A lot of today's younger generation might not know this, but there was a time when Alfa Romeo->ke1386 was as esteemed as any automaker in the world. It's got a treasure trove of history to its name, not the least of which is the Quadrifoglio Verde, the green clover leaf emblem that has been around since 1923.

Recently, Alfa Romeo brought back the Quadrifoglio Verde to distinguish what the top-of-the-line models of the MiTo->ke3111 and Giulietta will be henceforth be called. Similar to the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works and the Ford Focus ST, the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio was presented at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228.

You don't need to be adept at knowing Alfa's history to know that the new iteration of the Giulietta QV is about as enticing a model the company has produced in recent memory not called the 4C->ke3773. So with all these gushing words, the question on whether the Giulietta QV is coming stateside becomes all the more important.

Here's a message to Alfa Romeo: bring it here!

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Alfa Romeo Giulietta 'Quadrifoglio Verde'

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240 @ 6000
  • Torque: 250 @ 4000
  • Transmission: ALFA TCT six-speed, twin dry-clutch
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Given how much pub the Giulietta QV received in its time at the Geneva Motor Show, it's important to note that the exterior of the car didn't receive a whole lot of changes except for the new matte Magnesio Grey body color. Don't get us wrong, this new paint finish is to die for, and the limited nature of its shade - only 500 models will be built with this color - certainly gives more exclusivity to the Giulietta QV.

In the event you're not lucky enough to scoop up the Magnesio Grey Giulietta QV, you can still take comfort knowing that the top-of-the-line Giulietta is also available in Alfa Red and triple coat Competizione Red.

Interior

The smartly-designed interior of the Giulietta is retained for the QV line, which is to say that the new details on the 2014 model are still there. The new door panel and handlem and new inserts on the center console and dashboard, comes with a uniform scratch-proof paint. Likewise, the new seats and steering wheel are also there, although for the QV line, the material has been upgraded in black leather and Alcantara with contrast stitching

The same Magnesio Grey color of the body was also used on the cabin, offering a nice balance of shade with the black leather upholstery. Oh, and the QV logo is also in the cabin while the carbon finish on the dashboard and the special new mats round out the cabin upgrades for the Giulietta QV.

Drivetrain

The latest five-door Giulietta QV carries a 1.75-liter, turbocharged inline-four engine that develops a stout 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, monster numbers for a car of its size. It's also mated to a six-speed DCT transmission with a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds to go with a top speed of 150 mph so you know that the Giuleitta QV is more than just a cosmetic hatch. It's also a performance brute in every sense of the word.

2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta 'Quadrifoglio Verde' - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

1750 CC, 4-Cylinder Turbocharged

Output (HP @ RPM)

240 @ 6,000

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

250 @ 4,000

Transmission

ALFA TCT six-speed, twin dry-clutch

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

6.6 Sec


Price

The Alfa Romeo 'Quadrifoglio Verde' will be available on the market beginning in May 2014. No price has been specified but give its performance credentials, that figure could reach about $35,000.

Competition

Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

The standard bearer among European hatchbacks, at least as far as popularity is concerned, is the Mini Cooper. It has been for a while, although an increasingly competitive market has given way for cars like the Giulietta to make up some ground.

But with the Giulietta QV packing those ponies, a standard Cooper won't cut it anymore. That's where the Cooper JCW comes into the picture. The 2015 Cooper JCW has yet to be revealed but we already know that it's coming with the Cooper's new look with some added sporting components added into the mix.

There are also a lot of expectations about the new Cooper JCW, particularly rumors that this is going to be the most powerful Mini ever with an uprated version of the hatchback's four-cylinder developing around 230 horsepower. If that number proves to be legit, the Giulietta QV will soon have a reason to sweat.

Ford Focus ST

Alfa Romeo's impending arrival in the US will only mean one thing for the Giulietta QV. Should it come with the 4C and invade American soil, the Giulietta QV won't likely get a welcoming party from the Ford Focus ST, the most prominent American-built competitor for the Italian sport hatch.

But the Focus ST shouldn't have any reason to be worried, at least not yet.

For one, it still looks like a winner, thanks to the deep body kit, redesigned bumpers and fascias, a big wheel package, a vented rear spoiler, and, believe it or not, a Star Wars-inspired rear exhaust pipe. On top of that, the Cofus ST's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, allowing the car to hit 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds to go with a top speed of around 154 mph.

Conclusion

If the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde was in front of us and we had to choose between that and the Ford Focus ST, it would probably take us less than three seconds to slide over and give the Alfa a hug. But therein lies the problem, because the Focus ST is already readily available and the Giulietta QV is, well, we don't even know if its coming here.

We're crossing our fingers, though, because if Alfa really wants a presence in the US, it's going to have to do so with more than just offering the 4C.

Again, Alfa. Bring it here!