Alfa Romeo Stelvio Explained

Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Manufacturer:Stellantis Italy
Production:2016–present
Model Years:2017–present
Assembly:Italy: Piedimonte San Germano, Lazio (Cassino Plant)[1]
Class:Compact luxury crossover SUV (D-segment)
Body Style:5-door SUV[2]
Platform:FCA Giorgio
Related:Alfa Romeo Giulia (2015)
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Layout:Front-engine, all-wheel-drive/rear-wheel-drive (2.0 Turbo Petrol)[3]
Wheelbase:28181NaN1
Length:46871NaN1
Width:19031NaN1 excl mirrors
Height:16481NaN1
Weight:4037lb 2.0 AWD[4]
4309lb Quadrifoglio[5]
Sp:uk
Designer:Carmelo Giannone (Senior Exterior Designer), Centro Stile Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Type 949) is a car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2016. As a D-segment model it slots above the smaller Tonale model in the marque's SUV range.[6] A large SUV,[7] [8] it was first revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, introduced by a 60" short film directed by Louis Sebastian Pane, and entered production at the Cassino Plant at the end of 2016.[9] In 2018 it was Alfa Romeo's best-selling model, with roughly 43,000 sold that year.

The Stelvio uses FCA's Giorgio platform, shared with the D-segment Giulia saloon.[10] The name Stelvio derives from the Stelvio Pass, Italy's highest mountain pass, noted for its 48 circuitous switchbacks.[11]

Characteristics

The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform already used by the Giulia, but slightly modified and raised by 221NaN1. The Stelvio also shares the same engines and most of the mechanics, including a carbon-fibre driveshaft. In addition, its track width has increased by 2.91NaN1 in the rear and 5.41NaN1 in the front. It has a boot capacity of 5251NaN1. The boot sill is aligned with the rear bumper and cargo does not need to be lifted over a lip when being removed. There are large vehicle blind spots behind the car's pillars. It has a 50/50 weight distribution and a drag coefficient of 0.32 (Cd).[12] Euro NCAP classify it as a large off-road car.

In order to reduce the weight of the car, aluminium is used for body panels, as well as for mechanical parts such as the suspension, brakes, and engine. The suspension, called AlfaLink, implements double wishbones in the front, and an aluminium multi-link configuration in the rear. The springs are longer than those in the Giulia, but stiffer to account for the extra weight and ride height. The driver sits nearly 201NaN1 higher from the road than in the Giulia.[13] The suspension is tuned for improved handling and driving dynamics, which can compromise ride quality if optional larger-diameter wheels are fitted.[14]

Rear-wheel drive as standard, the Stelvio can be optioned with an Alfa Romeo "Q4" all-wheel drive system, which can send up to 50% of power to the front in low-grip conditions. The Stelvio weighs 16600NaN0 with all fluids, 1450NaN0 less than an equivalent BMW X3 and 1100NaN0[15] less than a four-cylinder Porsche Macan.[13] The car's braking system is designed to be less-susceptible to brake fade, which can take time for unfamiliar drivers to get used to.

All models feature an 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard, while small tweaks have been made throughout the ranges.[16]

Engines and performance

The car's engine lineup is similar to that of the Giulia's, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four and a 2.2-litre diesel inline-four. The Quadrifoglio trim level offers a 2.9 litre 690T twin-turbo 90° V6 rated at 5100NaN0, developed for Alfa Romeo by Ferrari.[17] In Europe, consumption standards use the WLTP measuring system, which increases accuracy for consumption and emission figures. On 29 September 2017, a Quadrifoglio model set a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes, 51.7 seconds, the fastest for a production SUV.[18]

