The Alfa Romeo AR 38501 is a 1,995 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 2022 and 2027. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection, and twin variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tune it delivers 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, designed for high — performance driving dynamics and rapid throttle response.
Fitted to models such as the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the AR 38501 was en…
Production years 2022–2027 meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Alfa Romeo AR 38501 is a 1,995 cc twin-turbocharged inline-four petrol engine engineered for high-performance applications (2022–2027). It combines direct fuel injection with twin variable valve timing (VVT) to deliver strong low-end torque and aggressive high-RPM power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it supports Alfa Romeo's track-focused Quadrifoglio performance line.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 81.4 mm | |
Power output | 195 kW (265 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
Torque | 400 Nm @ 2,500–5,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (DFI) + port injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin IHI turbochargers with electronic wastegates | |
Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; high-load wear documented) | |
Oil type | Alfa Romeo 0W-40 SP4 (ACEA C3) | |
Dry weight | 158 kg |
The Alfa Romeo AR 38501 was used across Alfa Romeo's 952/956 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio and revised exhaust routing in the Giulia Quadrifoglio-and from 2025 the facelifted Giulia adopted updated engine management software, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The AR 38501's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in track and high-load use. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2023 noted a significant share of pre-2024 engines requiring fuel pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-octane fuel increase thermal and mechanical stress, making oil quality and fuel specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2022-2026) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023-2027). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The AR 38501 offers exceptional performance and track capability, but early models (2022-2024) had reliability concerns, particularly high-pressure fuel pump wear. Later revisions (post-2025) improved pump durability, so well-maintained examples can be quite robust. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (0W-40 Alfa Romeo SP4) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear (leading to misfires or limp mode), lambda sensor degradation, and intake carbon buildup affecting throttle response. Other concerns include coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and occasional turbocharger actuator faults. These are well-documented in Alfa Romeo service bulletins.
This 2.0L petrol engine was used exclusively in the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models from 2022 to 2027. It was designated as the high-performance 2.0 Turbo and offered extreme driving dynamics. No cross-manufacturer usage is documented for this engine.
Yes. The AR 38501 responds well to ECU remapping. Stage 1 tunes typically add +30-50 kW by optimizing ignition timing and fuel curves. The engine's robust internals support moderate increases. However, tuning should be conservative to avoid knock and ensure compatibility with standard fuel and cooling systems.
Moderate to high consumption. In a Giulia Quadrifoglio from around 2024, typical consumption is ~12.9 L/100km (city) and ~8.0 L/100km (highway), or about 28 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style due to the engine's high-performance nature, but expect 25-35 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy AR 38501.
Yes. The AR 38501 is an interference engine. This means if the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can collide with open valves, causing severe engine damage. That's why maintenance is critical - any unusual noise should be investigated immediately.
Alfa Romeo specifies a 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting Alfa Romeo SP4 (ACEA C3) specification. Always use a high-quality oil suitable for high-performance turbocharged petrol engines and change it every 15,000 km or as per the service schedule to ensure proper lubrication and thermal protection.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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