Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio: The unique story behind an enduring symbol of performance

Fine Italian craftsmanship, combined with a proud 114-year racing pedigree, create an exceptional driving experience.

This article was produced in partnership with Alfa Romeo.

The Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio takes its name from the Italian word for four-leaf clover, the ultimate symbol of good luck. Every vehicle with this famous name also bears the symbol of a green four-leaf clover. But it would be wrong to put its success down as some fluke of chance.

Instead, the Quadrifoglio represents the intersection of modernity and tradition, where passion, performance and Italian craftsmanship combine. It’s a mindset as much as it is a design – vehicles that are always on the side of those who dare. 

In the Giulia Quadrifoglio and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio motorists can feel the spirit of the daring motorists of years past and experience a rich racing pedigree cultivated over more than 114 years. 

Flying start

The Quadrifoglio’s story can be traced back to the mountains of Sicily, the setting of the legendary Targa Florio endurance race. Founded in 1906, the race was essentially a tour of the island. Winding bends and hairpin turns led to many considering it one of the toughest courses in Europe. 

Ugo Sivocci was one of the drivers competing in the Targa Florio in 1923. The Italian was considered a talented technician who could use a bit of luck, always falling short of first place. But that was about to change.

That year, Sivocci competed in an Alfa Romeo RL, the first sports car released by the automotive manufacturer after World War I. In many ways, the RL served as a predecessor to Alfa Romeo’s modern vehicles, with a longitudinal engine capable of maximum speeds of up to 157km/h. And there was something else that set Sivocci’s vehicle apart from the competition. 

Sivocci had taken luck into his own hands, painting a four-leaf clover within a white diamond on the side of his vehicle. It was a bold move from the daring spirit, and luck was with the Italian, as he finally crossed the line first. Tragically, Sivocci would lose his life that same year, in a vehicle that didn’t bear the four-leaf clover.

Today, the mark of the four-leaf clover remains on the Quadrifoglio as a homage to Sivocci, painted onto each vehicle within a triangle, with one diamond point removed to signify his passing. 

The mark is also a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s other original drivers – Antonio Ascari, Giuseppe Campari and Enzo Ferrari. Each driver left an indelible mark on the history of motor racing from Ascari’s thrilling victories to Campari’s many talents – he also dabbled in opera singing – and of course Ferrari’s profound impact on the motorsport world. 

Racing pedigree 

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio are the latest inheritors of the four-leaf clover logo, manifesting the brand’s racing spirit in a sleek sedan and a powerful SUV. 

Both vehicles are powered by 2.9 litre twin-turbo V6 engines, capable of 385kW power, with eight-speed automatic transmission and manual shift offering total control. The use of lightweight materials and a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution makes handling a dream. And both vehicles are capable of zero to 100km/h in less than four seconds (3.9 seconds for the Giulia and 3.8 seconds for the Stelvio). 

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a daring alternative to other European automotive brands on the super saloon or sports sedan, retaining the spirit of the race track with soul and a story. It’s also the first sedan to feature an active front aero splitter, a carbon fibre structure that controls airflow beneath the vehicle for improved stability. 

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio shares many of the qualities that make the Giulia a joy to handle, with some added practical touches such as more storage space, flexible seating options, a slightly higher clearance and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for challenging conditions. 

The most important thing is how these vehicles drive, and the Giulia and Stelvio both retain Alfa Romeo’s bold and daring attitude – the same attitude Sivocci exhibited when painting the four-leaf clover onto his Alfa Romeo RL. These are vehicles that capture attention and embody a fearless spirit. 

Bright future 

A commitment to releasing a new model every year will see the brand continue to innovate with the same passion and daring spirit as the icons who made Alfa Romeo a brand for the true romantics. Alfa Romeo unveiled the 33 Stradale in 2023, a modern supercar taking inspiration from the 1967 classic. And Alfa Romeo looks set to release its first 100 per cent electric vehicle in Australia in 2025. 

Many automotive brands carry a performance-related badge, but none has a story like Alfa Romeo. As future Quadrifoglio vehicles take to the street, bearing the same four-leaf clover displayed on Sivocci’s vehicle so many years ago, one thing remains clear – Alfa Romeo’s enduring success is more than a stroke of luck.

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The Quadrifoglio badge represents the winning combination of Italian design, racing pedigree, and cutting-edge technology, reserved only for the pinnacle of Alfa Romeo’s exhilarating performance range. 

It’s a badge that takes pride of place on both the Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Giulia Quadrifoglio. Discover the legend, drive the legacy visit alfaromeo.com.au.

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