Alfa Romeo SUV may be named Stelvio, an homage to the Stelvio Pass

Sergio Marchionne has not only driven away any doubts concerning the Giulia in his visit to the Cassino plant. The CEO of FCA has apparently also confirmed the name of Giulia’s SUV, known so far by its project name, Tipo 949. It will be called Stelvio, an homage to the Stelvio Pass, considered as the most beautiful road in the world.

The new SUV is expected to have its production started in the end of the year, with sales beginning in 2017. The Stelvio will be built side by side with the Giulia, as they share the same Giorgio platform and it is very likely that they will also share engines. Will the Stelvio have a Quadrifoglio version, equipped with the 375 kW 2.9 V6 that is under the hood of the sedan? The question should be: why would it not? Some journalists say Alfa is working on a coupé-like SUV that would have the stronger engine as something exclusive. We see no point in having it in only one SUV.

Apart from the Stelvio, Alfa Romeo is also working on a smaller SUV, in order to compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.  It is so far named Tipo 962 and it will very likely be produced over a shortened Giorgio platform. Alfa Romeo will not give up on rear-wheel drive again. At least not so soon.