Last month, Alfa Romeo unveiled its updated Guilia and Stelvio mid-range models. Apart from a cautious retouching of the design and an updated cockpit, there were no major changes to the models. These model updates went against the grain of modern convention in that the upcoming Alfas will not come with a mild-hybrid of plug-in hybrid powertrain, a common occurrence in the increasingly electrified automotive industry. Alfa Romeo has now explained why so little has been done in the facelift.
Giorgio Platform Cannot Be Electrified
Daniel Guzzafame, Alfa Romeo's head of product, explained to CarExpert that Alfa Romeo's Giorgio platform was not designed for hybridization, which is why the company decided against a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Giulia and Stelvio. The entire platform would have had to be rebuilt, Guzzafame explained, which would not have been possible given the pressure to make a profit. But a 48-volt mild-hybrid system was also out of the question for the mid-range models for the facelift. Guzzafame reportedly told Australian media the hybrid system would come with a significant price increase that would not be worth the slight reduction in emissions as the company aims to meet regulations. However, the two models are also unlikely to be hybridized in the near future as Alfa Romeo plans to launch only all-electric models from 2025.
Next Giulia And Stelvio Most Likely To Be Electric
Although another Alfa Romeo with an internal combustion engine will be launched in 2024, it will probably be the brand's long-awaited sports car, which should get the green light for production in spring 2023. Against the background of Alfa Romeo's intentions to sell purely electric vehicles from 2027, a sports car to say goodbye to the combustion engine makes sense, but a volume model would definitely not have internal combustion. As such, Guzzafame also stated that the next generations of Giulia and Stelvio would "most likely" be launched as pure electric models.
At the same time, this also makes it clear that Alfa Romeo will stick to the teetering mid-size sedan segment for another generation of the Giulia. The Giulia is a core Alfa Romeo model that cannot be abandoned so easily, Guzzafame said. In addition to the Giulia, Alfa Romeo will primarily focus on SUVs in the future. Thus, Daniel Guzzafame also explained that both Tonale and Stelvio are needed, as well as "something bigger" beyond that. This is likely to be a large SUV, intended in particular for the North American market.