Alfa Romeo's Junior Veloce Surges Ahead with Unexpected Electric Power
Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce" title="Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce" />In a surprising turn of events, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce has defied all initial expectations. Initially introduced under the name 'Milano,' it faced legal hurdles that prompted a name change to 'Junior' due to manufacturing being situated in Poland rather than Italy. Despite the branding shakeup, this B-segment utility vehicle has turned heads for more substantial reasons—its unexpected boost in electric power.
Why Poland, Not Italy?
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares rationalized the decision to build the Junior in Poland by citing cost-efficiency. Constructing the Veloce in Italy would have upped the price by approximately €10,000 ($10,750). The decision was also attributed to production logistics, with the CMP/e-CMP platform vehicles already being manufactured in various locations outside Italy. Retooling a factory in Italy for the Junior Veloce wasn’t a viable option, thus settling the crossover's origin in Poland.
The Power Play
Initially marketed to pack 177 kilowatts (241 ps or 237 hp), Alfa Romeo has now revealed the Junior Veloce actually delivers a whopping 207 kilowatts—translating to 281 ps or 278 hp. For some inexplicable reason, Alfa Romeo lists the output as 280 metric horsepower instead of 281. Torque is another impressive figure, pegged at 345 Nm (254 pound-feet), although this powerhouse won't be making its way to U.S. shores as it is engineered for European markets.
Performance and Specs
This zero-emission performance marvel houses a front-mounted electric motor and boasts