Engine/TransmissionDisplacementMax. power output
(CE)
Peak torque
(CE)
Top speed 0km/h100km/hCombined consumption
(CE)
CO2 emissions
(CE)
Regions
Petrol engine range
2.0 L I4 GME T4 MultiAir Turbo AT8 Q4 1995cc 200PS 3300NaN0 at 1750 rpm 2150NaN0 7.2 s7L/100 km 161
2.0 L I4 GME T4 MultiAir Turbo AT8 Q4 1995cc 250PS n/a n/a n/an/a n/a2020+ engine option, detuned to avoid Italian "superbollo" tax[19]
2.0 L I4 GME T4 MultiAir Turbo AT8 Q4[20] 1995cc 280PS at 5250 rpm[21] 4000NaN0 at 2,250–4,500 rpm 2300NaN0 5.7 s 7L/100 km 161
2.9 L 90° V6 24v Twin turbo 690T AT8 Q4 2891cc 510PS at 6,500 rpm 6000NaN0 at 2,500–5,500 rpm 2830NaN0 3.8 s
2.9 L 90° V6 24v Twin turbo 690T MT6 2891cc[22] 520PS n/a n/a n/a n/an/a limited Racing edition
MY2024
Diesel engine range
2.2 L I4 Multijet II AT82143cc150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW)4500NaN0 at 1750 rpm198 km/h (123 mph)8.8 s4.7L/100 km124
2.2 L I4 Multijet II MT6[23] 2143cc 1600NaN0 at 4,000 rpm 4500NaN0 at 1,500 rpm 2210NaN0 8.2 s n/a 129 MY2019
2.2 L I4 Multijet II AT8 2143cc 180PS 4500NaN0 at 1750 rpm 2100NaN0 7.6 s 4.7L/100 km 124
2.2 L I4 Multijet II AT8 Q4 2143cc 180PS 4500NaN0 at 1750 rpm 210 km/h (130 mph) 7.6 s 4.8L/100 km 127
2.2 L I4 Multijet II MT6 2143cc 1900NaN0 at 3,750 rpm 4500NaN0 at 1,750 rpm 2300NaN0 7.6 s n/a 149 MY2019
2.2 L I4 Multijet II AT8 Q4[24] 2143cc 210PS 4700NaN0 at 1750 rpm2150NaN0 6.6 s 4.8L/100 km 127
AT8 eight speed automatic transmission, Q4 all wheel drive.

North American engines and performance

Engine and transmissionDisplacementMax. powerPeak torqueTop speed0mph60mphEPA fuel economy
combined
Notes
Petrol engine range
2.0 L I4 GME MultiAir Turbo AT8 Q4 1995cc 280hp 306NaN 1440NaN0 5.4 s 24mpgus
2.9 L 90° V6 24v Twin turbo 690T AT8 2891cc 505hp 443-1NaN-1 1770NaN0 3.6 s 19mpgus

Safety

The Stelvio was crash tested in July 2017 by Euro NCAP. Overall, the Stelvio achieved five-star results. For adult protection, it did "exceptionally well", with its 97% score matching that of the Volvo XC90 (all tests are not comparable because Euro NCAP updated its protocols in 2017). The organisation found that the Stelvio generally did well at protecting adult occupants in a crash, though it was noted that protection of a rear passenger's chest was only adequate. For child occupants the Stelvio also performed at-least adequately except for protecting the neck of the dummy representing a ten-year-old child, which it was weak at in the frontal-offset test. They found that the bonnet is generally at-least adequate at protecting a pedestrian's head in an impact but that the windscreen and a-pillars did a bad job at protecting a pedestrian's head. The bumper was found to protect pedestrians' legs well in a collision but the area above the bumper varied in how well it protected a struck pedestrian's pelvis. The organisation said the Stelvio's autonomous emergency braking system "performed well" in their tests but found operating the driver-set speed limiter to be "too complicated".

