Photo: Alfa Tipo 949 Facebook Page
Alfa Romeo has been developing the Stelvio, its first-ever SUV model, for quite some time. What started out as a Fiat 500L test mule that we loved to hate has turned into the promise of a sexy and sporty 4x4.
Of course, we have a pretty good idea of what it will look like, based on the spy photos that suggest most of the Giulia's lines will be carried over. However, nobody has yet seen any the big picture.
That ends today with a couple of cellphone photos snapped at the 3D model of the chassis on a computer screen. We are dealing with the "body in white" version of the car, probably as it will be when it enters the painting booth.
The images might also suggest that the roof and its pillars are made from a different material to the rest of the body, while the fenders and doors are different again from the floor pan. Could this be a carbon+aluminum+steel combination?
3D models of cars are common in the industry, but we knew exactly what car we were looking at because of a photo the company designer posted in January while sitting on the trunk. It's got a trademark V-shape that no other SUV or crossover offers.
Even though we suspect it's going to be the most practical car Alfa has made since the 159 Sportwagon, the Stelvio will be attractive due mainly to its driving dynamics.
You've seen Alfa Romeos with V6 engines before, but not like this one. Ferrari helped make it, so it should deliver sportscar levels of performance and sound. Furthermore, the Italians have developed all sorts of 4-cylinder turbocharged engines that cater to everything a BMW X3 or Audi Q5 driver might want. The initial reviews of the Giulia Quadrifoglio state that it's fast yet not very engaging. But that's not a problem for an SUV. Really, this one can't go wrong.
That ends today with a couple of cellphone photos snapped at the 3D model of the chassis on a computer screen. We are dealing with the "body in white" version of the car, probably as it will be when it enters the painting booth.
The images might also suggest that the roof and its pillars are made from a different material to the rest of the body, while the fenders and doors are different again from the floor pan. Could this be a carbon+aluminum+steel combination?
3D models of cars are common in the industry, but we knew exactly what car we were looking at because of a photo the company designer posted in January while sitting on the trunk. It's got a trademark V-shape that no other SUV or crossover offers.
Even though we suspect it's going to be the most practical car Alfa has made since the 159 Sportwagon, the Stelvio will be attractive due mainly to its driving dynamics.
You've seen Alfa Romeos with V6 engines before, but not like this one. Ferrari helped make it, so it should deliver sportscar levels of performance and sound. Furthermore, the Italians have developed all sorts of 4-cylinder turbocharged engines that cater to everything a BMW X3 or Audi Q5 driver might want. The initial reviews of the Giulia Quadrifoglio state that it's fast yet not very engaging. But that's not a problem for an SUV. Really, this one can't go wrong.
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