The Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo has release plans for a full-size crossover SUV and an updated version of its Giulia coupe (in both two- and four-door variants). The corresponding statement was made by Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles N.V.
According to him, the large SUV will benefit from a hybrid powertrain equipped with a 48V electric turbocharger. Reportedly, the latter is going to compensate around 200 kg (440 lbs.) of added weight. For those looking for a spacious family car, a version with the added third seat row will also be made available. There is no finite market release date yet, but the vehicle won’t be out until well into 2019.
As we stated above, the updated Giulia coupe will be issued in two- and four-door variants to appeal to a wider target audience. The car will borrow some of its features from Ferrari, including the regenerative brake. It is also now official that the car won’t be shipping with any of the old engines. Instead, Alfa Romeo engineers are currently busy developing a new engine palette based on 2.0- and 3.0-liter units found in the Giulia Veloce and the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Once sufficiently improved, those may offer 345 to 640 hp (257 – 477 kW) in terms of performance, placing the next Alfa Romeo Giulia coupe on top of the series as the best-performing car. Market release is scheduled for 2019.
In a recent news, Alfa Romeo has discontinued the production of its three-door Mito hatchback model. The car has suffered from increasingly poor sales ever since 2009. We might be seeing a new compact crossover SUV coming to replace it in the near future.
Photo: autocar.co.uk; alfaromeousa.com