We’ve been here before quite a few times, haven’t we?
In fact, it’s been more than a decade since the launch of the Kamal concept in 2003 that we’ve been talking about the Alfa Romeo SUV which, until now, has failed to materialize.
Alfa Romeo is currently making waves with the all-new 4C Spider launched at the 2015 NAIAS. This, however, is just a low-volume halo sports car that’s supposed to build up and sustain interest in the brand until the mainstream models arrive.
The on-again, off-again SUV is one of those. According to a report from Autonews Europe, the Italian automaker is finalizing the development of the “Project 949”, the internal designation for the first-ever Alfa SUV, and its launch is set for 2016.
Citing sources familiar with the subject, who wish to remain anonymous, the report says the SUV will be based on the same platform as the upcoming mid-size saloon, which may or may not be called Giulia, but is due to be launched this year) and not a Jeep one, as previously thought.
Building the two models on the “Giorgio” (an internal name) platform allows parent company FCA to reduce costs. Company CEO Sergio Marchionne said last year that while developing a new model demands an investment of around US$1 billion, adapting an existing architecture costs less than US$300 million.
The aforementioned sources also claim that the SUV is being developed by a team of former Ferrari engineers and will be similar in size to its Audi Q5 and BMW X3 rivals. It will also be the first vehicle to feature the brand’s new high-output V6 turbodiesel engine that will introduce a whole new engine family.
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