Quadrifoglio as a replacement to C63s Coupe?
Discussion
Considering a Giulia Quadrofoglio as a potential replacement of a 2017 C63s Coupe.
When did the QF get 5 seats as know it was originally 4 seater without folding rear seats and then the later models came with 5 seats with 60/40 folding split?
Also anyone had both vehicles keen to hear experiences/ comparisons?
When did the QF get 5 seats as know it was originally 4 seater without folding rear seats and then the later models came with 5 seats with 60/40 folding split?
Also anyone had both vehicles keen to hear experiences/ comparisons?
I think the split seats came around 2019 MY. I used to have the older C63 coupe (6.2) so can’t compare to the 4.0 model exactly. I did test the C63S saloon before buying the QF. I thought the styling of the saloon was a bit dull and it doesn’t feel as sharp as the QF dynamically. I know the coupe has a different rear axle to the saloon though. Can’t dispute the C63 sound but the QF is good in a different way and Revs very easily
mycool said:
Considering a Giulia Quadrofoglio as a potential replacement of a 2017 C63s Coupe.
When did the QF get 5 seats as know it was originally 4 seater without folding rear seats and then the later models came with 5 seats with 60/40 folding split?
Also anyone had both vehicles keen to hear experiences/ comparisons?
Motorvogue Bedford are decent. Also, I'd highly recommend Saber at Research in Nuneaton. A little further to go but he's exceptional and a proper Alfa man, he even owns a 4C Spider himself.When did the QF get 5 seats as know it was originally 4 seater without folding rear seats and then the later models came with 5 seats with 60/40 folding split?
Also anyone had both vehicles keen to hear experiences/ comparisons?
Alfahorn said:
Motorvogue Bedford are decent. Also, I'd highly recommend Saber at Research in Nuneaton. A little further to go but he's exceptional and a proper Alfa man, he even owns a 4C Spider himself.
Yep, Saber sold me my QF in Sept. Even picked me up from the station in his 4C 
Top guy.
bought the QF as a family car after selling the Aston. performance, steering and handling up there with a supercar - can be spikey handling if tyres are not upto temp. seats split 60/40 - managed a week long holiday as a family of 3 no problem.
dealer network is hapless, Alfa central in Italy are desperate to take on the premium German brands, the only thing holding them back is the dealership network. Have complaints of all 3 local to me. I dread to think what those purchasing the GTA/Gtam will think.
dealer network is hapless, Alfa central in Italy are desperate to take on the premium German brands, the only thing holding them back is the dealership network. Have complaints of all 3 local to me. I dread to think what those purchasing the GTA/Gtam will think.
Watching with interest. After all the Covid nonsense I’m looking at the next car (got to look forward to something !) and the Quadrifoglio is on the list (with RS4, M3/5). Moving from a 335d but have a Caterham R400 for track/summer fun so am interested in real world use from any current owners.
Probably looking at nearly new <1year old when the time comes.
Probably looking at nearly new <1year old when the time comes.
A good friend of mine has gone from a C63 of some sort (never really noticed precisely what it was) to a s/h QV. He’s an Italian car fanatic anyway, so may be biased. His view was the C63 was all about the engine, and if you used it properly it would do its best to kill you. He’s genuinely the most skilled driver I know (used to race etc), and I would imagine his definition of “used it properly” is miles away from most people. He thinks the QV is much more of a “whole car”, and you can have a lot of fun it it without depending on the soundtrack. It’s still just as likely to bite you though...
Steve Campbell said:
Watching with interest. After all the Covid nonsense I’m looking at the next car (got to look forward to something !) and the Quadrifoglio is on the list (with RS4, M3/5). Moving from a 335d but have a Caterham R400 for track/summer fun so am interested in real world use from any current owners.
Probably looking at nearly new <1year old when the time comes.
Steve, I can help you with this. I have both a Quadrifoglio and a Caterham.Probably looking at nearly new <1year old when the time comes.
Honestly, compared to other super saloons out there, the steering in the QF is on another level. It feels like a Cat in terms of directness, speed of the rack, turn in and balance through fast corners. It's electronic power steering, so you'll never have as good feel as the Cat but it inspires confidence.
Make sure you get a post 17MY, as it'll come with updated infotainment, split/fold rear seats as standard and Apple Carplay/Android Auto as standard.
The standard seats are really supportive and comfortable. I've driven 8hrs in a day and still felt fresh. The infotainment isn't the best....but with Android Auto, it does everything I need. The problem is that it only appears 3/4 of the screen, but Car Play is full width screen. Can't be changed.
