Do you remember when Alfa Romeo set impressive lap times around the fearsome Nordschleife Nürburgring circuit? We’ll forgive you if you don’t, as it seems a manufacturer notches up a new ‘Ring record every other week.
However, Alfa is suitably proud of the times it achieved with the Quadrifoglio Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon models, and is building limited edition versions of both to celebrate. Their names are almost as long as the 12.9 miles of the Nürburgring. Say hello to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING and Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Nürburgring Limited Editions.
So what do you get? Well, each comes with the exclusive ‘Circuito Grey’ matte paintwork, matched with side skirts, mirror caps, and grille inserts in carbon fibre. There is more carbon fibre inside, covering the dash, gear knob, steering wheel inserts, and the shells of the Sparco bucket seats. Leather and Alcantara covers the remainder of virtually anything not bedecked in carbon.
Being based on the Quadrifoglio models means that both Stelvio and Giulia are powered by the thumping 2.9-litre V6 Bi-turbo engine, producing 510hp and 443lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard regardless of bodystyle.
The Stelvio uses Q4 all-wheel-drive, whilst the Giulia is the choice for drifting with rear-wheel-drive. Brakes are carbon ceramic for track-ready stopping power.
Go saloon and you’ll be able to achieve 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, and a substantial top speed of 191mph. Plump for the Stelvio, and the AWD traction means 0-62mph in a quicker 3.8 seconds, but top speed is ‘just’ 176mph.
Most important of all are those Nordschleife lap times, of course. The Stelvio set a new SUV record with a time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds, whilst the four-door Giulia is even quicker at 7 minutes 32 seconds.
Just 108 examples of each NRING model will be built, and buying one gets your far more than just the car. Before the car is even delivered, lucky owners will be sent a 1:18 scale model to stare longingly at.
There are even more goodies when taking delivery. Buyers get a set of Sparco race gloves, customised jacket, an Alfa-branded sports bag, special cufflinks, and even a pair of bespoke shoes. Owners will also get the chance to attend a driving event at the Nürburgring in 2019.
Those in the UK interested in buying one of the NRING limited editions will have their chance to see them first at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Prices, and numbers of how many cars will be coming to the UK, will be confirmed nearer the time.