2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Awd on 2040-cars

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Lightly-camouflaged Alfa Romeo Stelvio snapped testing

With the Alfa Romeo Stelvio's expected reveal date at the Los Angeles Auto Show quickly approaching, we're not surprised to see prototypes testing in broad daylight with less and less camouflage. But even these latest spy shots make it difficult to determine details about the upcoming SUV. Just like before the headlights are disguised by heavy tape, but appear to be nearly identical to the ones found on the Giulia sedan. There's also a small v-shaped grille at the front with two rectangular ones on the bottom of the front fascia. The hood has three oddly-shaped ridges, but those are probably more camo to disguise actual creases. Previous SUVs were spotted with much smaller ruffles on the hood. The overall profile of the prototype remains the same as the ones we've spotted earlier with a design that mimics the Porsche Macan. The bulbous rear end of the SUV hasn't changed much either. The familiar taillights are still taped off, but appear to be taken straight from the Giulia. The massive exhaust tips, though, are new and would be more at home on a sports car. With the Stelvio expected to get the same gasoline and diesel powertrains as the Giulia, the weapon-sized exhaust tips on the prototype hint towards the possibility of the SUV getting the 2.9-liter V6 from the Giulia Quadrifoglio. Related Video: Featured Gallery Alfa Romeo Stelvio Exterior Spy Shots View 12 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Alfa Romeo Crossover SUV alfa romeo giulia alfa romeo stelvio

Alfa Romeo abandoned the Spider to focus on crossovers

As much as enthusiasts like to forget or deny it, automakers are in the business of making money, and sometimes that means doing things that seem counter to a brand's image or history. Alfa Romeo, for example, is attempting to make a comeback in the US. The make has a long history of making sporty vehicles, so news that Alfa has ceased plans on some new cars in order to focus on crossovers should be disappointing, but far from surprising. The new Fiat 124 Spider, based on and build alongside the Mazda Miata, was originally supposed to be a new Alfa Romeo Spider. A while back, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that as long as he's in charge, Alfas will be built in Italy. That seemed to be reasoning enough for the new car's switch to Fiat, but Automotive News is reporting that the company actually abandoned the new Spider in order to build SUVs. The Spider isn't the only vehicle that appears to be off the table. While the new BMW 3 Series-sized Giulia is set to hit dealers later this year, larger sedans meant to compete against the 5 Series and 6 Series have been axed. Alfa's first crossover, the Stelvio, is expected to debut later this year. The company has plans for a Giulia-based crossover as well. A lot of this seems counter to Alfa and FCA's five-year plan that was announced fewer than three years ago. Then, the 400,000 annual sales target worldwide by 2018 powered by Italian-designed and -built engines. In actuality, the company has struggled to get even the Giulia to market, delaying everything else in its wake. Related Video:

Alfa Romeo to launch new versions of 4C each year

Alfa Romeo is an exciting brand. You could argue that the MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks might not speak so much to that effect, but the 4C sure does. Fortunately, Alfa has every intention of keeping the 4C at the forefront of its lineup with a series of upgrades – one to come each year, according to Top Gear. The production version of the compact mid-engined sports car launched just last year at the Geneva Motor Show, and this year the company returned with the 4C Spider concept that previews the production roadster to follow. That may prove the most substantial of the revisions Alfa has in mind for the 4C, but it may not be the last. Just what Alfa will do next remains to be seen, but sources are already speculating on what could follow. Since the current 4C is a bare-bones affair – with a minimalist cabin and no trunk to speak of with the front hood welded shut – we're wouldn't be surprised to see a slightly more accommodating version follow. After that, it's anyone's guess. Top Gear suggests a more hardcore version – it sure would be exciting to see the Quadrifoglio Verde adorn a more powerful 4C in the future. But we're still years off from seeing any such derivative come to fruition, so we'll just have to hold on tight for the time being and wait for Alfa to finally bring itself and the 4C to American showrooms. Featured Gallery 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C View 60 Photos News Source: Top Gear Alfa Romeo Convertible Coupe Performance alfa romeo 4c