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THE SECRETS OF ALFA ROMEO DRIVING DYNAMICS
Significantly, Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, at the cutting edge of Alfa Romeo design, were the first to feature these sophisticated systems, subsequently extended to the entire range. This "top-down" approach, unique in the automotive industry, is at the core of the Alfa Romeo spirit: a globally unique formula, which combines the right balance of Italian design, state-of-the-art engines, flawless weight distribution, unique technical solutions and an excellent weight/power ratio in every one of its mechanical creations.
Getting into Giulia or Stelvio means entering a new dimension, where the fulcrum of these mechanical masterpieces is the driver, with his emotions and his desire for a thrilling driving experience. A principle reflected in the precision steering, the responsive throttle and the immediate reactions of the transmission and brakes. Not to mention the choice between rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, which is more than merely a tribute to the most authentic roots of the Alfa Romeo legend: it is also a technical solution which secures high performance and astounding fun. This makes the breath-taking driving experience ensured at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo a pleasant surprise to even the most highly skilled, demanding driver.
The workshops and driving sessions to unveil Alfa Romeo's renowned driving dynamic have been organised into four workshops discussing in depth, for example, the degree of innovation of the all-wheel drive with Q4 technology, designed to control of the vehicle's traction reactively and predictively, to deliver the very highest levels of performance, efficiency and safety. To put it in a nutshell, the Alfa Romeo Q4 system provides all the advantages of all-wheel drive, plus good fuel economy, responsive performance and all the driving pleasure of a rear-wheel drive car. The Q4 all wheel drive versions can also be integrated with a Q2 mechanical self-locking rear differential, available on request also on versions with only rear wheel drive. The self-locking rear differential accentuates the agility and sporty nature, ensuring perfect traction for an unforgettable driving experience.
The event will also focus on another Alfa Romeo brand exclusive system: the Integrated Brake System (IBS), the electromechanical system that combines stability control with a traditional servo brake to deliver instantaneous brake response and hence shorten stopping distances, while also making a significant contribution to weight optimisation. The braking system is also available with carboceramic disks on Quadrifoglio versions.
There has also been an interest in the AlfaTM Active Torque Vectoring, a state-of-the-art technological feature designed to achieve the best performance of a sports car. In detail, the two clutches in the rear differential make it possible to control torque delivery to each wheel separately. So power is transferred to the ground more effectively, even when the car is driven to its dynamic limits. This makes the car safe and fun to drive at all times, without ever needing the stability control system intervening intrusively. AlfaTM Romeo Active Torque Vectoring, like all the other active control systems, is overseen by the Chassis Domain Control: a unique central vehicle "intelligence" that Alfa Romeo created with its own algorithms to handle harmoniously and in real time all the electronic devices that intervene on the car's behaviour, making driving extremely natural, instinctive and safe.
Lastly, the four workshops shed light on the sophisticated suspension systems, the most evolved in the segment, equipped with exclusive AlfaTM Link; a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis (an Alfa Romeo exclusive) was selected for the front, optimising the filtering effect and lets you steer quickly and precisely. On the rear, a multilink solution was opted for, with four and a half arms - an Alfa Romeo patent - that ensure enhanced handling combined with excellent comfort. The suspension scheme enables the system to be very rigid when cornering and at the same time very flexible in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, on request, available are the active suspensions, AlfaTM Active Suspension, with an electronically controlled damping system, which adapts to driving conditions instant by instant, enabling the driver to opt for more performance-biased or comfort-oriented handling. Another factor in superlative driving pleasure is the flawless weight distribution between the two axles and an excellent weight/power ratio, achieved through the use of ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the driveshaft throughout the range.
