The first-ever Alfa Romeo SUV, strongly tipped to be called the Stelvio, is expected to be launched as an ultra-high-performance model powered by the firm’s potent V6 engine.
Click here to read our Alfa Romeo Stelvio review
The decision to launch the new SUV in 2017 with a top-end performance model mirrors the strategy currently being applied to the roll-out of Alfa’s BMW 3 Series rival, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, with which the Stelvio will share many of its underpinnings and powertrain options.
In doing so, Alfa hopes to signal its unabashed confidence in taking on the fastest performance SUVs from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
Read the full, official Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV reveal story here - including official pictures
Insiders say the firm’s bosses have given engineers the go-ahead to develop the car to challenge the class best for on-road ride and handling as well as straight-line pace. The intention is that these qualities will underpin the entire model range and clearly differentiate it from the all-road prowess of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) stablemate Jeep.
High-performance V6 engine
Power for the high-performance Stelvio will come from the same twin-turbo 2.9-litre petrol V6 that sits under the bonnet of the Giulia Quadrifoglio — the engine that its maker describes as being “inspired” by sister brand Ferrari’s turbo-powered V8 without actually having any relation in structural terms. In the 1524kg Giulia, it produces 503bhp and 443lb ft of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.9sec.
Will the Stelvio cut it as an SUV?
However, the engine is likely to be retuned for increased torque at the expense of outright power in the Stelvio, in line with its SUV character, prompting suggestions that it may not be badged as a full-blown Quadrifoglio model. Even so, it is expected to be linked to the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, with a manual option unlikely to be offered.
Likewise, although rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be made, this top performance version is tipped to be restricted to rear drive to save weight and add agility.
That should still mean the hot Stelvio, likely to cost around £65,000, will rival the fastest SUVs for outright pace. The £50,000 Audi RS Q3 Performance hits 62mph in 4.4sec and the £62,000 Porsche Macan Turbo reaches the same speed in 4.8sec.
In particular, Alfa is said to be benchmarking the Stelvio against the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace. Insiders have indicated that the Porsche has been considered the dynamic benchmark to date, but the achievements of the Jaguar XE saloon and positive early reviews of the F-Pace have forced the development team to also consider Jaguar’s contender.
Join the debate
Add your comment
'Alfa to launch the new SUV in 2017'...