New Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport is 520-hp tribute to Mille Miglia domination

Alfa’s Giulia QV was already a formidable track weapon, but that hasn’t stopped them upping the heat with an even fierier Super Sport special. What’s this ultra-limited-edition Giulia hiding behind that sinister styling?

Few brands are as steeped in racing heritage as Milan’s own, Alfa Romeo. Bagging their first podiums in the Millie Miglia before Enzo Ferrari had even founded his company (you might have heard of it), Alfa’s success in 1920s road racing saw an unparalleled 11 victories. And the car that sparked it all? That would be the 6C 1500 Super Sport, of course.  

Boasting a highly impressive (for the time) top speed of 96 mph, the original Super Sport was a force to be reckoned with. Therefore, it’s only right that its modern successor ups the ante. At 520 hp, the new Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport is over five times more powerful than the original bona fide racing car – and with significantly better aero to boot.  

Then there’s the mechanical limited slip differential with tuning derived from the exclusive and hardcore Giulia GTA. When paired with standard Pirelli P Zero tyres, “extremely direct steering”, and a perfect weight balance, the new Super Sport should trouble track-ready BMW M3s on circuits across the globe.

Fast Alfa’s are about much more than outright performance, though. Sure, it’s cliché, but the brand’s greatest hits are famed for an innate ability to get under your skin long after the horsepower has lost its shock factor. The new Super Sport should be no different.  

A standard Akrapovic exhaust not only looks the business with its quad-exit carbon tips, but also promises to enhance the V6’s already baleful howl – guaranteeing a sense of occasion with each stab of the throttle. While visual additions including the liberal use of exposed carbon, metallic Vulcano Black paint, and adaptive Full-LED matrix lights, ensure the styling matches the aggressive soundtrack.  

Inside, the Super Sport-exclusive 3D carbon finish with red weave, and 12.3-inch TFT screen, would seem otherworldly to pilots of the original 6C 1500. Although, the historical cannocchiale-style instrument binnacle might feel odly familiar.

It’s not just the Giulia that’s getting the Super Sport treatment, either. A tiny cohort of Stelvio fans will also enjoy a similarly stealthy performance upgrade. Although, whether you opt for the SUV or Saloon, you’ll pay through the nose for it. Prices for the Giulia start at £82,815, or a significantly higher £91,835 for the Stelvio. And that’s assuming you can get your hands on one: just 275 saloons and 175 SUVs will find homes worldwide.  

Clearly, the original Super Sport racer and its road-going reincarnation come from different worlds. But we think Alfa’s attempt to foster a link between its storied motorsport roots and its modern road cars, is a smart one. Afterall, as numerous retro-inspired specials have proven: history smells, nostalgia sells… 

Would the limited-run Giulia Super Sport tempt you away from BMW’s latest M3 CS? Tell us your favourite specialised sports saloons. 

Hero image credit:  Alfa Romeo