AlfaTM Link patented suspension and vehicle dynamic
Driving an Alfa Romeo is an unmistakable, unforgettable sensation. This thanks to a unique suspension scheme.
On the front, a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis lets the driver steer quickly and precisely, thanks to a perfect tyre grip on the track and a strong sensation of control.
On the rear, Giulia and Stelvio are equipped with the new AlfaTM link, an Aluminium multilink scheme.
When designing vehicle suspension, the main required features involve safety, comfort and optimising the NVH (noise, vibrations and harshness) performances. For an Alfa Romeo, however, this is not enough: the driver needs to feel a thrill, and he can thanks to searching for an exclusive steering feeling, to high definition and to performance without compromise.
This is why the Alfa Romeo team has been working on the entire Giulia and Stelvio range, starting with the Quadrifoglio versions. This also lets the less powerful engine versions benefit from the more extreme models.
Front suspension - Alfa Romeo patented structures and solutions
The aims that have guided the suspension design phases have maximised handling and comfort performance, creating an unmistakable, unforgettable steering feeling, preventing steering wheel reactions caused by the engine torque on the Q4 versions. Achieving these objectives meant selecting a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis instead of a McPherson; in fact this archetype ensures more suspension angle controllability, which is needed to better take advantage of the tyre characteristics and thus ensure maximum road grip. The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis consists of:
The unique feature of the front suspension is in the fact that there are two separate lower levers, hinged to the strut differently: this double lower link (Alfa Romeo patent) performs a "scissors" movement that keeps the linear steering feeling in all conditions. Results like these simply cannot be achieved with a conventional suspension with a single lower link
ALFATM LINK PATENTED FRONT SUSPENSION
This solution ensures full control of the longitudinal arm on the ground depending on the suspension direction, it optimises the steering speed and precision in all types of conditions, it guarantees the typical Alfa Romeo central driving feeling, and ensures a linearity of response to the upper limits that can be used in total safety. A high definition steering feeling that has no equal.
CASTER MOMENT ARM
The electric power steering with the motor fitted on the rack, together with an extremely direct steering ratio (12:1), has been designed to work in harmony with the suspension characteristics and guarantee the torque linearity to the steering wheel in the entire lateral acceleration range.
STEERING WHEEL TORQUE - ALFA ROMEO VS COMPETITORS
CASTER MOMENT ARM AND STEERING WHEEL TORQUE -ALFA ROMEO VS COMPETITORS
Compared to our competitors, the adoption of a high wishbone suspension instead of McPherson allows us to achieve higher performance in terms of handling and ride comfort, but at the same time this choice involves higher costs and more suspension parts. In order to decrease weight all components are made in aluminium. On some components the manufacturing technology has evolved into hollow or forged aluminium.
Rear suspension
A multi-link solution with four and a half links was chosen for the rear axle. This patented Alfa Romeo scheme called "AlfaTM Link" ensures extremely precise control of the characteristic wheel angles, that translates into a road behaviour at the top of its category. Excellent handling combined with outstanding comfort. The suspension scheme enables the system to be very rigid on corners and at the same time to be very flexible in the longitudinal direction. The filtering of uneven roads is very good, also courtesy of the use of elastic connections with hydraulic damping.
The toe adjustment can be done using a patented device which allows the hardpoints of the suspension to remain unchanged even when changing the toe and camber is necessary. This solution does not change the elasto-kinematic behaviour of the suspension even if it is necessary to adjust the static angles: the same thing does not happen using the conventional solutions found in other cars.
TOE ADJUSTMENT
The longitudinal dimension of the suspension is the most compact of the segment. This feature allows an increase in the space available for the rear seats, without increasing the size of the car and keeping a wheelbase aligned to the size of the segment.
The suspension components are made using high-strength materials. 45% of the components are made of aluminium to reduce the weight of the wheel assembly and thereby optimise comfort. The lateral stiffness of the suspension is at the maximum value of the segment.

