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The Alfa Romeo Stelvio isn’t really in need of a facelift (yet), but the Italian carmaker has started working on one with our spies spotting the first prototypes on the road, which included both regular and Quadrifoglio variants.
Visually, the red Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio tester spied doesn’t look any different than the current model. Of course, its front and rear fascias are covered in camouflage, so there’s a chance something’s hiding under there. Either way, by the time the updated Stelvio does launch, we do anticipate to see minor tweaks made to the front and rear bumpers and possibly even the lighting units on both ends.
The cabin of the facelifted Alfa Romeo Stelvio will also be tweaked and our spy photographers were able to snap some photos of one of prototype’s interior before engineers could cover them up. The most apparent changes made to the cabin are focused on the redesigned lower center console.
Look closely and you’ll notice a slightly different gear selector and surround, as well as the separate button for the electronic parking brake to the left of it (instead of being integrated on the gear lever, as is now). The chrome trim then slopes away from the buttons and dials and nicely meets up with the redesigned foldable, and possibly slidable armrest.
Elsewhere, the cabin looks much the same with identical climate control buttons and dials, a large infotainment system, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and large paddle shifters.
As is always the case, it’s important to point out that this is an early prototype and more styling changes could be made to the interior and exterior before the SUV hits the market. We will see other updates and tweaks too, including to the engine range, chassis and tech and comfort features.
According to Alfa Romeo’s most recent product plan, both the Stelvio and the Giulia are scheduled for a facelift, which the Italians call “MCA” for mid-cycle action, that will include long-wheelbase versions for the Chinese market in 2022. There is a (small) possibility that Alfa might introduce some of the interior and trim revisions seen here as part of a minor model year update for 2020, but to date, we haven’t heard any chatter on that from our sources.
As the Giulia is essentially a sedan version of the Stelvio, it should benefit from the same interior and exterior alterations.
Damn that thing is pretty. It's really too bad that this, for me, falls into the same bucket as a Land Rover. Would love to have one, will never have one.
Damn that thing is pretty. It's really too bad that this, for me, falls into the same bucket as a Land Rover. Would love to have one, will never have one.
I changed my mind. Had one as a rental for a week. Do not want one ever.
Alfa Romeo launched the ‘6C Villa d’Este’ limited editions of Giulia and Stelvio as a nod to the limited production 6C 2500 SS Coupé that won the Referendum Grand Prix at the 1949 Concorso d’Eleganza di Villa d’Este.
Both models get a striking three-layer Etna Red paint for the exterior which is a reference to the original, combined with chrome-plated window frames. The Stelvio sits on Alfa Romeo’s classic 21-inch alloy wheels while the Giulia has a different set of 18-inch wheels with five double spokes.
Inside we find ’6C Villa d’Este’ emblems embroidered on the front headrests and on the dashboard. Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable and heated seats with beige premium leather upholstery, aluminum shift paddles, level 2 ADAS systems, a rearview camera, parking sensors, a wireless charging pad, and an automatically operated tailgate.
The Giulia ‘6C Villa d’Este’ can be ordered with either the 2.2 turbodiesel producing 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), or the 2.0 turbo petrol producing 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS). In both cases, power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Meanwhile, the Stelvio ‘6C Villa d’Este’ is offered with a more powerful 2.2 turbodiesel producing 207 hp (154 kW / 210 PS), or the 2.0 turbo petrol with 276 hp (206 kW / 280 PS) – just like the Veloce Ti variant. The SUV is exclusively offered in AWD form with the the eight-speed auto.
Alfa Romeo didn’t release information on the pricing and the availability of the limited editions, but we expect them to be slightly more expensive than the Veloce trim. As a reminder, the Giulia was launched back in 2015 followed by the Stelvio in 2016. Both models received a facelift in 2020 with several updates. At the moment those two are the only models offered by Alfa Romeo. However, the Italian automaker is getting ready for revealing the Tonale plug-in hybrid C-SUV in summer 2022, followed by a fully electric B-SUV in 2023.
With Alfa Romeo being down to just two models (Tonale arrives in 2022), the only way to spice up its lineup is by playing the special edition game. After the wild Giulia GTA / GTAm and the more recent 6C Villa d'Este available for both the sedan and the Stelvio, it's the SUV's turn again to spawn a limited-run version. It's called the GT Junior and takes after the GT 1300 Junior, at least in spirit.
