The 2016 Los Angeles Motor Show is in full swing at the LA Convention Centre. And one of the most noteworthy new cars to be unveiled in it halls so far is the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio. A sporty SUV that we can only describe as a Giulia on stilts. I mean just look at that face – deadringer, no? Built to take on other medium-sized SUVs like the Audi Q5 the Stelvio in fact shares the exact same platform as its saloon sibling and, in range-topping Quadrifoglio specification, the same engine too.
Yep, that blown 2.9-litre V6 that thumps out 375kW and 600Nm. Figures that will apparently propel the Stelvio Quadrifoglio from 0-100km/h in 3.9-seconds. Top speed? You're looking at 285km/h. If this sounds too lairy for you then you can always opt for either the regular Stelvio or middle-range Stelvio Ti. Both these models rock a more sedate 206kW 2.0-litre turbo engine.
Regardless on which shines your shoes all come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the ground via the firm's Q4 all-wheel-drive system that can, if needed, send up to 60% of available torque to the rear axle.
To keep weight down Alfa employed lots of gravity-cheating aluminium in the construction of the Stelvio. Its front and rear subframes, suspension components, doors and fenders are all made out of the stuff. So when can you buy one? No idea I'm afraid. In true Italian fashion Alfa Romeo is yet to announce a concrete on-sale date or allude to pricing. – Thomas Falkiner
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