An Evening of Driving & Painting

by Bernard Martin

Three Rivers Alfisti members were treated a wonderful evening on September 7, 2017 when Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo hosted "An Evening of Driving & Painting" at their car dealership.

It was the introduction of the new 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 

The crossover SUV design concept for the Stelvio was introduced in 2003 as the Alfa Romeo Kamal at the Geneva Motor Show.

There are going to be three model offerings once the model launch is completed: Stelvio, Stelvio Ti and Quadrifoglio.

The Quadrifoglio was not in stock yet to test drive. However, the Stelvio and Stelvio Ti where.

The Stelvio Specs

The Stelvio weighs 3,660 lbs with with a full tank of gas, which is less than it's model competitors the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and the Jaguar F-Pace. The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform used in the Giulia  and also shares the same engines and many of the mechanicals. It tracks bigger than the Giulia with a wider stance in the front by 2.1 inches  and rear by 1.1 inches. ​​

The front of the new Alfa Romeo Stelvio

When you stand in front looking at the nose you can easily see the much more muscular rear haunches that give it a very powerful look.  

​In keeping with the Giula, there seems to more of an awareness in the design to the body line and shape. Its nice to see a design that you want to walk up to and run your hands over to feel the flow of the car.  

There's something to be said about the almost lost art of modeling car designs in clay and the Stelvio, like the Giuia, hearkens back that era. You want to caress the lines.

The Stelivio and Stelvio Ti are powered by a a 280-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter direct injected l4 intercooled turbo engine that powers all the all wheel drive unit with an 8 speed automatic. Alfa states it can go from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds to a top speed of 144mph. Inside, are very friendly ergonomic controls with leather seats and an infotainment display.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Andy Warhol Art Car greeted members when they arrived.

The "Sport" package, features paddle shifters, 19" wheels and aluminum interior accents, but it seemed to be the seating that attracted the more driving performance oriented members in the crowd.

The Quadrifoglio, which was is not yet available is powered by a 505-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 thatshares a lineage with the V8s currently used by Ferrari in the 488 and California T . The Quad is spec'd to have a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes to slow you down from the 177mph top speed.
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The weight distribution is 50/50 between the two axleS. The aerodynamic coefficient is 0.30. 

The AlfaLink suspension is a double wishbone front, multi-link rear aluminium suspension. Springs are longer than the Giulia, but stiffer to counteract the extra height. Driver sit about 7.5 inches higher from the road than in Giulia.  

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Alfisti Evening Experience

Three Rivers Alfisti members where treated to spinach ravioli and italian sausage stuff mushrooms as well as a variety of Italian confections and a wide selection of flavored sparking waters to wash down the delicacies before moving out the the garage bays to participate in painting  a six piece canvas that will eventually adorn the walls of the Alfa Romeo dealership.

Originally scheduled to be staged outside, Gwen Lewis arranged for there to be ideal SUV test drive conditions. The rain poured down and members got the chance to experience the capabilities of the Stelvio in full wet conditions. ​

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How The Stelvio Got It's Name

The car takes it's name from The Stelvio Pass in Northern Italy. It's a majestic and daunting driving experience, with a mountainous terrain and hairpin curves that challenge even the bravest of drivers.​ The Stelvio Pass mountain is at an elevation of 9,045 ft above sea level. It's the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. At the crest you encounter the “Peak of the Three Languages” – where the borders of Switzerland, Austria and Italy once met. 

It wa​s originally carved out through an impassable section of terrain 10 months of the yea to increase trade between Switzerland and Venice. The construction of the road was completed in 1825. It has changed little since then. It's 75 kilometers long and that coincides with the number of turns you would encounter.  It remains too brutal for most modern commercial vehicles. ​

Inspired by this great driving road, Alfa Romeo engineers and artisans set out to imagine, design and craft a truly Italian SUV. 

Ron Lewis (left) was overheard at the event talking to Alfa Romeo Execs "We need more Alfa Romeo's here!" Alfa is back and in demand. Great news for long time Alfisiti!