| Special edition | Alfa Romeo GT Cloverleaf |
The association of the four-leaf clover with Alfa Romeo goes back to 1923. Since then Alfa's competition cars have worn the cloverleaf and it has been used on road going models to indicate the more sporting versions.
The latest car to wear the historic badge is the Alfa Romeo GT Cloverleaf. The GT gets special interior and exterior trim including satin-effect door mirrors and radiator grille, which help distinguish the Cloverleaf, as do 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels and red brake callipers. Customers can choose one of three colours: Carbonio Black, Alfa Red and Atlantico Blue, while inside are leather seats, alloy pedals and sports dials with red backgrounds.
Top of the range is the £21,980 1.9-litre JTDm 16V. This, Alfa claims, can go from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and reach 134mph flat out. To fine tune the handling a Q2 limited-slip differential is fitted. The 170bhp model is identified by triangular Cloverleaf badges behind the front wheel arches.
Alfa also offers a 150bhp diesel along with 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines; these models carry the Cloverleaf badge on the boot lid. The cheapest model is the 1.8TS, which costs £18,980. The Cloverleaf series will be on sale from July 1st.
John Lambert - 24 Jun 2008
