The Italian automaker every car enthusiast is either publicly or privately hoping will escape the clutches of obscurity to be able to stand as equal rivals to the most established of Europe’s premium marques, Alfa Romeo, is planning an almost ludicrously ambitious comeback show.
Up to nine new models between now and 2021 is the apparent target; one that starts with the Stelvio SUV at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, reported by Autocar UK via a conversation with Reid Bigland, new head of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
The launch of the Giulia did a well enough job to lay a solid foundation from which subsequent models can make their debut, emerging with critical praise. However, their newest sedan’s development was hampered by technical issues and growth plans into markets such as China did not pan out.
“Our goal is absolutely to go toe to toe with the Germans, but that’s not a two-year plan," said Bigland. "We’re just not going to get there that quickly. They’re in every segment and spinning derivatives off those segments.
Alfa’s isn’t shy about admitting its expansion hinging on a focus on SUVs which will be kicked-off after the launch of the Stelvio (which hasn’t officially been given an official production name), which will be competing with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
Derivatives of the Stelvio recipe could also spawn sportier models to bother the likes of the Porsche Macan and Jaguar F-Pace, possibly with a shared engine from the V6-powered Giulia Quadrifoglio. Bigland said that a key differentiator to any Alfa Romeo model will be its driving dynamics.
Further, a larger SUV may very well already be in the works for Alfa, bearing close connection to the Maserati Levante. And while that might be vying for the same market as the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, the Alfa Romeo equivalent could attack the BMW X5 and Audi Q7.
Other possible avenues the Italian marque could explore is a new coupe that would succeed the Brera as well as a mid-size hatch that might have Volkswagen worried about their Golf, perhaps in the form of an all-new Giulietta.
For more on Alfa Romeo vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
