Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV Promises To Be Faster Than A Cayenne Turbo S Around The ‘Ring

Alfa Romeo has finally revealed the Stelvio, their long-awaited SUV model at the Los Angeles Auto Show in top Quadrifoglio-spec.

The Italian company has made some bold claims during the official presentation of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, including Alfa’s promise to show the world that their SUV is the fastest of its genre around the Nurburgring.

Reid Bigland, Alfa Romeo’s boss said that their simulation data showed them that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is capable of posting a lap around the 7min59sec mark, beating the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S around the iconic track.

At the same time, they’ve identified their direct competition in the Porsche Macan Turbo, the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 and the Audi SQ5, making it clear of their will to go after the German establishment with the new Stelvio.

Power comes from the same, Ferrari-derived twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine found in the range-topping Giulia, producing 505 hp and 443 lb-ft of peak torque. Straight-line performance is rather staggering for an SUV, with the Stelvio Quadrifoglio expected to post a 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 3.9 seconds and a 177mph (284km/h) top speed. An eight-speed automatic gearbox will offer upshifts in just 100 milliseconds in Race mode while the Q4 all-wheel drive system is rear-biased and features a torque-vectoring differential.

As for the lesser Stelvio and Stelvio Ti models, they will be powered by an all-aluminum 280hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired also to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. 0-60mph is expected to take 5.4 seconds.

“The all-new Stelvio, named after one of the greatest driving roads in the world – the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps – sets a new benchmark for the segment,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo. “Stelvio is uniquely engineered to challenge two-door sports cars on the track, without sacrificing any of the characteristics you would expect from a premium SUV, resulting in the perfect mix of high performance, capability and Italian design.”

A range of active safety systems will also be present, including the so-called Full-speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus which can bring the car to a full stop when a potential frontal collision is detected, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop which can also stop the car completely under certain traffic conditions and Lane Departure Warning.