I've done 9k miles in mine over 11 months. Just got through a set of rear tyres, but fronts are ok and brakes are fine too. Most people switch out the standard Corsa tyres, but as long as you're sensible, they're not that bad. In the dry and warm weather - they are ridiculously good. First service up too.
In all honesty, it's taken some of the shine off my Cat experience and led to a few changes to ensure I get the same "feeling". The QF is so stupidly fast and torquey, the Cat will feel slow. No two ways about it. It led me to ditching the screen and going aero, moving to 13" 6x8s and reminding myself it's about the experience, handling and corners in comparison to the all-round ability of the QF. I feel they complement each other perfectly, however, could always do with a bit more power in the Cat! QF on track is still great fun (easily keeps up with more exotic cars). Harder on the brakes and tyres but you can run a full day no problem, unlike BMW M4s that cook their brakes after a few 20min sessions!
Shout if you have questions
(p.s. you cant get a tow hook fitted so you can tow the Cat, due to the diffuser. Already checked!)
Edited by arun1uk on Thursday 3rd December 17:36
It’s going to have to be fast to make an R400 seem slow ! My 7 is exactly the same colour scheme, orange, black nose band, carbon stone guards, orange roll bar ! ... still with windscreen though.
Did you consider other cars when you went for the Alfa ? Purchase is on hold until I start travelling again for work (Q2 maybe) ..... eyeing up the various cars online it looks like a race between the RS4 and the QF 👍😁
Did you consider other cars when you went for the Alfa ? Purchase is on hold until I start travelling again for work (Q2 maybe) ..... eyeing up the various cars online it looks like a race between the RS4 and the QF 👍😁
The Alfa has high torque (600nm) compared with a Cat which makes the mid range punch significant, but the Cat is far more linear and toppy. Mine revs just shy of 8k rpm which is a completely different experience. 200bhp vs 500bhp will always feel different.
Don't get me wrong, the Caterham is still fast, it just doesn't feel so fast in a straight line anymore. This has always been my risk when buying fast cars to compliment the Cat. But the Cat is still the pure experience. No driver aids, slick gearbox with short ratios, open air experience, handling etc. Nothing compares in that regard. I can throw me Julie around hard and it's very stable, plus hitting 160+mph down the Lavant straight at Goodwood!
Drive one. Dynamic mode, 3rd gear, you'll see what I mean.
I looked at the usual suspects; M3/4 (not that fast, older tech but cheap. Poor ride), M5 (stupid fast, great tech but pricey), C63s (insane engine, good tech, but expensive and everyone has one), RS5 (4wd, quality, poor handling balance), Panamera (fast ones are expensive, I don't like the looks), 911 (beautiful, balanced handling, but not practical and not that fast unless you go GTS) etc. The combination of performance, looks, rarity, usability and cost swung it for me. Everyone has a generic German car...
A few observations to provide balance, compared with the germans:
- Infotainment - pretty poor. The tech isn't fantastic, but it has Android auto which is all I need. The stereo is acceptable in the base system, however the HK upgrade isn't worth it. Poor sound.
- Tyres - comes with Corsa as standard. Poor in the wet and cold, but insane in the dry. Most people switch out, but if you go MPSP4, you need 295 profile on the rear instead of 285
- Suspension height. Earlier models (17/18MY) had lowered springs which does impact clearance for the carbon splitter. It will get scratched! Get it PPF'd if you can. Later models have higher suspension (think about 10mm) which doesn't impact ride quality, but some switch out to the lower springs. Suspension in general is really compliant.
- Adjustability - nothing compared to the competitors, but I quite like that. I don't want to adjust a million options. You get 4. Efficient - dulls the throttle response (great in wet and and snow), soft suspension, shuts down cylinder bank to increate mileage when cruising. Normal - doesn't dull the throttle, cylinder deactivation, soft suspension. Dynamic, sharp throttle response, firm suspension, holds gears, opens exhaust valves at 4k rpm. All modes have traction active, and limits torque in 1st and 2nd gear. Trick diff not active, and nips at the rear brakes to keep you in line. Race - sharpest throttle response, no torque limiting, no traction control (the only option), valves open constantly, firmest suspension, sharp gear changes, diff active for sideways fun. Possible to keep exhaust valves open in all modes with a few mods.
- Throws the occasional ECU wobbly. It's an Italian car. Meh. Get a cheap ODB reader and reset the error and you'll be fine again. Mainly happens when fuel is low and you're pushing it, but also fuel pressure issues.
- 3rd service (27k mile) is expensive, approx £1-1.5k. About £800 for a full set of tyres. Brakes are expensive.
