The hypercompetitive sport-utility market in the U.S. is getting another entry, or entries, depending upon how much money a buyer is willing to spend as the long-awaited Alfa Romeo Stelvio line-up debuts in New York.
The first-ever SUV from the Italian-based maker debuted last fall, but it was only a brief appearance. The entire portfolio for the U.S. is now being revealed at the New York Auto Show and between the styling and the performance options, it should a player.
“The 2018 Stelvio lineup marks Alfa Romeo’s venture into the second fastest-growing premium segment and an important next chapter of the brand’s rich 105-year heritage as we continue to grow in North America,” said Reid Bigland, head of Alfa Romeo.
“From the new Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models, to the ultra-high-performance Quadrifoglio model, each of our Alfa Romeo SUVs deliver class-leading power and driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive, next-level technologies and race-inspired performance, plus gorgeous design and breathtaking style that could only be from an SUV born in Italy.”
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The 2018 Stelvio, which will be produced in Cassino plant in Italy, comes in three different iterations: the base model Stelvio and the Ti, which feature an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo I-4 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering a class-leading 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque.
This powerplant will push the Stelvio from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is very healthy.
Additionally, these models get the Alfa DNA drive mode selector, class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, dual exhaust with bright tips, 18-inch aluminum wheels – although 19- and 20-inch wheels are available with the Sport package – leather seats, backup camera with rear park sensors, remote start, passive entry with keyless & go, Formula One-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push-button start.
The Lusso package for the Ti model also offers Pieno Fiore Italian leather seats with Cannelloni inserts, 12-way power front seats, including 4-way lumbar, leather-wrapped dash and upper door trim with accent stitching, genuine wood trim in dark gray oak or Lusso-exclusive light walnut, luxury leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and footrest.
However, all of this sounds great, but as more and more makers are producing performance SUVs, it’s important that the Stelvio stands up to the competition — and it does with the Quadrifoglio.
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Powered by an all-aluminum, direct-injection, 2.9-liter, 24-valve, twin-turbo intercooled V-6 engine, delivering a best-in-class 505 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque paired with the standard Q4 AWD system, that powers it from 0-60 mph in an estimated 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.
Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts 20-inch aluminum wheels with high-performance Brembo brakes, Alfa DNA Pro with Race Mode, torque vectoring differential, Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension and, of course, and cylinder deactivation system for improved fuel efficiency.
On the interior, high-performance leather and Alcantara seats with 14-way power front seats greet passengers, including four-way lumbar and power bolsters. For the driver, a Formula One-inspired steering wheel with red push-button start and steering column-mounted aluminum paddle shifters tied to a 200-mph speedometer maximize Quadrifoglio’s racing pedigree.
Of course, fast, but not safe won’t due these days. The new Stelvio comes available with a spate of safety features including: full-speed forward collision warning-plus, adaptive cruise control-plus with full stop, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and rear-park assist sensors.
(Alfa Romeo gets into SUV game with new Stelvio. Click Here for the story.)
Now, what does all of this cost? No pricing details were released, but perhaps will be in New York later this week.
