Alfa Romeo is working on a hot Tonale Quadrifoglio SUV

Alfa Romeo is weighing up the idea of a red-hot four-wheel-drive Tonale Quadrifoglio. Probably a rich seam of endeavour, when you look at the prices commanded by tackle such as the BMW X2 M35i and Mercedes-AMG GLA35 or 45.

The firm's boss Jean-Philippe Imparato told us: "We're working on a Quadrifoglio version of the Tonale but won't push the green button unless we can get the highest level of performance."

He didn't specify what that level of performance should be. So let's speculate. We're thinking 350-plus horsepower.

After all, at the Tonale's launch there are two versions that beat 250bhp. In Europe the plug-in hybrid, using a 1.3 turbo up front and electric drive aft, makes 275bhp.

Meanwhile in America there is a Tonale with a 2.0 turbo petrol driving through a nine-speed auto and mechanical four-wheel-drive.

Which shows the platform can take that drive system, and also that the engine bay is big enough for 2.0 litres. Which should allow for 350bhp. But heck, we're just speculating here.

Still, it's not like Alfa doesn't know how to do this stuff. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is one of the best-driving fast SUVs. Not just for it's rip-snorting V6, but the ultra-alert and engaging chassis too.

Imparato is keen to move the Quadrifoglio heritage, even into the electric age. He spoke of doing hot versions at the peak of his new EV lineup  – "maintaining the Quadrifoglio umbrella provided I can get the right performance and handling". That new line, with looks by Cupra Formentor designer Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, begins in earnest in 2025.

The promise, then, is that Alfa won't debase the grand old Quadrifoglio name by sticking it on limped warmed-over stuff. Has to be full heat or nothing.