Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Tipo 949) is a front-engine, all wheel drive, five-door crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by the Alfa Romeo subdivision of FCA since debuting at 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show and entering production at the Cassino Plant at the end of 2016.

Sharing the platform of the mid-size Giulia sedan, the Stelvio uses FCA's Giorgio platform, ultimately to be shared with Maserati, Dodge and Jeep.

The name Stelvio derives from the Stelvio Pass, Italy's highest mountain pass, noted for its 48 circuitous switchbacks.

History and development
Preceded by the Kamal concept car in 2003, the Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's first production SUV using a modified version of the Giorgio platform shared with the Giulia, available in both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. Alfa Romeo made its first off roader Matta in 1950s.

The sporting trim level of the Stelvio, the Quadrifoglio, was unveiled on November 16, 2016, in the Los Angeles Auto Show. The European versions of the Stelvio was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.

The car's engine lineup is similar to that of the Giulia's, with a turbocharged2.0-litre inline-four and a 2.2-litre diesel inline-four. The Quadrifoglio trim level will offer a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 rated with 503 horsepower.

A six speed manual, and an eight speed automatic are offered. On January 18, Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition came possible to order in EMEAregion.

Chassis, mechanics and suspensions
Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform already used by Giulia, but slightly modified and raised by 22 cm compared to the sedan. Stelvio has also the same engines and most of the mechanics, including the carbon fiber shaft. In addition, compared to the Giulia, it has tracks increased by 2.9 cm in the rear and 5.4 cm in the front and a boot capacity of 525 liters.

The weight distribution is 50/50 between the two axles and the aerodynamic coefficient is 0.30. To hold the weight of the vehicle, car uses aluminum for some body parts such as wings, bonnet, tailgate and some mechanical parts such as suspension, braking system and engine.

The suspension is called as AlfaLink, double wishbone front, multi-link rear aluminium suspension. Springs are longer than the Giulia, but stiffer to counteract the extra height. Driver sit 190 mm (7.5 in) further up from the road than in Giulia. The Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive system (rear drive in normal conditions, up to 50 per cent of the power frontwards in low-grip conditions) is standard on all versions except an entry-level turbo petrol version.

The Stelvio weighs 1,660 kg (3,660 lb) with fluids, 145 kg (320 lb) less than an equivalent BMW X3 and 185 kg (408 lb) less than a 4-cyl Porsche Macan.

Models
In North America the Stelvio will be available as three different trim levels: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti (for Turismo internazionale) and Quadrifoglio.