- Economy. I'm averaging 21mpg, but on a long 300+mile run I achieved 32mpg, but on a hard run it does go below 10mpg. 220 miles to a tank average.
Shout if you want any more pics/vids/thoughts (just look at it!)
(p.s. if you're near Surrey, happy to take you out for a spin)
Don't get me wrong, the Caterham is still fast, it just doesn't feel so fast in a straight line anymore. This has always been my risk when buying fast cars to compliment the Cat. But the Cat is still the pure experience. No driver aids, slick gearbox with short ratios, open air experience, handling etc. Nothing compares in that regard. I can throw me Julie around hard and it's very stable, plus hitting 160+mph down the Lavant straight at Goodwood!
Drive one. Dynamic mode, 3rd gear, you'll see what I mean.
I looked at the usual suspects; M3/4 (not that fast, older tech but cheap. Poor ride), M5 (stupid fast, great tech but pricey), C63s (insane engine, good tech, but expensive and everyone has one), RS5 (4wd, quality, poor handling balance), Panamera (fast ones are expensive, I don't like the looks), 911 (beautiful, balanced handling, but not practical and not that fast unless you go GTS) etc. The combination of performance, looks, rarity, usability and cost swung it for me. Everyone has a generic German car...
A few observations to provide balance, compared with the germans:
- Infotainment - pretty poor. The tech isn't fantastic, but it has Android auto which is all I need. The stereo is acceptable in the base system, however the HK upgrade isn't worth it. Poor sound.
- Tyres - comes with Corsa as standard. Poor in the wet and cold, but insane in the dry. Most people switch out, but if you go MPSP4, you need 295 profile on the rear instead of 285
- Suspension height. Earlier models (17/18MY) had lowered springs which does impact clearance for the carbon splitter. It will get scratched! Get it PPF'd if you can. Later models have higher suspension (think about 10mm) which doesn't impact ride quality, but some switch out to the lower springs. Suspension in general is really compliant.
- Adjustability - nothing compared to the competitors, but I quite like that. I don't want to adjust a million options. You get 4. Efficient - dulls the throttle response (great in wet and and snow), soft suspension, shuts down cylinder bank to increate mileage when cruising. Normal - doesn't dull the throttle, cylinder deactivation, soft suspension. Dynamic, sharp throttle response, firm suspension, holds gears, opens exhaust valves at 4k rpm. All modes have traction active, and limits torque in 1st and 2nd gear. Trick diff not active, and nips at the rear brakes to keep you in line. Race - sharpest throttle response, no torque limiting, no traction control (the only option), valves open constantly, firmest suspension, sharp gear changes, diff active for sideways fun. Possible to keep exhaust valves open in all modes with a few mods.
- Throws the occasional ECU wobbly. It's an Italian car. Meh. Get a cheap ODB reader and reset the error and you'll be fine again. Mainly happens when fuel is low and you're pushing it, but also fuel pressure issues.
- 3rd service (27k mile) is expensive, approx £1-1.5k. About £800 for a full set of tyres. Brakes are expensive.
- Economy. I'm averaging 21mpg, but on a long 300+mile run I achieved 32mpg, but on a hard run it does go below 10mpg. 220 miles to a tank average.
Shout if you want any more pics/vids/thoughts (just look at it!)
(p.s. if you're near Surrey, happy to take you out for a spin)
Edited by arun1uk on Friday 11th December 15:26
arun1uk said:
The Alfa has high torque (600nm) compared with a Cat which makes the mid range punch significant, but the Cat is far more linear and toppy. Mine revs just shy of 8k rpm which is a completely different experience. 200bhp vs 500bhp will always feel different.
Don't get me wrong, the Caterham is still fast, it just doesn't feel so fast in a straight line anymore. This has always been my risk when buying fast cars to compliment the Cat. But the Cat is still the pure experience. No driver aids, slick gearbox with short ratios, open air experience, handling etc. Nothing compares in that regard. I can throw me Julie around hard and it's very stable, plus hitting 160+mph down the Lavant straight at Goodwood!
Drive one. Dynamic mode, 3rd gear, you'll see what I mean.
I looked at the usual suspects; M3/4 (not that fast, older tech but cheap. Poor ride), M5 (stupid fast, great tech but pricey), C63s (insane engine, good tech, but expensive and everyone has one), RS5 (4wd, quality, poor handling balance), Panamera (fast ones are expensive, I don't like the looks), 911 (beautiful, balanced handling, but not practical and not that fast unless you go GTS) etc. The combination of performance, looks, rarity, usability and cost swung it for me. Everyone has a generic German car...
