Hey, it's not the first time. It doesn't matter.
The test drive venue is Shanghai Tianma circuit, which is also one of the earliest circuits in China. The total length of the track is 2.063km, and the designed top speed is 200 km/h. It is built according to F3 standard, which is quite fun for most mass-produced passenger cars.
The test drive models are all Alfa Romeo models sold in China: Giulia, Giulia four-leaf clover version, stelvio and stelvio four-leaf clover version. The model is relatively simple, a medium-sized car, a medium-sized SUV and their respective four-leaf clover versions.
Briefly talk about the "hardware" of these four cars. Julia and stelvio have the same engine and gearbox, and the adjustment parameters are the same. This 2.0T? L4？ Multiair all-aluminum direct injection turbocharged engine can bring the highest output power of 206kW(280Ps)/5250rpm, and the peak torque is also 400n·m, which matches the ZF 8AT gearbox with the best comprehensive performance on the market at present.
Most importantly, Giulia and stelvio have adopted many lightweight designs, which are almost not just about the cost: carbon fiber transmission shafts are standard in all systems, and the engine and suspension are also made of a lot of aluminum, and the engine hatch cover and luggage compartment door are also made of aluminum, which is unique in the same class. Open the hatch cover of Giulia or stelvio, you can find that the whole engine is behind the front axle, and the double wishbone structure of the semi-virtual steering shaft in the front (patented technology of Alfa Romeo) leaves enough space, and the vehicle counterweight is close to 50: 50.
In addition, Giulia has all rear-drive systems, while stelvio has all Q4 intelligent four-wheel drive systems, which are full-time four-wheel drive systems. The front and rear axle torque is controlled by ECU and equipped with an active transfer case (ATC), which can complete the front and rear torque distribution within 65,438+000 milliseconds. Of course, all of the above are "formalism". Let's get off track and look at the real chapter.
Select D (sport) mode, start at full throttle, and the engine and gearbox will be tensed instantly. The rotation speed is always above 4000 rpm, and the maximum horsepower can reach 280 horses. The shifting speed of the gearbox is extremely sharp. With the slight impact of gear shifting, the whole acceleration process is quite rhythmic, and soon the first corner is ushered in.
When I used to drive Giulia, I was impressed by its sensitive steering. This front suspension structure has not been affected in stelvio. Although it looks a little cute outside, there is a blade-like steering feeling when driving into the track. It is stable in a straight line, accurate after turning, and the steering is more suitable for track driving than the same level. The disadvantage is similar to Giulia's, that is, the steering feeling is too light and the road feeling is less transmitted in the extreme driving state, but this setting is completely understandable. Although the handling is very good, it is not an ultimate performance car.
The SUV has a high center of gravity? Bloated? These words have nothing to do with stelvio. After the front axle plunged into the corner, the rear tracking was particularly good, and bending center seemed to suck the car body in like gravity. In fact, the stiffness of the suspension is not high. As an SUV, the distance is still longer than that of Giulia, but in fact, the control of its body posture on the track is much better than I expected. Facing the undulating shoulder, the tire has been able to maintain good ground adhesion, so that you will not lose grip.
The gearbox is still very powerful when the oil is supplied in the corner. 280 horsepower is actually not big, but it won't give you the feeling of being ignored at all. The power connection is direct enough, and the rear axle is equipped with a limited slip differential like Giulia. However, it is a little uncomfortable that ESC, like Giulia, can't be closed, and occasionally it will jump out to stop some of your actions, which is easy to stall.
In addition, its Q4 four-wheel drive is also quite special in characteristics. Based on the vertical rear-wheel drive platform, the torque distribution is more inclined to rear-wheel drive. In most cases, it is a rear-wheel drive state, and the handling feeling is similar to that of rear-wheel drive models. Only when the system detects that the rear wheel slips, Q4 intelligent four-wheel drive system will send up to 50% of the torque to the front wheel to realize all-wheel drive.
No matter from the chassis, power or steering dimension, stelvio has refreshed my impression of SUV control. This guy looks like an SUV and really drives like a sports car. Compared with other things, I think stelvio is much better than the BMW X3, which is famous for its sports at the same level. At the junction of Italy and Switzerland, there is a winding mountain road in the Alps, which is very thrilling. It's called Passo? dello？ Stelvio, the name Alfa Romeo stelvio also came from this. After this test drive experience, its overall performance can be said to be a veritable stelvio.
In addition, I also gave Giulia a short try. It's still the kind of accurate feeling of cornering and flexible body response, which reminds me of the feeling of trying for the first time three years ago. But what is different now is that Giulia replaced the previous set of four-season tires and became the P7 slave of Pirelli. The grip has been significantly improved and the driving pleasure has been further improved. Although ESC can't be completely closed, in the eyes of Italian engineers, it has had enough fun under the protection of electronic control, so don't break the taboo easily.
I left more time for this four-leaf clover version of stelvio. After all, it is a real beast, and even the tianmashan circuit is a bit difficult for it. Moreover, in order to test drive safely, the organizer banned the competition mode, but even so, I still maintain awe of it. After all, pure Italian passion is not so easy to control. ...
It is worth mentioning that both Giulia and stelvio develop high-performance four-leaf clover models first, and then develop civilian models on the basis of high-performance versions, which is also the fine tradition of Alfa Romeo brand. The advantage is that the civilian version of the car can have a strong foundation from the bones, such as body structure, engine compartment space, heat dissipation specifications and so on. The engine is 2.9T? The maximum horsepower of V-type six-cylinder turbocharged engine is 565,438+00 horsepower, which is completely surplus in most cases. With this 2.9T, the four-leaf clover version of Giulia and stelvio can easily accelerate from 100 kilometers to less than 4 seconds. In the actual experience, because some straight roads are blocked, the treble has not been enjoyed enough, and the brake pedal is pressed instantly at the next corner. The powerful six-piston caliper only keeps the brake disc, and the brake pedal stroke is short. Powerful braking performance instantly brings a feeling of hitting the wall. After entering the corner, I will always be alert to the movement under my feet. If it is not delicate, the rear of the car will start to become unstable, and I will feel its wildness the first time I get started.
The 2.9T cylinder failed to make its front half as heavy, and it still felt light and agile. The steering wheel and the front of the car are almost in a state of synchronous reaction, especially on the track, the driver must always maintain a high degree of concentration. In fact, I also suggest that you try these "beast" models in a safe situation. After the experience, you will find that serious driving is a sport, which tests your physical strength and reaction ability, surging horsepower and explosive braking performance, and also makes you deeply feel the importance of seat belts. ......
Alfa Romeo, as a pure Italian brand, has numerous famous models. Although only four cars, Giulia and stelvio, and their respective high-performance versions * * *, were introduced in China, each Alfa Romeo was endowed with a pure and surging driving experience and brought pure and surging driving passion to China customers with precise and powerful performance adjustment and inherent track genes.
Although I praise their driving performance, you don't have to be too extreme about Julia and stelvio. The comfort and practicality of daily driving are quite good. In the same class, Giulia and stelvio are definitely the best in handling, but they can't compare with some pure performance cars. Overall, it is still a luxury medium-sized car and a luxury medium-sized SUV. On the other hand, the space is short, because they are all standard models, and the sense of luxury is not very good, but these are all flashy. Believe me, you will love them with great probability after driving.
This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.