Paying homage to Alfa Romeo's entry-level coupe sold between 1965 and 1977, the performance SUV is based on the sporty Veloce trim. Rather surprisingly, it doesn't have the 280-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine as it relies on the 2.2-liter diesel with 210 hp on tap. It sends 470 Newton-meters (347 pound-feet) of torque to all four 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Ok, but what is the connection with the GT 1300 Junior? Well, the Stelvio wears a striking Ochre paint as a heritage color representing a visual nod to the source of inspiration. The lovely shade has been previously used for a one-off Giulia Quadrifoglio showcased a couple of years ago at the Mille Miglia. Anything else? The headrests have embroidered "GT Junior" logos and there's also a silhouette of the classic sports car on top of the dashboard.
In its home market Italy, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio GT Junior retails for €72,750, which makes it €6,550 more expensive than the Veloce diesel specification upon which it's based. The premium gets you a fancy color and some interior tweaks, plus a long list of standard equipment varying from an electric tailgate and front parking sensors to aluminum paddles and LED fog lights.
More significant novelties from Alfa Romeo are planned later this decade as the Italian brand has vowed to roll out a new vehicle each year until 2026, starting next year with a compact crossover equipped with plug-in hybrid power set to be positioned below the Stelvio. An even smaller Poland-built Brennero subcompact crossover, possibly with an EV option, is rumored to arrive before 2025.
Not long after a single photo of a headlight likely belonging to the 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio was spilled online and we have our first sighting of the facelifted SUV out on the streets. The image that was shared on numerous social media channels, including on Alfistitalia and Reddit, shows a lightly camouflaged Stelvio wearing the same triple-unit headlamps, which follow the styling of the Tonale, possibly integrating the same full-LED adaptive matrix headlights from Marelli.
The prototype seen here also appears to be riding on newly styled wheels. It’s hard to tell from this picture, but there may be some minor changes to the front bumper as well. (Updated 3/3/2022).
Alfa Romeo just revealed the brand-new Tonale but the brand has not forgotten the Giulia and Stelvio models that will likely receive a much-needed facelift to carry on for a few more years. Previously, we had seen a single photo of an LED headlight that was uploaded on Instagram by @instalfisti.
The image doesn’t show much of the car but from the outline of the headlight, we can tell that it belongs to a Stelvio. While the shape is identical to the current model, the graphics are updated with three LED units clearly inspired by the ones on the smaller Tonale.
The timing of the post makes it more likely to come from the Alfa Romeo factory, since it would be very difficult for a tuner to design and produce a Tonale-inspired aftermarket part so close to its official debut. While our spy photographers haven’t spotted any camouflage prototypes of the Stelvio / Giulia driving around recently, Alfa Romeo could easily use the current model’s body and lighting units for testing purposes on public roads.
The Italians are famous for their clever use of resources during facelifts, so we suspect that the changes on the updated Giulia/Stelvio will be minor. Besides the redesigned LED graphics on the lighting units, the models could get a slightly tweaked bumper inspired by the Tonale, where the lower intakes merge with the scudetto grille thanks to the addition of black trim.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the brand’s first production SUV, debuted in 2016, a year after the mechanically related Giulia sedan. In 2019, the Italian company introduced the revised Giulia and Stelvio with improved materials and more tech although the exterior remained the same. Since then, the Stelvio has received a Veloce variant and a few special editions trying to grab buyers’ attention in a segment that is dominated by the Germans (BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC).
Alfa Romeo has pledged to become a fully electric brand by 2027, which means that the ICE-powered Giulia and Stelvio that are based on the Giorgio platform have five more years before being discontinued. This is plenty of time for a facelifted model’s lifecycle, with a styling update deemed necessary after six and seven years in the market.
Another key point is the debut of the Maserati Grecale this year, which is mechanically related to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. While the SUV will get Maserati-sourced powertrains, including a fully electric variant, we can’t help but wonder if any of the mechanical updates to the Giorgio platform could reach Alfa Romeo before it starts the exclusive use of PSA Group-sourced architectures in its future models.
Described as “the first globally available limited-edition series from Alfa Romeo,” the Estrema duo is positioned as a more performance-oriented alternative to the Veloce trim. It comes with standard adaptive suspension and a limited-slip differential. The advanced suspension reads the road and adjusts shock valving according to the road conditions in an attempt to deliver better handling characteristics.
Another technology the Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema share with the QV models is the LSD. It distributes torque between the wheels to ensure better traction during acceleration and cornering. Responsible for generating the power is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, good for 280 horsepower (206 kilowatts) and 306 pound-feet (415 Newton-meters) of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on both the sedan and the SUV. The Stelvio also has a standard all-wheel drive, while Alfa Romeo’s Q4 AWD system is optional for the Giulia.
Thanks to these hardware upgrades, the Italian automaker says the sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0-96 kilometers per hour) in 5.5 seconds with RWD and 5.1 seconds with all four wheels turning. The Stelvio, in turn, needs 5.5 seconds for the same sprint.
