Many автомобили enthusiasts ponder if the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, if wearing a Porsche crest or BMW propeller, would be hailed as the brand’s pinnacle and a celebrated return to form. Instead, discussions often revolve around reliability. This perspective overlooks crucial aspects of the Stelvio’s engineering and its place within the broader automotive industry.
A key, often missed, point is the significant contribution of Magneti Marelli. This company, though not always in the limelight, is a powerhouse in automotive technology. They are responsible for the base code of BMW’s iDrive and engine/drivetrain management systems. Even BMW’s X-drive system utilizes a similar center differential, albeit a heavier and less advanced iteration. Magneti Marelli’s innovation extends to sequential transmissions, with VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche) sourcing DSG components from them. Furthermore, their headlight modules are widely used across the industry, including by Audi and Rolls Royce, excluding primarily Japanese and American manufacturers. Their expertise even reaches Subaru, for whom they handle engine and drivetrain management.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio’s design choices, such as forgoing sequential transmissions or overly complex infotainment, are not signs of lacking. Instead, they reflect a strategic focus on reliability. Sergio Marchionne recognized Magneti Marelli’s vast reservoir of knowledge and development, accumulated through collaborations with numerous manufacturers. Magneti Marelli’s involvement in projects like the BMW i3 and i8, and their access to telemetry data from Formula 1 teams for over a decade, underscore their industry-spanning influence. They are an unsung hero, ensuring fundamental automotive advancements while often being underappreciated.
Alfa Romeo, in its current phase, is building cars with a clear purpose: to prove their capabilities. Historically, car manufacturers in such phases often produce their finest vehicles. Owners of vehicles from brands like Volkswagen in their ambitious phases, such as the B5 Passat or launch TT, often recognize this phenomenon. Companies driven to prove themselves tend to prioritize quality and engineering excellence. It’s after proving their point that some brands may shift focus towards maximizing profitability, sometimes at the expense of the initial commitment to exceptional quality, a pattern observed in some manufacturers.
Therefore, when considering the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, look beyond surface-level brand perceptions. Examine the engineering pedigree, the strategic focus on reliability underpinned by industry leaders like Magneti Marelli, and the brand’s current drive to excel. The Stelvio might just be the hidden gem in the SUV market, deserving of recognition beyond brand biases.
