Tough Italian: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

The news spread at lightning speed, with a lap time of 7.51,7 minutes the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the fastest series SUV on the Nürburgring. With the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Italian car manufacturer has already proven that they’re back in the game. Not surprisingly and according to the high demand this very crisp and fast SUV follows.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – Introduction

We will talk about the performance, but my first question was: which target group should be addressed here? The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio looks like an SUV but literally drives like a sports car. It somehow doesn’t give the impression that Alfa Romeo wants to poach the customers of Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Volvo etc. with the Stelvio. There is a very simple reason for this: it appeals to its very own target group. alfa romeo stelvio quadrifoglio stelvio quadrifoglio

Driving fun guaranteed!

If you’ve driven one or two SUVs before, you’ll quickly notice that the Alfa Rome’s SUV is extremely direct, tough and is already set relatively tense in neutral mode. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio also conveys a sports car feeling rather than that of a family car when entering, such low chassis clearance is something you won’t find in common SUVs. suv alfa romeo

Power & pure dynamics

The same V6 biturbo from the Giulia QV was used, which was developed with Ferrari. It delivers 510 hp and 600 Nm torque and completes 0-100 in 3.8 seconds! With a lot of anticipation you press the red button on the steering wheel, which sets the purring V6 in motion. As far as the driving dynamics are concerned, a lot of work has been done: Sensors regulate steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and vehicle movement. The power is delivered to the rear axle with preference, which provides additional driving pleasure. But before you drift out of the next corner, the transfer case pushes the power forward again. This ensures a lot of driving fun on mountain passes or on the race track. The fact that the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with a mass of 4.7 metres long, 2.16 metres wide and weighing 1.8 tonnes, delivers such a dynamic performance is outstanding in every respect.

Let’s talk about Design

As with the sedan, the design is certainly one of the highlights of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Especially from passers-by and our community it the Stelvio received full points in terms of design: V-shaped radiator grille, 20-inch wheels, 4 thick tailpipes, aggressive bumpers and air intakes on the hood are the most striking features. So, if you are looking for a good grade of understatement, you’re might want to check out other options. alfa romeo suv stelvio

Quadrifoglio – the infamous cloverleaf

To put it simply: if Alfa Romeo has a cloverleaf on it, there’s a lot of racing in it. The story goes back to the 1920s, when Ugo Sivocci painted his Alfa Romeo with a four-leaf cloverleaf on a white rhombus before the race.

What does the interior look like?

It looks as if Alfa Romeo has practically taken over the interior of the Giulia Quadrifoglio 1:1: Leather, Alcantara and carbon characterise the interior. The dashboard, centre console and steering wheel have also been fitted with carbon. In addition, there is an 8.8 inch display, a functioning Alfa Navi Connect and if desired, amenities such as electric glass sliding roof, Sparco carbon fiber seats or a Harman Kardon sound system can be installed for an extra charge. stelvio quadrifoglio interior

Conclusion & lacks of the test car

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is clearly a lot of fun, the look is also completely convincing. Consumption has levelled off at approx. 11 litres, which roughly meets expectations for a Bi-Turbo V6. The sports car DNA in this SUV is probably nothing for comfort freaks. There are essentially two reasons for this: a noticeably tight chassis and ultra direct steering. The following lacks on the test car gave it some additional charm:
  • Similar to the Giulia, there are some wind noises on the driver’s side.
  • The display on which side the tank is located is upside down (compared to other brands).
Price Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio from 104’500.- CHF

Fastest SUV in the world? The 710 hp Jeep Trackhawk

The American car manufacturer Jeep presents its craziest, most unreasonable and funniest project: the Jeep Trackhawk. It uses a Hemi 6.2 Supercharged V8 engine with a huge compressor, which was already used on the Hellcat. The Trackhawk delivers an incredible 710 hp and 868 Newton meters of torque. Does it win the title ‘fastest SUV in the world’ or can anyone still keep up?

fastest suv in the world

jeep trackhawk

Pictures & Rights David Hubacher – Witwinkel

Fastest SUV in the world? With the Jeep Trackhawk in 3.7 seconds from 0-100 km/h

You first have to savor this slowly: the Jeep Trackhawk needs 3.7 seconds from 0-100 km/h and plays in the race for the first place in the ‘fastest SUV in the world’ right at the top. To get an idea, we compared the 2.5 ton Trackhawk with some sports cars:

  • McLaren 540C – 3,5 sec
  • 911 Carrera 4 S – 3.8 sec
  • Mercedes AMG GT R (since 03/2017) – 3.6 sec
  • Jaguar F-Type SVR – 3,7 sec
  • Ferrari California 30 – 3,8 sec

The fascinating thing about the Trackhawk: you forget yesterday and tomorrow when you press the accelerator pedal. Speed, rpm & momentum are pushed into the background, power is available at any time.

fastest suv

The first meters like in Tesla

Anyone who has ever ridden a Tesla knows what the first few metres feel like: a bit like on a roller coaster. PS junkies are allowed to buckle up well in the Jeep Trackhawk: it’s very similar here. Perhaps the fastest SUV in the world owes this to a supercharged 6.2 litre Hemi engine that delivers an unspeakable 868 Newton metres of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission that takes the gears to the next level within 160 milliseconds.

Some things have been revised

The Jeep Trackhawk has undergone a number of revisions to ensure that the drive drive can withstand the power: reinforced drive shafts, reinforced automatic transmission, a reinforced transmission and an individually adjustable adaptive chassis. In order to bring the 2.5 tons to a standstill, a giant Brembo brake system was installed.

brembo brakes

How about pushing it through corners?