The Stelvio is also fitted with an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) as standard.[25]

History and development

Preceded by Alfa Romeo's first off-roader, the Matta, in the 1950s[26] and the Kamal concept car in March 2003, the Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's first production SUV.[27] The high-performance trim of the Stelvio, the Quadrifoglio, was unveiled on 16 November 2016 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The European versions of the Stelvio were presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. On January 18, 2017, Alfa Romeo began accepting orders for the Stelvio First Edition in the EMEA region. On November 2, 2017, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio went on sale in Italy.[28]

For the 2019 model year, diesel engines of the Stelvio were updated to meet the Euro 6d emissions standards, with AdBlue technology introduced to tackle particulates in the exhaust. Both the 1500NaN0 and 1800NaN0 versions got 100NaN0 more from this change. In addition, Alfa Romeo introduced a new trim level for Europe: the Ti (Turismo Internazionale). Slightly different than the similarly named Stelvio Ti on sale in the United States, the Euro-spec Ti is fitted with the TBI-M 2.0-litre inline-four, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to all four wheels through Alfa Romeo's Q4 all-wheel drive system.[29] In 2020, Alfa Romeo introduced the newly updated Stelvio in China, with both the Giulia and the Stelvio featuring updated interiors, a new 8.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which now offers a WiFi hotspot, over-the-air software upgrades, integrated emergency call function, and call assistant function. There is the new leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and gear lever, with revised dashboard materials.[30] The debut for North America was in the 2019 LA Auto Show. As of 2022 in North America, the Stelvio has four distinct models. Starting with the base model Sprint, the Ti, the Veloce and the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio. In light of the Alfa Romeo Tonale's release, Stelvio's range of models was condensed from seven to four.

Special editions

Quadrifoglio NRING Edition

At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, a limited edition (only 108 examples) NRING trim of the Stelvio (Nürburgring-inspired special edition) was unveiled. The NRING edition has carbon-ceramic brakes, Sparco seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, and a Mopar-branded gear shifter and floor mats. The cars are differentiated on the exterior by NRING badges as well as carbon-fiber mirror caps and side skirts. Equipment is upgraded to include adaptive cruise control, and a premium sound system.[31]

Nero Edizione

In April 2018, NYIAS unveiled a Nero Edizione Package for the Stelvio. This edition grants a new exterior appearance through special blacked-out wheels, badging, and other touches. The Nero Edizione package is available only for the 280 horsepower, 2.0-litre model.[32]

Quadrifoglio Racing Edition

At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Alfa Romeo Racing limited edition was introduced, which celebrates Alfa Romeo's legendary racing history and the entry of a new Italian driver onto the Formula 1 scene: Antonio Giovinazzi joins the "Alfa Romeo Racing" team with World Champion Kimi Räikkönen. This special edition has exclusive paintwork, as a tribute to the Alfa Romeo Racing C38 Formula 1 car.

Carbon-fibre parts, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system,[33] and other tweaks shave off about 28kg (62lb) from the standard Quadrifoglio version. The retuned engine now produces 5200NaN0.[34]

Sales

Calendar YearUnited States[35] Europe[36]
20172,72117,159
201812,04330,099
20199,44426,866
202010,28417,438
2021 10,53916,650

2023 refresh

For 2023, the Stelvio, as well as the Giulia receive significant facelifts. For the front, the bi-xenon headlamps are replaced with 3+3 headlamps, which are a part of Alfa Romeo's new design language and which were first seen on the Tonale. The vehicle receives a restyled grille and sequential turn signals. For the rear, the taillights see a more transparent finish and a minor redesign.

Interior changes include a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster which offers three layouts: Evolved, Relax, and Heritage.[37]

Awards

Awards from automotive industry groups and media publishers included:

