Alfa Romeo starts work on Maserati-based SUV

This unlikely looking Maserati-based mule is the first evidence of the upcoming Alfa SUV, which should arrive in showrooms in 2016.

The new SUV is expected to be sold in both rear and all-wheel drive versions, featuring the same drive system as the Maserati Quattroporte Q4. It will have a distinctly sporting brief, being more of a spiritual competitor to the dynamic Porsche Macan, while trying to capture the kind of stand out styling that has made the Range Rover Evoque a global best seller.

Judging by these pictures, the new Alfa SUV will be based on a shortened version of the Maserati Ghibli platform.

Close examination of these pictures reveal that this mule has a shorter rear door than the production Ghibli, a shorter wheelbase and less space between the front wheel and the front door - all of which points to the Alfa SUV being some 300mm shorter than the Maserati donor car, at around 4.65m long. 

This mule also has the correct windscreen surround and roofline for the final Alfa bodystyle. Judging by the aggressive angle of the roof and the position of the rear wheel, this Alfa will be marked out by dramatically curvaceous bodywork.

Its Maserati roots should also endow the Alfa with double wishbone front suspension, independent rear suspension and the option of adaptive damping.

It will have the option of V6 petrol and diesel engines but unlike the Maserati range, will also be offered with MultiAir four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. 

The latter units will be the first diesels to use the MultiAir variable valve timing and lift technology and will help the motors meet new EU6 pollution laws.

There have also been unconfirmed rumours that the top of the range Alfa engines will feature ‘developed by Ferrari’ sub-branding. The Alfa SUV will get the same eight-speed automatic transmission as the Maserati range, but a manual transmission looks less likely.

The Alfa Romeo brand will be formally re-launched as a competitor in the highly profitable global premium car market next June, when the new BMW 5-series-sized, rear-drive, Alfa Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be unveiled. This SUV is expected to become the second new-generation Alfa model line because the market for premium SUVs is booming and would be highly receptive to a new entrant.

There will also be a big Maserati SUV model based on the full-size Ghibli platform, for which the styling has already been signed off. This Maserati model is expected to be built at Fiat’s Mirafiori factory, a section of which is currently being overhauled and re-fitted. Badged Levante, the first Maserati SUV could be unveiled at next March’s Geneva motor show.

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