We mentioned that the possibly fastest SUV in the world can keep up straight ahead with the very big ones. But what about the corners? Despite the concentrated power, I think that the Jeep Trackhawk can only barely compete with a sporty hatchback on a pass road. By changing the driving modes the power distribution 30:70, 40:60 or 50:50 can be adjusted, but a weight of 2.5 tons is not necessarily the best friend of fast lap times on the track.

Masculine design

4 fat tailpipes, huge air intakes and a potent radiator grille let you guess what is under the hood. The Jeep Trackhawk is definitely eye-catching!

trackhawk

jeep track hawk

What does the interior look like?

The infinite variety of the settings is a true paradise for the child in the man, you can simply measure everything with the performance tools: Lap times, 0-100, G forces, launch control, detailed chassis setup, etc.

Otherwise, you’ll find everything you might expect: a large panoramic roof, cruise control, steering wheel heating, seat heating and a lot of leather. When knocking/touching the plastic elements, however, you realize that the American DNA is still in there a little bit.

jeep trackhawk interior

jeep interior

Consumption & price

So much fun has its price: our test car had an average consumption of 21.0 L/100km, once refueling costs thereby 134.17 CHF with 80 litres volume. Prices for the Jeep Trackhawk start at 140’000 CHF.

Fastest SUV in the world or not?

Now the resolution of the big question: does the Trackhawk deserve the title ‘fastest SUV in the world’? The answer is not so clear; in 2018 Lamborghini introduced the Urus, which with 650 hp has slightly less power, but completes the 0-100 mark in 3.6 seconds. Maybe we’ll see a drag race soon!

Golf in Mallorca – a stone’s throw to the golf island

Golf in Mallorca should be considered for golfers of all ages and skill levels when planning your next golf trip. Since golf destinations in Asia, Africa, North or South America exist in an abundance that is hardly manageable, it is worth it to compare the possibilities with your own ideas.

So, what if you want to travel for a long weekend? Where to go if you don’t want to fly long distance?

Mallorca offers ideal conditions, which are only a stone’s throw away. In no time at all you can reach golf courses of the highest standard, which are in excellent condition, even in winter.

We played the courses in February 2019 and are enthusiastic about the quality of the greens and fairways, while most of the courses in Switzerland are still closed.

Son Gual – the classic with the sensational all-round offer

Son Gual offers everything. As soon as you enter the spacious clubhouse, you are enveloped in the golf flair and greeted by the very friendly staff.

The course is in excellent condition all year round, with picturesque holes, surrounded by cleverly designed water hazards, beautiful bunker landscapes and huge greens. The tee boxes should be chosen carefully, the course is 6621 meters long from the back tees.

TIP: When visiting, be sure to plan enough time to enjoy the culinary delights on the magnificent terrace!

FACTS:
Built: 2007 | Designer: Thomas Himmel
Par 72 | 18-Hole Course
to the website of Golf Son Gual

golf son gual

Capdepera
– diversified golf course with beautiful holes

Capdepera offers interesting challenges for beginners as well as for experienced golfers. The first 12 holes are rather flat, with 6 artificial lakes and generous greens. It is important to play the ball precisely, as the thick rough is very difficult to play in Majorcan conditions.

The last 6 holes are beautifully built into the adjacent hills and also require precise and tactically chosen shots.

TIP: Hole 15 has been voted the most beautiful hole in Mallorca several times. It is worth going up all the way to the white tee to enjoy the view.

FACTS:
Built: 1989 | Designer: Dan Maples
Par 72 | 18-Hole Course
to the website of Golf Capdepera

Golf capdepera

OMEGA Seamster Aqua Terra – Ref. 220.12.41.21.01.002 – 5’400,00 CHF – Picture by @Kate Gahimer

Golf Son Servera
– a great place for all handicap classes

Golf Son Servera offers a variety of design options. The rather rustic looking golf course captivates against expectation with very good greens and top maintained fairways.

Slices and hooks are punished immediately, especially in the “Pine Trap” (holes 3 to 7) is a concentrated and precise play necessary! However, the course conveys a relaxed holiday feeling anyway, which makes the golf round a great experience even with too many lost balls.

TIP: Book your tee time at the off-peak hours, as the course might be busy at rush hours.

By the way: Son Servera is the only golf course in Mallorca that belongs to the club members. You can feel this in a very pleasant way on the terrace after the round where you find very friendly and open-minded people.

Facts:
Built: 1967 | Designers: John Harris & Francisco Lopez Segales
Par 72 | 18-Hole Course
to the website of Golf Son Servera

golf son servera

Golf Son Termes
– much improvement through new management

The course – perfectly integrated in the and its image had suffered a little in the past regarding the given care to both the course and its restaurant. However, it is essential to (re)play the course again. A lot of effort is put into improving the condition of the course and making it more challenging with many new water hazards.

A special eye-catcher are the goats (yes, goats!), which are spread across the course and stay on the fairways and greens.

There is still room for improvement in the driving range and the restaurant, but they are going for it step by step. We were delighted to feel the motivation with which the new management is approaching the tasks ahead.

Good to know: Son Termes is the only course built in the Serra de Tramuntana, which would not be possible today. For the Back Nine you might want to consider renting a golf cart.

Facts:
Built: 1998 | Designer: José Rodriguez (Grupo Harris)
Par 70 | 18-hole course
to the website of Golf Son Termes

golf son termes

Hotel recommendation in Mallorca

Golf in Mallorca is definitely recommended, especially in the autumn, winter and spring months.

Read our article about the IT Boutique Hotels in Mallorca and find your hotel in the centre of Mallorca.

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