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Tipo 949 D-SUV) Name Confirmed, Production Starts in Q4 2016. Panait. Mircea. Autoevolution. 18 February 2016. 9 August 2016. 26 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160526151013/http://www.autoevolution.com/news/alfa-romeo-stelvio-tipo-949-d-suv-name-confirmed-production-starts-in-q4-2016-104770.html. live.
  2. Web site: Official Alfa Romeo Stelvio safety rating . 22 March 2023 . euroncap.com . July 2017 . 22 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322194450/https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/alfa+romeo/stelvio/27419 . live .
  3. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio. www.alfaromeopress.com. 24 March 2019. 11 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190911202707/http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/alfa-romeo-stelvio-1. dead.
  4. Web site: Sutton . Mike . December 20, 2017 . Tested: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T AWD . Car and Driver.
  5. Web site: VanderWerp . Dave . April 2, 2020 . Tested: 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Begs to Be Driven Hard . Car and Driver.
  6. News: Alfa Romeo will be expanding its lineup beyond the Tonale . Stocksdale . Joel . . 2 February 2023 . 27 March 2023 . 27 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230327220319/https://www.autoblog.com/2023/02/02/alfa-romeo-line-up-expand-more-models/ . live .
  7. News: Alfa Romeo Stelvio review . 10 August 2022 . 22 March 2023 . . 22 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322141857/https://www.parkers.co.uk/alfa-romeo/stelvio/review/ . live .
  8. News: Alfa Romeo Stelvio review . . 1 September 2022 . 22 March 2023 . Huntingford . Steve . 22 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322141857/https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/stelvio/estate/review/n113 . live .
  9. Web site: Alfa Romeo & Jeep: iconic brands to play globally. 17 September 2011. Fiat S.p.A.. 2011. 13 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130513101114/http://www.fiatspa.com/it-IT/investor_relations/investors/presentazioni/FiatDocuments/2011/UBS%20Auto%20Show%20Investor%20Conference%20-%20Frankfurt%20%28Sep%2014%202011%29_site.pdf. live.
  10. Web site: Alfa Romeo will share platforms with Dodge, Jeep and Maserati. Autoblog. February 2, 2017. April 19, 2017. April 19, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170419104816/http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/alfa-romeo-will-share-platforms-dodge-jeep-and-maserati. live.
  11. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Lineup Debuts in NY: Stelvio Pass. Alfa Romeo Press Release. April 6, 2017. April 19, 2017. April 19, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170419102414/http://www.fiat500usa.com/2017/04/alfa-romeo-stelvio-lineup-debuts-in-ny.html. live.
  12. 2018_AR_Stelvio_Specifications.pdf: 2018_AR_Stelvio_SP - 2018_AR_Stelvio_Specifications.pdf, accessed 10 November 2018
  13. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 22 February 2017. Top Gear. 19 April 2019. 10 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190410114439/https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/alfa-romeo/stelvio. live.
  14. News: Alfa Romeo Stelvio review – the most exciting SUV on sale . . 2 November 2017 . 1 April 2023 . Wiseman . Ed . 1 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230401012813/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/news/alfa-romeo-stelvio-review/ . live .
  15. Web site: Check out the latest Porsche Macan features and specs at Car and Driver, including safety and warranty information.. Car and Driver. en. 2018-12-28. 2018-12-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130857/https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/macan/specs/2018/porsche_macan_porsche-macan_2018/394225. live.
  16. Web site: Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio diesel get a power boost for 2019. James. Fossdyke. Motor1.com. 19 April 2019. 4 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101948/https://uk.motor1.com/news/262891/alfa-romeo-giulia-stelvio-2019my/. live.
  17. Web site: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Florea. Ciprian. Top Speed. 28 June 2016. 9 August 2016. 26 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160526151013/http://www.autoevolution.com/news/alfa-romeo-stelvio-tipo-949-d-suv-name-confirmed-production-starts-in-q4-2016-104770.html. live.
  18. Top Gear: Stelvio Quadrifoglio laps in 7min 51sec – the fastest for a production SUV, access-date: 30 September 2017
  19. CarCar.news: Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Stelvio: get the 2.0 anti superbollo - CarCar.news, access-date: 15. June 2020
  20. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: Orders open for Alfa Romeo Stelvio First Edition - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press, access-date: 18. January 2017
  21. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: seconds in Race mode. The transmission also features a lock-up clutch to give the driver a powerful feeling of in-gear acceleration once the gear is engaged. Depending on the mode you set with the AlfaTM DNA Pro selector, what's more, the auto box optimises fluidity, comfort and ease of driving in all environments, including around town, and further improves fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Steering-column-mounted, aluminium paddle shifters also feature as standard., access-date: 16. november 2016