A few observations to provide balance, compared with the germans:
- Infotainment - pretty poor. The tech isn't fantastic, but it has Android auto which is all I need. The stereo is acceptable in the base system, however the HK upgrade isn't worth it. Poor sound.
- Tyres - comes with Corsa as standard. Poor in the wet and cold, but insane in the dry. Most people switch out, but if you go MPSP4, you need 295 profile on the rear instead of 285
- Suspension height. Earlier models (17/18MY) had lowered springs which does impact clearance for the carbon splitter. It will get scratched! Get it PPF'd if you can. Later models have higher suspension (think about 10mm) which doesn't impact ride quality, but some switch out to the lower springs. Suspension in general is really compliant.
- Adjustability - nothing compared to the competitors, but I quite like that. I don't want to adjust a million options. You get 4. Efficient - dulls the throttle response (great in wet and and snow), soft suspension, shuts down cylinder bank to increate mileage when cruising. Normal - doesn't dull the throttle, cylinder deactivation, soft suspension. Dynamic, sharp throttle response, firm suspension, holds gears, opens exhaust valves at 4k rpm. All modes have traction active, and limits torque in 1st and 2nd gear. Trick diff not active, and nips at the rear brakes to keep you in line. Race - sharpest throttle response, no torque limiting, no traction control (the only option), valves open constantly, firmest suspension, sharp gear changes, diff active for sideways fun. Possible to keep exhaust valves open in all modes with a few mods.
- Throws the occasional ECU wobbly. It's an Italian car. Meh. Get a cheap ODB reader and reset the error and you'll be fine again. Mainly happens when fuel is low and you're pushing it, but also fuel pressure issues.
- 3rd service (27k mile) is expensive, approx £1-1.5k. About £800 for a full set of tyres. Brakes are expensive.
- Economy. I'm averaging 21mpg, but on a long 300+mile run I achieved 32mpg, but on a hard run it does go below 10mpg. 220 miles to a tank average.
Shout if you want any more pics/vids/thoughts (just look at it!)
(p.s. if you're near Surrey, happy to take you out for a spin)
Thought I knew most things about my car but this is very insightful. Is it really true that the diff is only active in Race mode? If so, how does it work otherwise - as an open diff?Don't get me wrong, the Caterham is still fast, it just doesn't feel so fast in a straight line anymore. This has always been my risk when buying fast cars to compliment the Cat. But the Cat is still the pure experience. No driver aids, slick gearbox with short ratios, open air experience, handling etc. Nothing compares in that regard. I can throw me Julie around hard and it's very stable, plus hitting 160+mph down the Lavant straight at Goodwood!
Drive one. Dynamic mode, 3rd gear, you'll see what I mean.
I looked at the usual suspects; M3/4 (not that fast, older tech but cheap. Poor ride), M5 (stupid fast, great tech but pricey), C63s (insane engine, good tech, but expensive and everyone has one), RS5 (4wd, quality, poor handling balance), Panamera (fast ones are expensive, I don't like the looks), 911 (beautiful, balanced handling, but not practical and not that fast unless you go GTS) etc. The combination of performance, looks, rarity, usability and cost swung it for me. Everyone has a generic German car...
A few observations to provide balance, compared with the germans:
- Infotainment - pretty poor. The tech isn't fantastic, but it has Android auto which is all I need. The stereo is acceptable in the base system, however the HK upgrade isn't worth it. Poor sound.
- Tyres - comes with Corsa as standard. Poor in the wet and cold, but insane in the dry. Most people switch out, but if you go MPSP4, you need 295 profile on the rear instead of 285
- Suspension height. Earlier models (17/18MY) had lowered springs which does impact clearance for the carbon splitter. It will get scratched! Get it PPF'd if you can. Later models have higher suspension (think about 10mm) which doesn't impact ride quality, but some switch out to the lower springs. Suspension in general is really compliant.
- Adjustability - nothing compared to the competitors, but I quite like that. I don't want to adjust a million options. You get 4. Efficient - dulls the throttle response (great in wet and and snow), soft suspension, shuts down cylinder bank to increate mileage when cruising. Normal - doesn't dull the throttle, cylinder deactivation, soft suspension. Dynamic, sharp throttle response, firm suspension, holds gears, opens exhaust valves at 4k rpm. All modes have traction active, and limits torque in 1st and 2nd gear. Trick diff not active, and nips at the rear brakes to keep you in line. Race - sharpest throttle response, no torque limiting, no traction control (the only option), valves open constantly, firmest suspension, sharp gear changes, diff active for sideways fun. Possible to keep exhaust valves open in all modes with a few mods.
