Alfa Romeo SUV to Enter US Market in 2013 After Delays
Alfa Romeo plans to launch a new SUV in the US in 2013, targeting rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 after years of postponed returns.
Alfa Romeo will return to the United States in 2013 with a new SUV, after a series of delays kept the Italian marque out of the US market for two decades. The new model is aimed directly at the premium compact SUV segment, taking on established competitors such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
The SUV is set to share its underpinnings with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, reflecting Alfa Romeo's integration into the Fiat-Chrysler group. According to company plans, the model will be available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, broadening its appeal in the US market where all-weather capability is important for buyers.
Engine options and technical details
Alfa Romeo will offer a choice of three engines at launch. The entry point is a 1.75-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 200hp, joined by a 2.0-litre JTDm diesel rated at 140hp. The range-topping option is a 3.3-litre V6 petrol, a variant of Chrysler’s Pentastar unit, delivering 275hp. These engines are expected to be paired with both manual and automatic transmissions, though full technical details have not been finalised.
| 1.75-litre turbo petrol | 200hp |
|---|---|
| 2.0-litre JTDm diesel | 140hp |
| 3.3-litre V6 petrol (Pentastar) | 275hp |
Positioning and market context
Alfa Romeo’s delayed US return has been the subject of repeated announcements and postponements. The new SUV is positioned to compete in a segment that has grown steadily in the US, with premium compact SUVs from German rivals now among the best-selling models in the class. Alfa Romeo’s offering will be tasked with re-establishing the brand on American soil, ahead of future models such as the Giulia saloon. The company is expected to reveal the SUV at a major international motor show in 2012 before US sales begin the following year.
