The Alfa Romeo Stelvio (Type 949) is a
compact
Compact as used in politics may refer broadly to a pact or treaty; in more specific cases it may refer to:
* Interstate compact
* Blood compact, an ancient ritual of the Philippines
* Compact government, a type of colonial rule utilized in British ...
luxury
Luxury may refer to:
* Luxury goods, an economic good or service for which demand increases more than proportionally as income rises
*Luxury tax, tax on products not considered essential, such as expensive cars
**Luxury tax (sports), surcharge pu ...
crossover SUV
A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles ( ...
manufactured and marketed by the
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. () is an Italian luxury car manufacturer and a subsidiary of Stellantis. The company was founded on 24 June 1910, in Milan, Italy. "Alfa" is an acronym of its founding name, "Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili." "A ...
subdivision of
Stellantis (formerly with
FCA), first revealed at the
2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, and entering production at the
Cassino Plant at the end of 2016.
It is currently Alfa Romeo's best-selling model, with roughly 43,000 sold in 2018.
The Stelvio uses FCA's Giorgio platform, shared with the
D-segment
The D-segment is the 4th category of the European segments for passenger cars, and is described as "large cars".
It is equivalent to the Euro NCAP "large family car" size class, and the present-day definition of the mid-size car category use ...
Giulia saloon.
The name ''Stelvio'' derives from the
Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass ( it, Passo dello Stelvio , ''Giogo dello Stelvio'' ; german: Stilfser Joch; ) is a mountain pass in Northern Italy, northern Italy bordering Switzerland at an elevation of Height above mean sea level, above sea level. It is the L ...
,
Italy's highest
mountain pass, noted for its 48 circuitous switchbacks.
History and development
Preceded by Alfa Romeo's first off roader, the
Matta, in the 1950s and the
Kamal concept car
A concept car (also known as a concept vehicle, show vehicle or prototype) is a car made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. They are often exhibited at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or ...
in March 2003, the Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's first production SUV, using a modified version of the Giorgio platform, shared with the
Giulia, and available in both rear and
all-wheel drive
An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.
The most common forms of all-wheel drive are:
;1x1 : All unicycles Reflecting one axle with one w ...
configurations.
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. The car's engine lineup is similar to that of the Giulia's, with a
turbocharged 2.0 litre
inline-four
A straight-four engine (also called an inline-four) is a four-cylinder piston engine where cylinders are arranged in a line along a common crankshaft.
The vast majority of automotive four-cylinder engines use a straight-four layout (with the e ...
and a 2.2 litre
diesel
Diesel may refer to:
* Diesel engine, an internal combustion engine where ignition is caused by compression
* Diesel fuel, a liquid fuel used in diesel engines
* Diesel locomotive, a railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engin ...
inline four.
The Quadrifoglio trim level offers a 2.9 litre ''690T''
twin-turbo
Twin-turbo (not to be confused with a twincharger setup, which is a combination of a supercharger and a turbocharger) refers to an engine in which two turbochargers work in tandem to compress the intake fuel/air mixture (or intake air, in the case ...
V6 rated at , developed for Alfa Romeo by Ferrari. On January 18, 2017, Alfa Romeo began accepting orders for the Stelvio First Edition in the
EMEA
EMEA is a shorthand designation meaning Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The acronym is used by institutions and governments, as well as in marketing and business when referring to this region: it is a shorthand way of referencing the two ...
region. On November 2, 2017, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio went on sale in Italy.
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 and versions got 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.
[2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Euro Spec , Top Speed, accessed 3 March 2019](_blank)
/ref>
All models feature an 8.8 inch infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of an Android device, such as a smartphone, on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit.
Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the syst ...
as standard, while small tweaks have been made throughout the ranges. In Europe, consumption standards use the WLTP measuring system, which increases accuracy for consumption and emission figures.
Chassis, mechanics and suspensions
The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform already used by the Giulia, but slightly modified and raised by . The Stelvio has also the same engines and most of the mechanics, including a carbon fiber driveshaft
A drive shaft, driveshaft, driving shaft, tailshaft (Australian English), propeller shaft (prop shaft), or Cardan shaft (after Girolamo Cardano) is a component for transmitting mechanical power and torque and rotation, usually used to connec ...
. In addition, its track width
In automobiles (and other wheeled vehicles which have two wheels on an axle), the axle track is the distance between the hub flanges on an axle. Wheel track, track width or simply track refers to the distance between the centerline of two wheels ...
has increased by in the rear and in the front. It has a boot capacity of .
It has a 50/50 weight distribution and a drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient (commonly denoted as: c_\mathrm, c_x or c_) is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment, such as air or water. It is used in the drag e ...
of 0.32 (Cd).[2018_AR_Stelvio_Specifications.pdf]
2018_AR_Stelvio_SP - 2018_AR_Stelvio_Specifications.pdf
accessed 10 November 2018 To help keep the Stelvio's weight in check, Alfa Romeo uses aluminium for body parts, such as the fenders, hood, and tailgate, 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 higher from the road than in the Giulia.
Rear-wheel drive as standard, the Stelvio can be optioned with 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 with all fluids, less than an equivalent BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the car as a ''Sports Activity Vehicle'', the company's proprietary descriptor for its X- ...
and less than a four-cylinder Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan (Type 95B) is a high-performance Compact luxury crossover SUV produced by the German car manufacturer Porsche from 2014. It is built in Leipzig, Germany. The Macan range includes many variants, including the Macan, Macan T, ...
