Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief executive Sergio Marchionne has finally put a label on Alfa Romeo’s upcoming SUV.
The company has settled on the nameplate Stelvio, according to Auto Express. The branding appears to be a reference to the Stelvio Pass — made famous, in part, by Top Gear‘s search for the best driving road in the world (video below). Claiming the title of second highest pass in the Alps, the features dozens of switchbacks climbing to an elevation of 9,045 feet.
Alfra Romeo’s North America boss, Reid Bigland, recently made a bold claim that the Stelvio will deliver ‘peerless performance‘ in both zero-to-60 mph time and Nurburgring benchmarks. The ‘ute faces formidable competition in the segment, as Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo S is claimed to hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and lap the Green Hell in under eight minutes.
Currently under development under the monicker Tipo 949 D-SUV, the Stelvio is expected to be offered in a Giulia Quadrifoglio package consistent with the Giulia sedan. It could feature the same Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, tuned to deliver 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque in the car. The SUV could require a bit more oomph, or featherweight construction, to contend with the Cayenne Turbo S’ 570 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of twist.
Spy shots have shown a test mule (pictured) masquerading as a bizarre Fiat 500L variant. Styling details for the production model remain unclear, though it will presumably borrow at least a few styling cues from the Giulia.
Alfa Romeo is not expected to begin production until near the end of the year, shipping the Stelvio to showrooms early in 2017. A US launch could be a bit further down the road.
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