Also standard for both cars are adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot assist. Alfa is especially proud of its collaboration with the Alfa Romeo F1 team, which helped with the weight distribution and other performance tweaks.
You can now order both the Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema with first deliveries expected in the third quarter of the year. Four colors are available for both vehicles and prices start at $55,090 for the RWD Giulia Estrema and $58,950 for the Stelvio Estrema. If you want an AWD Giulia Estrema, you’ll have to spend at least $57,090 (all prices exclude a destination of $1,595).
The New Giulia and Stelvio are making their debuts. These two award-winning models have won over the international community thanks both to the brand's trademark excellence-perfect weight distribution, best-in-class driving dynamics, top-of-the-line technological and motor solutions-and to the timeless design which makes any Alfa Romeo vehicle a long-lasting "moving work of art". Today, Alfa Romeo's distinct take on the beauty of Italian design has been made even more seductive and contemporary on both models with stylistic interventions being made on their fronts to create a clear and strong family feeling with the Tonale. The New Giulia and Stelvio will be available starting from February 2023.
A new "look"
Standing out on the fronts of the New Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, the front grille, where the logo is positioned, and the lower grilles of the two main air ducts have been given a unique finishing which provides a contemporary reinterpretation of the famous and distinct "Trilobo" grille. In fact, the headlights are the main new feature on the front. Starting today the "3+3" lights make their debut on both models with new Full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights. This creates both a strong family feeling with the Tonale and, at the same time, recalls one of the brand's famous features which was introduced by the iconic Alfa Romeo SZ Zagato and the Alfa Romeo Proteo concept car. The three modules make up the New Giulia's and Stelvio's unique frontline and supply daylight, a dynamic turn signal ensuring the best lighting conditions thanks to the introduction of two sophisticated technologies: the "Adaptive Front Lighting System", which constantly adjusts the dipped beam headlights based on the speed and driving conditions, and the "Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology", which in poor lighting conditions automatically detects both directions of traffic to avoid blinding the other cars; and finally the"Welcome and Goodbye" device, a function which turns on every time the driver closes or opens the car. All of this means more efficiency-in terms of duration and energy savings-and greater safety due to less stress on the eyes and increased driving comfort. The layout of the group of rear LED tail lights, which provide the perfect combination of style and sophisticated technologies, have also been made over to accentuate both models' sporty souls. Specifically, the New Alfa Romeo Giulia has new tail lights in glass with a transparent finish, while those on the New Stelvio come in smoked glass with a glossy black finish.
The new, completely digital instrument panel
The New Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are equipped with the most cutting-edge technology to ensure a comfortable and connected experience, while simultaneously providing the trademark pleasure of driving an Alfa Romeo. The most significant update can be seen in the instrument panel with its historic "telescopic" design. It includes the new, completely digital 12.3" TFT screen, where one can access all the vehicle information and parameters related to the autonomous driving technologies. Moreover, the cluster can be reconfigured into three layouts: Evolved, Relax, and Heritage. Evolved represents the future of Alfa Romeo design and uses the central area of the screen, despite keeping its two lateral quadrants in place. Relax focuses on comfort, is free of detailed vehicle information, and goes without the two quadrants. Heritage is inspired by the brand's iconic Sixties' and Seventies' models, with distinctive details like inverted numbers at the end of the speedometer.
On April 15, 2023, 100 years will have passed since an indelible symbol of Alfa Romeo, the Quadrifoglio, made its debut on the racing version of the RL during the XIV edition of the Targa Florio.
On this special anniversary, Alfa Romeo has introduced the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio with the exclusive commemorative "Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversario" edition. Limited to just 100 units both for the Giulia and Stelvio, the Anniversary Edition is the result of one hundred years of research into technical excellence which has been applied to racing and production vehicles. Its iconic nature, technical purity and technology have been combined to place it at the top of its respective segments, with best-in-class handling and power-to-weight ratio, creating a direct and immersive one-of-a-kind Alfa Romeo driving experience. Lots of new features: celebratory badges, exclusive characterization, and lots of technology thanks to the new adaptive full-LED matrix headlamps and the new fully digital instrument cluster embellished with the historic 'telescope' design.
To celebrate one century of pure sportiness, the Quadrifoglio is heading back to its native land of Sicily, as Alfa Romeo has chosen the island to be the backdrop for a commemorative photo shoot which, in addition to recounting tradition, highlights Italian "Great Beauty" and "Made in Italy". After one hundred years, the Quadrifoglio journey has not ended, as it continues to be reinvented and projected into a bright future which pays homage to the successes of the past.
