- Alfa Romeo has announced a revised power figure for the flagship version of the small SUV.
- The electric Junior Veloce is 39 hp more powerful than originally announced, offering 278 hp.
- The change was announced post dynamic development and just before initial road tests.
The Alfa Romeo Junior (formerly known as the Milano) faced a rocky start with the forced name change, but there’s some good news. The Italian brand announced that the top-tier Veloce trim of the EV now boasts an impressive 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS), up from the originally stated 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS).
Alfa Romeo published the revised specifications for the Junior Veloce EV after completing its dynamic development program. According to the carmaker, “tests have shown the electric motor’s output to be a healthy 280 CV (PS), aligning it with the performance of the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale Veloce models.” The company also revealed the electric motor’s torque figure, which stands at a respectable 345 Nm (255 lb-ft).
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This raises some eyebrows. How does an automaker underestimate the power of its own electric vehicle by a whopping 39 hp (30 kW) right before launch? The difference between 237 hp and 278 hp is significant, especially when you’re aiming for a sporty image like Alfa Romeo is with the Junior Veloce.
The Junior Veloce was initially expected to share its single electric motor with the closely related Abarth 600e, and the Lancia Ypsilon HF supermini. It remains to be seen if Abarth and Lancia will also upgrade the output ratings of their own models following additional tests, or if they will stick to the original 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS).
Besides having the most powerful electric motor, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce also boasts a suspension lowered by 25 mm (1 inch) compared to other trims, and is combined with front and rear anti-roll bars, a Torsen differential on the front axle, and a set of stickier 20-inch rubber. Furthermore, the steering is said to be “the most direct in the segment”, while brakes feature larger 380 mm (15 inches) front discs with four-piston monobloc calipers.
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Alfa Romeo claims that all the upgrades allow the Junior to offer “class-leading” driving dynamics, on par with the discontinued Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks.
The next stage for the Junior is its first round of tests by the press, scheduled at the Balocco Proving Ground, as the model has yet to undergo the ‘type-approval phase.’ Alfa Romeo announced that journalists will have their first drive experience on the Langhe configuration of the circuit, which spans over 20 km (12 miles).
