Dec

Alfa Romeo confirms SUV for 2010

Posted by Published in SUV

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Alfa Romeo

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

If Alfa Romeo is to invent a successful return to the North American market, it will need to rely on more than its sexy Italian image. On these shores, that means two ~~contradictory~~ elements are needed in its line-up: sport-utes and green tech. Towards that end, Alfa’s newly-appointed CEO, Fiat Group wunderkind Luca de Meo, has confirmed two new developments for the company. The first is the production of a sport-utility or crossover vehicle. The moment is a start-stop engine system, possibly to be bolstered by hybrid technology borrowed from parent company Fiat.

The crossover, previewed by the Kamal concept at

the 2003 Geneva show, is scheduled to debut in 2010. It is anticipated to be based on the 159 platform, which already supports Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system and offers a range of gasoline and turbodiesel engines. Upon its arrival to market, the new Italian SUV will face rigid competition from Germany’s best compact SUVs, including the Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q5.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept