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.
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]