The origins of a legend
A symbol of Italian noble sportiness, the legendary Quadrifoglio has always been synonymous with the brand's highest-performing creations. This not only holds true for its racing models, but for its most powerful and exclusive road vehicles as well. On the occasion of its one-hundredth anniversary, it is being introduced in a commemorative version. Reinterpreted in a modern key, the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has projected its historical logo into the brand's future while preserving its solidity and elegance. Plus, its color point has been given a contemporary chromatic update and recalls the brand's glorious vehicles and celebrated racing victories which are now part of the collective imagination.
The Quadrifoglio has been part of Alfa Romeo's racing and industrial history since the very beginning. It all started on April 15, 1923 on the occasion of the XIV edition of one of the oldest automobile races in the world, the Targa Florio-the prestigious event which, at the beginning of the 20th century, transformed Sicily once a year into the most famous European "salon". Intense and incredibly challenging, the race was one of the most important milestones of its time for drivers and could thrust particular car models and entire brands onto the market. That's why, in 1923, Alfa Romeo put enormous importance on the Sicilian race, developing a specific version of its RL and recruiting talented drivers.
In the end, Ugo Sivocci, an important driver of his time, brought home the win thanks to his skills and a series of fortunate events which would make the choice of the Quadrifoglio (a four-leaf clover) even more meaningful as an emblem of sportiness on the hoods of race cars. With this victory, Alfa Romeo was catapulted onto the Mount Olympus of car manufacturers, inexorably linking the symbol of the Quadrifoglio to the brand's legendary vehicles and setting the stage for an extensive series of brave achievements by unforgettable drivers. From the first Grand Prix championship in 1925, and moving on to the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and "24-huor Le Mans", the brand dominated the international racing scene from then on. However, the lucky symbol soon began to stand out on exclusive road vehicles as well. In fact, the glazed Quadrifoglio badge would make its first appearance on a road vehicle with the Giulia Sprint GT Veloce and launch a tradition which continues until today. These are the brand's most powerful versions in their ranges and have been designed for a public of car-enthusiasts who are passionate about sporty driving.
A 100-unit, limited-edition jam-packed with exclusive content: technology, greater power with 520 HP, and superior technical refinement thanks to the limited slip-differential
The Giulia and Stelvio "Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversario" editions are the result of one-hundred years of research into technical excellence which has been applied to racing and production vehicles. The V6 engine has been enhanced to 520 HP (for Europe, the UK and China) and is combined with the mechanical self-locking differential, a feature that makes its debut on this special launch series. This is an important technical device that, thanks to specific tuning derived from the Giulia GTA's design experience, contributes to improving the car's behavior and traction, optimizing torque transfer, and increasing stability, agility, and speed in bends.
Best in class driving dynamics, the result of surprising lightness, due to the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminum for the engine and carbon fiber for the drive shaft, bonnet, spoiler, and skirts. On the Giulia, active aerodynamics remains with the carbon front splitter: when activated it controls the quality of airflow passing under the vehicle, increasing stability and performance. Finally, the Akrapovich exhaust system gives the exhaust an unmistakable sound.
Strong personality on the exteriors where Giulia and Stelvio renew their look in continuity with the family feeling of the range characterized by the '3+3' headlights, with new adaptive Full-LED Matrix headlights that offer an anti-glare and adaptive driving beam for optimal lighting in all conditions, guaranteeing energy savings, a high improvement in safety and less eye fatigue. Burnished 5-hole 19" sports alloy wheels for the Giulia, and 21" for the Stelvio with new, exclusive gold brake calipers. The same precious hue distinguishes the emblem celebrating 100 years of the Quadrifoglio, positioned on the mudguard of both cars. To add even more sportiness, for both Giulia and Stelvio, the grille and mirror caps are in visible carbon. Three liveries are available: Rosso Etna, Verde Montreal, and Nero Vulcano.
The same sporty feel can be found in the interiors where there is an exclusive combination of black and Alcantara leather which is enhanced by new and exclusive in sight golden stitching and an innovative 3D finish in real carbon for the instrument panel, the central tunnel, and the door panels. On the dashboard, there is a special stitching of the number "100" next to a golden Quadrifoglio. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fiber inserts.
Whether it is the exclusive look, technology or onboard connectivity, all of the features are at the service of a trademark Alfa-Romeo driving experience. This can be seen in the new instrument panel which includes the historic "telescopic" design and debuts a completely digital 12.3" TFT screen where you can access all of the vehicle's information and the parameters related to the autonomous driving technologies. In addition to the three layouts available on the entire Alfa Romeo layout (Evolved, Relax and Heritage), the exclusive 'Race' configuration makes its debut on the Quadrifoglio.
The 'Race' layout gathers in the central screen the fundamental information that every rider wants to have under control: rev counter, speedometer and shift light for manual driving. The layout can be customized by placing additional information, including instant performance ones, in the side dials.
02-26-2019, 09:12 AM
