Alfa Romeo Built an Ultra-Rare Giulia Quadrifoglio With Five Times More Downforce
Perhaps Alfa Romeo and Maserati shouldn’t work together. A few weeks ago, the two famed Italian brands joined forces to launch the Bottegafuoriserie project, intended to “combine the core competencies of both brands in the areas of design, development, and manufacturing,” including the creation of limited-edition models, and their first such project is this, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ‘Luna Rossa,’ Italian for ‘red moon.’ The special edition will be limited to just 10 examples worldwide, making it rarer than the GTAm (500 units) and second only to the one-off Giulia SWB, which was built by Zagato. This means very few people will ever subject their eyes to the visual assault that comes with a car inspired by boat racing. Unfortunately, it’s also slower than the sports sedan it’s based upon, so those who do lay eyes on it will have to do so for longer.
Aerodynamic Elements Fit for a Sailboat
The Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa was revealed at the Brussels Motor Show, although its tacked-on appendages mean it would look right at home at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The Bottegafuoriserie team collaborated with the Italian America’s Cup team Luna Rossa, hence the name, and the car they’ve joined forces to create boasts numerous carbon fiber add-ons that promise improved aerodynamic performance. Guide vanes on the sides of the front bumper reduce front-end lift, generating 40% of the total downforce, while two elements added to the underbody accelerate the air under the car, with carbon fiber side skirt extensions contributing to additional ground effect downforce.
On the trunk, a two-piece rear wing is inspired by the foils of the Luna Rossa watercraft, with a design flipped 180 degrees compared to the boat to create additional downforce rather than reduce hydrodynamic drag. In total, Alfa Romeo claims approximately 140 kilograms (308.6 lbs) of downforce, roughly five times more than a regular Giulia Quadrifoglio. For the record, the highly desirable GTAm generates up to 661 lbs.
Luna Rossa Is Slower Than a Regular Giulia Quadrifoglio
All of that downforce means it’s more difficult for the Luna Rossa to scythe through the air, bringing its top speed down to 186 mph, roughly 4 mph less than a regular Giulia Quadrifoglio. To be fair, the ultra-focused Giulia GTAm also tops out at the 186-mph mark, though that car has more power than this; the GTAm makes 533 horsepower, and the Luna Rossa edition matches the car it’s based on with 513 ponies. But owners will have plenty to talk about besides power, like the hand-painted body. This is finished in grey, with “some vehicles” getting a black hood, roof, and trunk lid. Without the black, the car would arguably be prettier, especially since the roof is made of carbon fiber, like the front emblem and mirror caps.
Other highlights include red side stripes and Luna Rossa lettering, red Alfa Romeo badges (a first for the brand), and red-painted 19-inch wheels, mimicking a red moon. Inside, the Sparco seats get reupholstered with materials and graphics inspired by the life jackets worn by the crew of the racing yacht, and the dashboard trim features an ultra-thin film made of the same material as the boat’s sail. Finally, more carbon is scattered around the cabin, and the center console and seat shells get Luna Rossa logos. All 10 are sold out, but this won’t be the last time the Bottegafuoriserie team creates a limited-run model. Hopefully, the next one will be more elegant, as befits an Italian design house.
