Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Alfa Romeo Stelvio (949)

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 Diesel AT8 in Andorra la Vella (Andorra)

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Type 949) is the first SUV model produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16, 2016, and went on sale in spring 2017. The car is produced at the Fiat-Cassino plant.

Development

In 2003, Alfa Romeo unveiled the Kamal SUV concept at the Geneva Motor Show as a near-production vehicle. It was based on the 159 and Brera models, which in turn are based on the GM Fiat Premium platform. However, further development of this project was not continued.

The official launch was planned for 2010. At the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show, Harald Wester, then CEO of Alfa Romeo, presented a product plan that included marketing the SUV after 2014.

The name Alfa Romeo Stelvio is associated with the Stelvio Pass, which is located at an altitude of 2,758 meters. It is the highest pass in Italy and the second highest in Europe.

On November 16, 2016, the premiere of the sports version of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio called Quadrifoglio took place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

European versions of Stelvio were presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. This car is positioned as a competitor to such models as the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Velar.

In November 2019, Alfa Romeo presented an updated version of its Stelvio. The multimedia system became touch-sensitive, was improved and now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the dashboard was updated.

Stelvio now has the ability to install wireless charging. All engines comply with the Euro 6-d Temp standard: petrol engines are equipped with a particulate filter, while diesel engines have an SCR4 system.

The car received a facelift in 2023. As with the updated Giulia, the new model will have full LED matrix headlights. Their design is reminiscent of the latest Tonale model, thanks to the so-called “3+3” design, which recalls earlier models such as the SZ and 159.

The radiator grilles have been modified, and the side air intakes have received additional visual illumination. The rear lights are also equipped with LEDs and have a smoked glass effect, which was previously only available on the luxury Quadrifoglio model since the first facelift.

In April 2023, an updated sports version of the Stelvio was presented, which was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Quadrifoglio model. The maximum engine power has been increased to 382 kW (520 HP).

In addition, a special model, the Quadrifoglio 100° Anniversario, was released, limited to a series of 100 units.

Chassis

The front part of the chassis is a double wishbone axle with a semi-virtual steering axle. The structure is 80% aluminum, making it very light. This is a special development, patented by Alfa Romeo, designed to provide incredible precision and instant response to steering, creating a unique driving experience.

At the rear, the company’s proprietary Alfa Link suspension is used, also developed and patented by the company. It consists of a multi-link axle with four and a half elements and is 45% aluminum.

All-wheel drive system

In addition to the standard rear-wheel drive, the Stelvio is also available with a disconnectable all-wheel drive, called “Q4”. Front-wheel drive is engaged via an electric transfer case.

All-wheel drive is activated only if the rear axle slips. The weight of the all-wheel drive version of the “Q4” is indicated taking into account two additional propeller shafts and oil used in the system.

Engines

The car’s engine lineup includes the same models as the Giulia: a four-cylinder 2.0-liter petrol engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine.

The Quadrifoglio trim level has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, known as the 690T. This engine was developed by Ferrari for Alfa Romeo and is capable of producing up to 503 horsepower (375 kW).

Safety

In July 2017, the Stelvio model passed the Euro NCAP crash test. Overall, the car received five stars.