The compact Stelvio will compete against similar-sized crossovers like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Two engines will be offered. The Stelvio and Stelvio Ti will share a 280-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder while the Quadrifoglio will be powered by a Ferrari-developed 2.9-liter V6 making 505 horsepower. All Stelvio models will be equipped with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmissing
Italian heritage
“The all-new Stelvio, named after one of the greatest driving roads in the world—the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps—sets a new benchmark for the segment,” said Reid Bigland, head of Alfa Romeo. “Stelvio is uniquely engineered to challenge 2-door sports cars on the track, without sacrificing any of the characteristics you would expect from a premium SUV, resulting in the perfect mix of high performance, capability and Italian design.”
The Stelvio’s construction features lightweight aluminum and steel structure with a longitudinal engine layout similar to that used in rear-drive vehicles. It boasts a 50/50 weight distribution, a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft and a low center of gravity, which along with its fully independent suspension, promises sports car-inspired handling. An optional performance package includes a rear limited-slip differential called Q2 which increases the Stelvio’s cornering ability.
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Long list of standard features
The 4-cylinder powered Stelvio and Stelvio Ti boast a long list of standard equipment that includes 18-inch wheels, leather seating, rearview camera with parking sensors, power liftgate, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel and pushbutton start. The Ti comes with 19-inch wheels, wood cabin accents, and an 8.8-inch center display. Sport and Lusso packages on the Ti allow the buyer to tailor the vehicle for either high performance or luxury tastes.
The Quadrifoglio sports a leather-covered dash and sport steering wheel, leather and Alcantara-covered sport seats with 12-way power adjustment, sport-tuned adaptive suspension, torque vectoring, performance brakes and carbon fiber cabin accents. The DNA selectable driver mode, which stands for Dynamic, Natural (comfort) and Active Efficiency, has a fourth Race mode on Quadrifoglio models. Performance options include carbon fiber lightweight Sparco sport bucket seats and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.
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Driver Assists
The Stelvio is equipped with full-speed forward collision warning that will slow or bring the vehicle to a complete stop, adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go capability and lane departure warning. Also available are blind spot warning, rear cross-path detection and warning and front and rear parking sensors. The Stelvio also features an integrated braking system that replaces a traditional electronic stability control and brake booster to build brake pressure more rapidly to improve stopping performance. This brake-by-wire system can adjusts brake pedal response to match specific DNA modes.
Alfa Romeo said it would announce the on-sale date and pricing later.