.
Models
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, the Stelvio's range of models was condensed from seven into four. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, a limited edition (only 108 examples) ''NRING'' trim of the Stelvio (Nürburgring-inspired special edition) was unveiled.
Quadrifoglio NRING Edition
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.
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.
Quadrifoglio Racing Edition
At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show
The Geneva International Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. The show is hosted at the Palexpo, a convention centre located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. The Salon is organised by th ...
, Alfa Romeo Racing limited edition was introduced, which celebrate Alfa Romeo's legendary racing history and the entry of a new Italian driver onto the Formula 1 scene: Antonio Giovinazzi
Antonio Maria Giovinazzi (; born 14 December 1993) is an Italian racing driver who currently serves as the reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari, Haas and Alfa Romeo Racing. He was the 2015 FIA Formula 3 European Championship runner-up and rac ...
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
The Alfa Romeo Racing C38 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Alfa Romeo Racing to compete during the 2019 Formula One World Championship. It is the first Sauber-engineered car to be badged Alfa Romeo following a team renamin ...
Formula 1 car.
Carbon fibre parts, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system,[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
and other tweaks shave off about from the standard Quadrifoglio version. The retuned engine now produces .
Safety
The Stelvio was crash tested in July 2017 by Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is a European voluntary car safety performance assessment programme (i.e. a New Car Assessment Program) based in Leuven (Belgium) formed in 1996, with the first results released in Februa ...
. Overall, the Stelvio achieved five star results. For adult protection, the Stelvio did "exceptionally well", with its near perfect 97% matching that of the Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars since 2002 and now in its second generation.
The first generation was introduced at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and used the Volvo P2 platform ...
(all tests are not comparable because Euro NCAP updated its protocols in 2017).
The Stelvio is also fitted with an autonomous emergency braking system (AEB) as standard.
Facelift (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 new leather wrapped multi function steering wheel and gear lever, with revised dashboard materials.[Carscoops]
Revised 2020 Alfa Giulia And Stelvio Make Surprise Debut In China With Improved Interiors , Carscoops
access-date: 16. November 2019 The debut for North America was in the 2019 LA Auto Show
The Los Angeles Auto Show is an annual auto show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in early December. The LA Auto Show is an OICA sanctioned international exhibition. It is open to the public for ten days each year, filling of exhibit s ...
.
Engines and performance
On 29 September 2017, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio claimed the title of "World’s Fastest Production SUV", with a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes, 51.7 seconds.[Top Gear]
Stelvio Quadrifoglio laps in 7min 51sec – the fastest for a production SUV
access-date: 30 September 2017
North American engines and performance
Sales
Awards
Awards from automotive industry groups and media publishers included:
*2018 'Crossover of the Year' By Popular Mechanics
''Popular Mechanics'' (sometimes PM or PopMech) is a magazine of popular science and technology, featuring automotive, home, outdoor, electronics, science, do-it-yourself, and technology topics. Military topics, aviation and transportation o ...
.[FCAuthority]
2018 Crossover Of The Year: The Alfa Stelvio , FCAuthority
access-date: 5. April 2018
*''Car and Driver
''Car and Driver'' (''CD'' or ''C/D'') is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. In 2006 its total circulation was 1.23 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011. It was f ...
'' 2018 Editors’ Choice
*SUV of the Year 2018’ for ''Auto Zeitung
''Autozeitung'' or ''Auto Zeitung'' (German: "Automobile Newspaper") is a German-language biweekly automobile enthusiast magazine. It is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.
History and profile
''Autozeitung'' was established in 1969. The magazine ...
'' [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
*Performance SUV of the Year by AVA[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
*CUV of Texas by ''Texas Auto Writers Association'' [Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Named CUV of Texas 2018 by TAW]
access-date: 10. October 2018
*ArabWheels Award 2018[ArabWheels]
AW Awards 2018 - ArabWheels
access-date: 27. November 2018
*2019 Readers' Choice Awards by the ''Auto motor und sport
''Auto Motor und Sport'', often stylized as auto motor und sport and abbreviated AMS or AMuS, is a German automobile magazine.
It is published fortnightly by Motor Presse Netzwerk's subsidiary Motor Presse Stuttgart, a specialist magazine publi ...
'' [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
*2019 ''What Car?
''What Car?'' is a British monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Huntingford and published by Haymarket Consumer Media. Other team members include deputy editor Darren Moss and test editors Will Nightingale, Neil ...
'' "Performance SUV of the Year 2019" [Sports SUV]
What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2019 , Sports SUV
access-date: 13. February 2019
*2019 ''Auto Bild
''Auto Bild'' is a leading German automobile magazine based in Hamburg, Germany.
History and profile
''Auto Bild'' was first published on the last week of February 1986. The magazine is published by Axel Springer AG on a weekly basis. The webs ...
'' Magazine win of the category of "Design", "Best Brands" competition.[Theauto.eu]
Triple victory for Alfa Romeo in the Auto Bild „Best Brands“ competition - Theauto.eu
access-date: 30. March 2019
References
External links
Official website
U.S.)
{{Alfa Romeo timeline 2020 to date
Stelvio
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Luxury crossover sport utility vehicles
Compact sport utility vehicles
Crossover sport utility vehicles
Euro NCAP large off-road
Cars introduced in 2016