Rumours of an upcoming Alfa Romeo crossover model appear to be true after the marque’s CEO reportedly confirmed that it will be called the Stelvio.
According to Auto Express, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief Sergio Marchionne announced the news during a recent visit to the manufacturer’s plant in Cassino, where the Giulia saloon will be made.
The name Stelvio is a nod to Italy’s famous Stelvio Pass, widely regarded as one of the best driving roads in the world, but aside from that little else is known about the upcoming crossover.
First production Alfa Romeo SUV in history
As far back as 2014, Marchionne announced plans for five new Alfa Romeo cars to be launched by 2018, which would include two new saloons, a Giulietta replacement and two crossover SUVs.
The Stelvio will be the first ever production SUV-style car made by the Alfa Romeo brand, and reports suggest that it will be a mid-sized crossover and could debut later in the year.
There’s little information in terms of specifications, but it’s expected that the Stelvio will share a modified version of the same platform that underpins the Giulia, along with the Giulia’s engines.
Platform and engines shared with the Giulia
As a result, buyers can expect a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, as well as potentially the six-cylinder 2.9-litre twin-turbo engine from the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde.
Meanwhile, reports last week suggested that the Giulia has been blighted by problems with crash test safety, meaning that production has been pushed back from late last year to mid-March.
Due to officially enter production around the middle of next month, the Giulia Quadrifoglio is expected to arrive between May and July, while the regular model will appear later in the year.
