Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV with 505hp

The Stelvio is Alfa Romeo’s third U.S. offering, following its re-entry into that market two years ago with the 4C sports auto, and the ongoing rollout of the mid-sized Giulia sedan.

The Stelvio is Alfa’s latest push into the American market, following the launch of the 4C sports auto and Giulia compact sedan, but this is arguably their most important vehicle.

Like the Giulia, the Stelvio also comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment system controlled by a scroll wheel in the centre console. But Alfa Romeo is promising its Ferrari-tinkered and Giulia-inspired Stelvio will be up for the challenge – at least in Quadrifoglio (they’ve dropped the “Verde” part of the name) guise – with the brand’s global chief boasting that it would “challenge two-door sports cars on the track”.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio model receives carbon fiber interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent stitching and performance contours, and performance leather and Alcantara front seats with 12-way adjustable thigh support. This is because next to the Giulia saloon the Stelvio SUV will cater to the crossover-loving audiences, complete with BMW X5 M capable Stelvio model that boasts 505 hp under the hood and 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) sprint of just 3.9 seconds.

While a kerbweight hasn’t yet been released, the Stelvio uses aluminium in its body and suspension plus a rear cross member with “extensive use of lightweight materials”.

It has been fitted with carbon ceramic brakes that come with Alfa Romeo’s integrated brake system.

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio.Alfa RomeoAlfa Romeo is in dire need of a vehicle that can pay the bills in the United States market. The chassis gets a large dose of aluminum and strives for the ideal 50/50 weight distribution between the front and the rear axles – something that sports cars strive for. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters reportedly capable of 100 millisecond shifts in the Quadrifoglio.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio comes with enough carbon fiber to build an entire other auto.

“American drivers are still getting to know the Alfa Romeo brand, and the introduction of the Stelvio is the best way to gain exposure to consumers in the bustling premium utility segment”, said Eric Lyman, chief analyst for TrueCar.

The Stelvio was developed in Alfa’s Modena engineering facility, and will also be built in Italy – alongside the Giulia in the Cassino plant, which has been the subject of investment by Alfa Romeo recently.

To deliver 505 horsepower and a flat torque curve with 443 lb. -ft. of peak torque available between 2,500 – 5,500 rpm, the engine features a bi-turbo design. It also features a torque-vectoring system to make sure each wheel gets the optimum amount of power for the grip available. However, there will be a lock-up clutch, and different transmission modes, including a “Race” option.

Safety technology includes forward-collision warning-plus, which will bring the Stelvio to a full stop when a front crash appears imminent; adaptive cruise control-plus with full stop; and lane-departure warning.