The new model, previously known only by the internal factory index Tipo 949 D-SUV, is named after the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy, which is the second highest in the Alps and is located at an altitude of 2757 meters above sea level. The British TV show Top Gear in one of its episodes called this road "the most driver's road in the world." The Alfa Romeo crossover will be built on the modular Giorgio platform, which debuted in the summer of 2015 on the Giulia sedan. In terms of size, the model will be slightly larger than the BMW X3, whose overall length is 4657 millimeters.
The Stelvio engine family will include several gasoline "fours" and a turbocharged three-liter "six" with about 500 horsepower, which already powers the "hot" version of the Giulia – Quadrifoglio Verde. The model is also expected to be available with a V6 diesel engine. The company promised that the SUV will have "unparalleled dynamics" both in terms of acceleration to 100 km/h and in terms of lap time at the Nürburgring. Currently, the fastest SUV on the "North Loop" is the Range Rover Sport SVR, which completes the track in 8 minutes 14 seconds. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is expected to be shown in the fall at the Paris Motor Show, and will go on sale in 2017.