- The secrets of the famous Alfa Romeo driving dynamics are revealed for the first time in an original event that combines technical workshops and specific driving sessions at the Balocco Proving Ground.
- A journey of discovery into the most innovative, exclusive technological solutions, that make the driving experience on board the new Alfa Romeo generation even more thrilling.
- Focus on the all-wheel drive with Q4 technology, designed for real-time management of the vehicle's grip on the road, and the Integrated Brake System, which significantly reduces the braking distance on any surface.
- We also touch on the Torque Vectoring, for unbeatable traction control, and the exclusive architecture of the AlfaLinkTM suspensions, for superlative handling, supported by flawless weight distribution and an excellent weight/power ratio.
Significantly, Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, at the cutting edge of Alfa Romeo design, were the first to feature these sophisticated systems, subsequently extended to the entire range. This "top-down" approach, unique in the automotive industry, is at the core of the Alfa Romeo spirit: a globally unique formula, which combines the right balance of Italian design, state-of-the-art engines, flawless weight distribution, unique technical solutions and an excellent weight/power ratio in every one of its mechanical creations.
Getting into Giulia or Stelvio means entering a new dimension, where the fulcrum of these mechanical masterpieces is the driver, with his emotions and his desire for a thrilling driving experience. A principle reflected in the precision steering, the responsive throttle and the immediate reactions of the transmission and brakes. Not to mention the choice between rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, which is more than merely a tribute to the most authentic roots of the Alfa Romeo legend: it is also a technical solution which secures high performance and astounding fun. This makes the breath-taking driving experience ensured at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo a pleasant surprise to even the most highly skilled, demanding driver.
The workshops and driving sessions to unveil Alfa Romeo's renowned driving dynamic have been organised into four workshops discussing in depth, for example, the degree of innovation of the all-wheel drive with Q4 technology, designed to control of the vehicle's traction reactively and predictively, to deliver the very highest levels of performance, efficiency and safety. To put it in a nutshell, the Alfa Romeo Q4 system provides all the advantages of all-wheel drive, plus good fuel economy, responsive performance and all the driving pleasure of a rear-wheel drive car. The Q4 all wheel drive versions can also be integrated with a Q2 mechanical self-locking rear differential, available on request also on versions with only rear wheel drive. The self-locking rear differential accentuates the agility and sporty nature, ensuring perfect traction for an unforgettable driving experience.
The event will also focus on another Alfa Romeo brand exclusive system: the Integrated Brake System (IBS), the electromechanical system that combines stability control with a traditional servo brake to deliver instantaneous brake response and hence shorten stopping distances, while also making a significant contribution to weight optimisation. The braking system is also available with carboceramic disks on Quadrifoglio versions.
There has also been an interest in the AlfaTM Active Torque Vectoring, a state-of-the-art technological feature designed to achieve the best performance of a sports car. In detail, the two clutches in the rear differential make it possible to control torque delivery to each wheel separately. So power is transferred to the ground more effectively, even when the car is driven to its dynamic limits. This makes the car safe and fun to drive at all times, without ever needing the stability control system intervening intrusively. AlfaTM Romeo Active Torque Vectoring, like all the other active control systems, is overseen by the Chassis Domain Control: a unique central vehicle "intelligence" that Alfa Romeo created with its own algorithms to handle harmoniously and in real time all the electronic devices that intervene on the car's behaviour, making driving extremely natural, instinctive and safe.
Lastly, the four workshops shed light on the sophisticated suspension systems, the most evolved in the segment, equipped with exclusive AlfaTM Link; a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis (an Alfa Romeo exclusive) was selected for the front, optimising the filtering effect and lets you steer quickly and precisely. On the rear, a multilink solution was opted for, with four and a half arms - an Alfa Romeo patent - that ensure enhanced handling combined with excellent comfort. The suspension scheme enables the system to be very rigid when cornering and at the same time very flexible in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, on request, available are the active suspensions, AlfaTM Active Suspension, with an electronically controlled damping system, which adapts to driving conditions instant by instant, enabling the driver to opt for more performance-biased or comfort-oriented handling. Another factor in superlative driving pleasure is the flawless weight distribution between the two axles and an excellent weight/power ratio, achieved through the use of ultra-lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the driveshaft throughout the range.
AlfaTM Link patented suspension and vehicle dynamic
Driving an Alfa Romeo is an unmistakable, unforgettable sensation. This thanks to a unique suspension scheme.
On the front, a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis lets the driver steer quickly and precisely, thanks to a perfect tyre grip on the track and a strong sensation of control.
On the rear, Giulia and Stelvio are equipped with the new AlfaTM link, an Aluminium multilink scheme.
When designing vehicle suspension, the main required features involve safety, comfort and optimising the NVH (noise, vibrations and harshness) performances. For an Alfa Romeo, however, this is not enough: the driver needs to feel a thrill, and he can thanks to searching for an exclusive steering feeling, to high definition and to performance without compromise.
This is why the Alfa Romeo team has been working on the entire Giulia and Stelvio range, starting with the Quadrifoglio versions. This also lets the less powerful engine versions benefit from the more extreme models.