- Throws the occasional ECU wobbly. It's an Italian car. Meh. Get a cheap ODB reader and reset the error and you'll be fine again. Mainly happens when fuel is low and you're pushing it, but also fuel pressure issues.
- 3rd service (27k mile) is expensive, approx £1-1.5k. About £800 for a full set of tyres. Brakes are expensive.
- Economy. I'm averaging 21mpg, but on a long 300+mile run I achieved 32mpg, but on a hard run it does go below 10mpg. 220 miles to a tank average.
Shout if you want any more pics/vids/thoughts (just look at it!)
(p.s. if you're near Surrey, happy to take you out for a spin)
Edited by arun1uk on Friday 11th December 15:26
You seem to be the only other person who’s ever mentioned the torque being limited in the first 2 gears in all modes apart from race. Makes a big difference to acceleration, otherwise you feel like short shifting to 3rd
Also, for others’ awareness you can buy a very good value service plan from some dealers that covers the cost of the big service and effectively get the other two for free
Edited by Dezbo on Friday 11th December 20:02
Dezbo said:
Thought I knew most things about my car but this is very insightful. Is it really true that the diff is only active in Race mode? If so, how does it work otherwise - as an open diff?
You seem to be the only other person who’s ever mentioned the torque being limited in the first 2 gears in all modes apart from race. Makes a big difference to acceleration, otherwise you feel like short shifting to 3rd
Also, for others’ awareness you can buy a very good value service plan from some dealers that covers the cost of the big service and effectively get the other two for free
As it's an electronic torque vectoring diff, as opposed to a true mechanical LSD, when it's not in Race mode it'll keep you stable, reduce wheel spin and keep you in line by nipping the brakes and cutting power. Therefore it'll never allow you to go sideways. Also, if you've ever tried, you can't do tight doughnuts as it's not a mechanical lsd. You can, however, do wider arc doughnuts and drifts. As you say, similar to an open diff - the beauty of electronically controlled.You seem to be the only other person who’s ever mentioned the torque being limited in the first 2 gears in all modes apart from race. Makes a big difference to acceleration, otherwise you feel like short shifting to 3rd
Also, for others’ awareness you can buy a very good value service plan from some dealers that covers the cost of the big service and effectively get the other two for free
Edited by Dezbo on Friday 11th December 20:02
When you're in Race with all nannies off (it never truly turns them all off though, but that's another story) the diff will work akin to an LSD.
And yes, definitely limits torque in 1st and 2nd unless in Race.
Another piece of advice, for approx £7 you can keep the exhaust values open in all modes all the time. You need some 6mm latex pipe and an irrigation valve from the garden shop 🙂
arun1uk said:
As it's an electronic torque vectoring diff, as opposed to a true mechanical LSD, when it's not in Race mode it'll keep you stable, reduce wheel spin and keep you in line by nipping the brakes and cutting power. Therefore it'll never allow you to go sideways. Also, if you've ever tried, you can't do tight doughnuts as it's not a mechanical lsd. You can, however, do wider arc doughnuts and drifts. As you say, similar to an open diff - the beauty of electronically controlled.
When you're in Race with all nannies off (it never truly turns them all off though, but that's another story) the diff will work akin to an LSD.
And yes, definitely limits torque in 1st and 2nd unless in Race.
Another piece of advice, for approx £7 you can keep the exhaust values open in all modes all the time. You need some 6mm latex pipe and an irrigation valve from the garden shop ??
Thanks - I’ve got the AHM remote exhaust control - essential IMO. Tell me more about the nannies in Race mode, I have heard something similar.When you're in Race with all nannies off (it never truly turns them all off though, but that's another story) the diff will work akin to an LSD.
And yes, definitely limits torque in 1st and 2nd unless in Race.
Another piece of advice, for approx £7 you can keep the exhaust values open in all modes all the time. You need some 6mm latex pipe and an irrigation valve from the garden shop ??
Have you considered a remap? Tempted by Celtic tuning but I also like the security of my MOPAR warranty
but within a short while you adjusted. anonymous said:
[redacted]
Always up for a Caterham blat!! Let me know.And completely understand about the current situation. Fingers crossed it'll all be over with soon.
Yes, standard brakes are a bit grabby, but only at low speeds when coming to a stop, as mentioned.
Consequence of drive by wire. There is a knack to it, just takes practice. I've got it smooth as previous cars now. When driving, they're superb, more than adequate.
On the contrary, sometimes when pulling away the engine takes time to pick up, so when aiming for a gap on a roundabout need to keep your wits about you. Easily solved with plenty of right foot.
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