  22. Web site: Dati tecnici 2.6 V6 Bi Turbo 510 CV . scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net . 22 September 2015 . https://archive.today/20240527131914/https://www.webcitation.org/6bjZenMuo?url=https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/t31.0-8/11850672_10153722263476929_735441558004574978_o.jpg . 27 May 2024 . live.
  23. Automotive World: New term updates for the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio this September | Automotive World, access-date: 15. September 2018
  24. Web site: Si stringono i tempi per Alfa Romeo Giulia. tgcom24.mediaset.it. 2017-02-24. 2017-10-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20171002024305/http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/motori/si-stringono-i-tempi-per-alfa-romeo-giulia_2147217-201502a.shtml. live.
  25. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio earns 5-star Euro NCAP rating. www.alfaromeopress.com. 19 April 2019. 18 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190418084606/http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/alfa-romeo-stelvio-earns-5-star-euro-ncap-rating. live.
  26. News: 2017-07-31. Why Buy a Stelvio When You Could Get This 1950s Alfa Romeo Military Jeep?. en-US. Road & Track. 2017-12-15. 2017-12-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034516/http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/a10386212/alfa-romeo-matta/. live.
  27. Web site: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Taylor. Michael. Auto Express. 18 February 2016. 18 February 2016.
  28. Web site: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio goes on sale. en. 2017-11-05. 2017-11-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20171105051113/http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/alfa-romeo-stelvio-quadrifoglio-goes-on-sale. live.
  29. Web site: 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Euro Spec. Michael. Fira. March 1, 2019. TopSpeed.
  30. Carscoops: Revised 2020 Alfa Giulia And Stelvio Make Surprise Debut In China With Improved Interiors | Carscoops, access-date: 16. November 2019
  31. Web site: Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING editions on show - Autocar. www.autocar.co.uk. 19 April 2019. 6 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180406101745/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/alfa-romeo-giulia-and-stelvio-quadrifoglio-nring-editions. live.
  32. Web site: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio 'Nero Edizione' Bows - FCAuthority. 2 April 2018. Fiat Chrysler Authority. 19 April 2019. 17 June 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190617162137/http://fcauthority.com/2018/04/alfa-romeo-unveils-the-nero-edizione-package-for-giulia-stelvio-nyias-2018/. live.
  33. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: Alfa Romeo at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press, accessed 26 February 2019
  34. Web site: The new Alfa Romeo Tonale concept car, electrification meets beauty and dynamism. https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044415/http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/the-new-alfa-romeo-tonale-concept-car-electrification-meets-beauty-and-dynamism-1. dead. March 6, 2019. www.alfaromeopress.com. 19 April 2019.
  35. Web site: Alfa Romeo Giulia US car sales figures. 18 January 2019. 11 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190111224310/http://carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/alfa-romeo/alfa-romeo-stelvio/. live.
  36. Web site: Alfa Romeo Giulia Europe car sales figures. 18 January 2019. 20 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190120023246/http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/alfa-romeo/alfa-romeo-stelvio/. live.
  37. Web site: 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio facelift revealed, confirmed for Australia. William. Stopford. CarExpert.
  38. FCAuthority: 2018 Crossover Of The Year: The Alfa Stelvio | FCAuthority, access-date: 5. April 2018
  39. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is ‘SUV of the Year 2018’ for ‘Auto Zeitung’ - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press, access-date: 31. August 2018
  40. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Named Performance SUV of the Year by Automotive Video Association: Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Named Performance SUV of the Year by Automotive Video Association, access-date: 3. October 2018
  41. Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Named CUV of Texas 2018 by TAWA Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Named Performance SUV of the Year by Automotive Video Association, access-date: 10. October 2018
  42. ArabWheels: AW Awards 2018 - ArabWheels, access-date: 27. November 2018
  43. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: Double victory for Alfa Romeo in the readers' choice awards held by the magazine auto, motor und sport - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press, access-date: 3. February 2019
  44. Sports SUV: What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2019 | Sports SUV, access-date: 13. February 2019
  45. Theauto.eu: Triple victory for Alfa Romeo in the Auto Bild „Best Brands“ competition - Theauto.eu, access-date: 30. March 2019