Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, you're in for a surprise! The brand has updated their flagship small SUV, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce EV, announcing a significant power boost. After initially stating that the vehicle would be equipped with a 237 HP electric motor, Alfa Romeo has revealed that the final output is a striking 278 HP. This 39 HP increase has certainly caught the attention of automotive aficionados worldwide.
What led to this unexpected upgrade? According to Alfa Romeo, the revised figure emerged post the vehicle's dynamic development phase, just before the initial road tests. The company's official statement highlighted, “Tests have shown the output of the electric motor to be 280 CV (PS), aligning it with our other Veloce models such as the Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale.”
A Surprising Realignment in EV Power
It's uncommon for an automaker to significantly adjust power figures so close to a model's launch. Typically, these figures are carefully calculated well in advance. This announcement is even more intriguing considering the Junior Veloce was originally thought to share its electric motor with the Abarth 600e and the Lancia Ypsilon HF, both of which are still rated at 237 HP. Whether these brands will follow suit in revising their numbers remains to be seen.
The updated performance specs do not just stop at horsepower. The Junior Veloce also offers a torque of 345 Nm (255 lb-ft), bolstering the vehicle's dynamic capabilities. This increased power, combined with the torque, positions the Junior Veloce as a formidable contender in the small SUV segment, ready to rival more established names in the market.
Performance Enhancements and Driving Dynamics
But it's not just about raw power. The Junior Veloce also features a lowered suspension, reduced by 25 mm (1 inch) compared to other trims, alongside front and rear anti-roll bars and a Torsen differential on the front axle. With stickier 20-inch tires and the most direct steering in its class, Alfa Romeo promises that the Junior Veloce delivers unmatched driving dynamics.
Furthermore, this model comes with enhanced braking capabilities, featuring larger 380 mm (15 inches) front discs paired with four-piston monobloc calipers. All these upgrades aim to provide a driving experience that Alfa Romeo claims rivals the discontinued Giulietta and Mito hatchbacks.
Upcoming Journalist Tests and Market Expectations
The next chapter for the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce includes rigorous testing by journalists. These tests will take place at the Balocco Proving Ground, specifically on the challenging Langhe circuit, which extends over 20 km (12 miles). This phase is critical as the model has not yet completed the “type-approval phase.”
In summary, the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce EV's journey has been marked with surprises and upgrades. From a contentious name change to a significant power boost, it has kept the automotive world on its toes. With upcoming tests and more news likely on the horizon, the Junior Veloce is poised to make a substantial impact on the electric small SUV market.