Sprint Quadrifoglio Verde', and '75 Quadrifoglio Verde', showcased the brand's commitment to delivering high-performance vehicles imbued with Alfa Romeo's racing spirit.
In 2009, the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' made its comeback on the MiTo, and a year later on the Giulietta. Today, it appears on the new 2014 models, bridging Alfa Romeo's illustrious past with the innovative present, all while stoking the fires of automobile enthusiasts across the globe.
Continuing the Quadrifoglio Journey
With the introduction of the 2014 models bearing the legendary 'Quadrifoglio Verde' symbol, Alfa Romeo is reigniting the authentic passion that has resonated with millions of its fans worldwide. This passion, which lies at the heart of the brand's identity, has been instrumental in authoring some of the most significant chapters in the history of the automobile industry.
-Ed
2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde
