I grew up in a large family by today’s standards, my parents in even larger ones. Often, genius runs in families. We see this in the Olympic athletes that are second or third generation and as talented or more than their parents or grandparents. Whether nature or nurture or both has shaped us, it shows up in what we become.
When Fiat and Chrysler merged in 2014 to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) the Italian and the American came together as one and the ensuing plethora of children resulting from the union ensued. Abarath, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati and Ram Trucks blended like the Brady Bunch.
I was especially taken with two of the siblings at the Chicago Auto Show just a couple of weeks ago. While cruising the Concept and Technology Garage, formulated for the media to get a head start on the show by getting up close and personal with both the cars and their product specialists, I was stunned by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio sitting before me in Alfa Rosso. Starting at $41,995 and $37,995 respectively, the Stelvio, like the Giulia, have entered their classes by storm.
Photos by Jules Stayton
Four trims complete the Stelvio lineup: base AWD, sport AWD, Ti AWD and Ti Sport AWD. One might also choose the Lusso package on the Ti for those wanting luxurious touches and Lusso-exclusive light walnut accents in the cabin. The race-inspired Quadrifoglio bumps up the horsepower, handling and price ($79,995 plus a $1,595 destination fee) but still boasts the Q4 AWD system. Whether it’s the Quadrifoglio’s 505 horsepower or the 280 horsepower yielded from the Stelvio it’s balanced 50/50 weight distribution manages the eight-speed transmission nicely with available steering column-mounted paddle shifters. The Stelvio is the consummate Italian as it is produced at the Cassino plant in Frosinone, Italy.
Berj Alexanian, my product specialist, was eager to have me set eyes on the Giulia Quadrifoglio as well after we took our walk around the Stelvio drooling all the way. I remember first setting eyes on the Giulia in 2016 at the Chicago Auto Show. Jules needs a Giulia I thought…
Photo by Jules Stayton
I still think that today…Jules needs a Giulia Quadrifoglio! The “halo” would look great in my driveway. I would have to settle for the show floor to visit with my future this day.
I guess Jules knows how to pick em’.
Praise overflows for the Giulia in the form of Motor Trend Car of the Year®, Car and Driver’s 10 best, and most recently the Best New Luxury Compact Car Award from Good Housekeeping Magazine in cooperation with Car and Driver.
The Giulia’s all-aluminum 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo with an eight speed automatic transmission is a class leader with 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft. of torque charting it’s zero-60 in 5.1 seconds at its top speed of 149 mph. Should the Quadrifoglio’s motor sport DNA be in your future like mine, 505 horsepower screams 3.8 seconds in zero-60 mph.
Photos by Jules Stayton
The Chicago Auto Show was the perfect setting for FCA to showcase this branch of the bunch. The Stelvio and the Giulia, each with its own praise and slot in the market that even Alice would approve.
Large or small, blended families don’t always find harmony as FCA has…hopefully it will last.
At least everyone played nice at CAS, making their parents proud…
julesonwheelz
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