Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio – long-term review

DNA. In human speak, it’s the carrier of genetic information that either makes you a square or bonkers. In Alfa speak, it’s a four-stage rotary knob that either makes the Giulia Quadrifoglio a square or bonkers.

 See, unlike its competitors, the Alfa does not have configurable driver settings (why?!). Instead, there are four DNA settings that shift the character of the QV from a cylinder-deactivating fuel-sipper to a noisy thug capable of a ’Ring lap under 7:40.

 In ascending order of madness, you start with A, or Advanced Efficiency. It slackens the steering and throttle off and encourages the engine to shut down a cylinder bank to save fuel. Then there’s N (Normal). It’s a little flat, with long throttle travel but applies a soft damper setting. D (Dynamic) shortens the throttle, adds firmer damping and opens up the exhaust above four grand for a much better sound. Best of all, you can then independently soften the dampers and keep the punchier powertrain. But Race mode, or, if you’re not careful “BRACE, BRACE, BRACE!” mode, is my default. Mainly because my personal DNA is made up of part TOWIE and part idiot.

 Race makes the ride even firmer (which you can slacken off), opens the exhaust valves permanently and deactivates the stability electronics. And when they’re off, they’re off. So you’ve got a 503bhp rodeo to deal with. Annoyingly, it also gets rid of the digital speedo. Not ideal in a ballistic car. But, on the motorway, I degrade myself to A to double the mpg.