Alfa Romeo is embracing its sporting heritage with Giulia and Stelvio Estrema editions, which bridge the gap between mainstream variants and their high-performance Quadrifoglio counterparts. Available worldwide, the Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema are based on the Veloce trim but benefit from features from the range-topping Quadrifoglio. Among the upgrades are a limited-slip rear differential and an active suspension, which “reads the road and quickly adjusts shock valving to deliver greater handling characteristics at speed while maintaining a comfortable ride.”

Their sporting nature is evident from the outside thanks to a carbon fiber veneer that has been applied to the grille and mirror caps. Elsewhere, designers installed gloss black trim, dark “Estrema” badging, and gloss black brake calipers with a white Alfa Romeo script. The dark treatment extends to the wheels as gloss black 19-inchers are found on the Giulia Estrema, while the Stelvio Estrema rides on larger 21-inch units. However, the Giulia will be offered with an optional staggered wheel package that adds a “wider rear wheel/tire combo for enhanced vehicle dynamics and a unique appearance.”

 

In terms of colors, customers can fully embrace the dark aesthetic and order their Estrema edition in Vulcano Black. Buyers looking for something less sinister can opt for Alfa Rosso, Alfa White or Misano Blue. The sporting theme is echoed in the cabin, thanks to carbon fiber accents that recall those found in Quadrifoglio variants. They’re joined by black leather sport seats, a leather-wrapped dash, and red contrast stitching. Other highlights include a dual-pane sunroof, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Speaking of equipment, both models come with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Active Cruise Control, Active Blind-Spot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Customers can also upgrade to an optional Active Assist Plus package that adds Highway Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition. The package also includes Driver Attention Alert, Intelligent Speed Assist, and Active Blind-Spot Assist with Braking.

 

Unfortunately, the Quadrifoglio-inspired upgrades don’t extend to the engine compartment as the Estrema editions are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 280 hp and 414 Nm of torque. While that’s significantly less than the Quadrifoglio’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, it enables the Giulia Estrema to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in as little as 5.1 seconds when equipped with the optional all-wheel drive system. The Stelvio Estrema, on the other hand, comes standard with all-wheel drive and can hit 96 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

In the United States, Alfa Romeo is currently accepting orders and the special editions should arrive at dealerships in the third quarter. Pricing starts at US$ 55,090 for the Giulia Estrema and US$ 58,950 for the Stelvio Estrema, both excluding a destination charge of US$ 1,595.