2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Claims World’s Fastest Production SUV Crown

In case you missed it, in late September the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio claimed the title of the world’s fastest production SUV as it set a new benchmark lap time at Germany’s legendary Nurburgring. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio lapped the 20.7 KM Nordscleife in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds which is a full eight seconds faster than the previous production SUV record. The record was established by Fabio Francia who is the same Alfa Romeo driver who set the track record for the fastest four-door sedan in the world with the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Under the hood of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is an all-aluminum, direct-injection 2.9L twin-turbo engine that pushes out an impressive 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque and a standard Q4 all-wheel drive system. The engine features a compact 90-degree layout and was designed for a low centre of gravity within the chassis to provide better handling. Additionally the SUV also features a class-exclusive carbon fibre driveshaft and the most direct steering available. Other advanced technology features unique to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio include a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector with Race mode, torque vectoring control, adaptive suspension, and cylinder deactivation. Ultra-high performance options for the SUV include ultra-lightweight carbon fibre sheel Sparco racing seats and a Brembo carbon-ceramic material brake system.