Front suspension - Alfa Romeo patented structures and solutions
The aims that have guided the suspension design phases have maximised handling and comfort performance, creating an unmistakable, unforgettable steering feeling, preventing steering wheel reactions caused by the engine torque on the Q4 versions. Achieving these objectives meant selecting a double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis instead of a McPherson; in fact this archetype ensures more suspension angle controllability, which is needed to better take advantage of the tyre characteristics and thus ensure maximum road grip. The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio double wishbone suspension with a semi-virtual steering axis consists of:

The unique feature of the front suspension is in the fact that there are two separate lower levers, hinged to the strut differently: this double lower link (Alfa Romeo patent) performs a "scissors" movement that keeps the linear steering feeling in all conditions. Results like these simply cannot be achieved with a conventional suspension with a single lower link

ALFATM LINK PATENTED FRONT SUSPENSION
This solution ensures full control of the longitudinal arm on the ground depending on the suspension direction, it optimises the steering speed and precision in all types of conditions, it guarantees the typical Alfa Romeo central driving feeling, and ensures a linearity of response to the upper limits that can be used in total safety. A high definition steering feeling that has no equal.

CASTER MOMENT ARM
The electric power steering with the motor fitted on the rack, together with an extremely direct steering ratio (12:1), has been designed to work in harmony with the suspension characteristics and guarantee the torque linearity to the steering wheel in the entire lateral acceleration range.

STEERING WHEEL TORQUE - ALFA ROMEO VS COMPETITORS

CASTER MOMENT ARM AND STEERING WHEEL TORQUE -ALFA ROMEO VS COMPETITORS
Compared to our competitors, the adoption of a high wishbone suspension instead of McPherson allows us to achieve higher performance in terms of handling and ride comfort, but at the same time this choice involves higher costs and more suspension parts. In order to decrease weight all components are made in aluminium. On some components the manufacturing technology has evolved into hollow or forged aluminium.

Rear suspension
A multi-link solution with four and a half links was chosen for the rear axle. This patented Alfa Romeo scheme called "AlfaTM Link" ensures extremely precise control of the characteristic wheel angles, that translates into a road behaviour at the top of its category. Excellent handling combined with outstanding comfort. The suspension scheme enables the system to be very rigid on corners and at the same time to be very flexible in the longitudinal direction. The filtering of uneven roads is very good, also courtesy of the use of elastic connections with hydraulic damping.
The toe adjustment can be done using a patented device which allows the hardpoints of the suspension to remain unchanged even when changing the toe and camber is necessary. This solution does not change the elasto-kinematic behaviour of the suspension even if it is necessary to adjust the static angles: the same thing does not happen using the conventional solutions found in other cars.

TOE ADJUSTMENT
The longitudinal dimension of the suspension is the most compact of the segment. This feature allows an increase in the space available for the rear seats, without increasing the size of the car and keeping a wheelbase aligned to the size of the segment.
The suspension components are made using high-strength materials. 45% of the components are made of aluminium to reduce the weight of the wheel assembly and thereby optimise comfort. The lateral stiffness of the suspension is at the maximum value of the segment.

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