Not too long ago, we learned of rumors that Alfa Romeo would be debuting a coupe version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, to take on the BMW M4, and a larger SUV than the Stelvio, to compete with the BMW X5. These were just rumors at the time, though. However, Autocar is now claiming these rumors to be true and that Sergio Marchionne will officially announce these two cars next month.
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While the Giulia Coupe is the sexier car of the two, the larger SUV will be the more important one. Premium SUVs sell like molly at Coachella, so they’re important to brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. With Alfa Romeo in need of some more cash, a more premium SUV than the Stelvio is going to be necessary. The real question is, can it be as premium as the X5, Mercedes GLE-Class and Audi Q7?
The current Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a good car but it seriously lacks, in terms of luxury, technology and an overall sense of quality, compared to its German rivals. Apparently, it will have the option of a third row, much like the BMW X5, and will bring a mild-hybrid powertrain as well, with a 48-volt electrical system. The latter would actually be class-leading.
Now on to the more exciting car, though. Alfa has wanted a coupe-version of the Giulia for a while now and it’s apparently going to be getting one. This upcoming and unnamed Alfa Romeo coupe will have two reported powertrains. One will be a hybrid with the same 276 hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Giulia Veloce but with an electric motor to help it make around 345 hp. The second powertrain will be in the Quadrifoglio version of this coupe and will pack a monstrously powerful 641 hp powertrain. The latter is said to use the brand’s brilliant 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6 but with a HY-KERS system similar to the LaFerrari.
It will be interesting to see what Alfa Romeo officially announced with these two cars next month. Either way, BMW and its fans should be taking a close look at both.
[Source: Autocar]
Next gen X5 is about to be unveiled soon so unless Alfa presents something groundbreaking their new ”x5 rival” will be already outdated…
we shouldn’t underestimate alfa romeo. they’ve came a long way and the giulia quadrifoglio is killing it right now! i expect better of them in the next gen model. whenever that’ll be.
I live in a city of 7 million, have seen ZERO Alfas. Hard to get excited about new models when they can’t sell existing ones.
funny. i’ve seen couple of them. it depends where you live i guess.
I am of the mind that this so called rival should have been launched first instead of the Stelvio. The local dealer around my area is struggling with selling them.
For the month of February, in the 28 EU markets, the Stelvio outsold the Porsche Macan and easily outsold the F-Pace.
Its quickly becoming their best selling car.
Good to know, but Porsche and Jaguar are premium luxury brands and the Alfa isn’t. Or is it supposed to be? That is the problem it is having in the US. Maserati already has that spot, which leaves Alfa as what? Could try to complete better with the likes of Acura and Infiniti I guess, but Alfa needs work if it will make it above the established lux brands.
In terms of a platform certainly not. Giorgio is a jewel.
I dont think Afa will come out with an X5 rival that would make them outdated as their not trying to compete on the tech front eg semi autonomous cars. Using the Gulia as an example, I think they will try and carve out a niche based that focuses on the joy of driving i.e. class leading performance, best in class ride/handling, innovative drive train (carbon fibre prop shaft) and “x-factor” Italian design (whatever that is).
FCA is just as BMW and Hyundai part of JV with Mobileye. Mobileye is leading company in semi-autonomous driving technology. It’s owned by Intel.
Mobileye today announced that they will supply 8 million cars for an unnamed European car maker.
Mobileye is planning to start supply of Level 3 semi-autonomous drive by next year.
Wow – interesting find GME_T6! Autonomous driving is inevitable and maybe FCA are upping their technology offering in conjunction with their ethos of making performance orientated cars with Alfa Romeo.
Hmmm 641hp. Too much for an M4 rival, no? M4 is RWD so unless that Alfa coupe is coming with AWD as standard, buyers better find a local tyre supplier for weekly replacement of shredded tyres.
That is A LOT of hp…but, the QF Guilia has significantly more power than the M3 tho not as much as 200 more. I guess they are anticipating the next gen M4 to be at 500+hp? I doubt BMW will go that much, but AWD is gonna be a no brainer on the new M4 so if no AWD on this new Alfa then it might not be able to put all that power down.
Ferrari have more horsepower and they can get the power down. Ferrari limits the torque in each gear to limit wheelspin. Given Ferrari engineers are heading up the engineering R&D with Alfa, maybe thats what Alfa will do???
Put a manual in the turbo 4 coupe and I’m interested. Doubtful I know…
What an usual German car owner arrogance from an writer.
Sincerely doubt we’ll see this coupe and bigger SUV anytime soon.
2020
Autocar are reporting Sergio Marchione is presenting June 1st the next 5 year industrial plan at Balocco (Alfas historic racing track). Their “insider” is saying the coupe and SUV is going to be shown then.
The Giulia Quadrofoglio was introduced this way back in 2016 and went on sale in 2017. If I was a betting man………….