Alfa Romeo has officially scrapped its previous commitment to becoming an electric-only brand in Enlarged Europe, North America, and China by 2027. Instead, the Italian automaker will continue offering combustion engines in its lineup, with the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio set to feature hybrid powertrains alongside fully electric variants.
The announcement came from Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO Santo Ficili, who confirmed on LinkedIn that the upcoming Stelvio will be the first of the duo to hit the market. The all-new SUV is scheduled to be revealed later this year, though sales are not expected to commence until 2026. A timeline for the Giulia remains unclear, but it is confirmed to follow after the Stelvio.
Gasoline Lives On: Stellantis’ STLA Large Platform
Both the new Stelvio and Giulia will be built in Italy on the STLA Large platform, which is shared with the upcoming Dodge Charger. This means Alfa Romeo’s flagship models will likely inherit the Charger’s potent twin-turbo, 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline-six engine.
Currently available in Dodge’s new Charger Sixpack, the Hurricane engine offers two power outputs: 420 horsepower in the standard trim and a beefier 550-horsepower variant. While torque figures remain undisclosed for the Alfa Romeo versions, the engine produces up to 521 pound-feet (706 Newton meters) of torque in the 2025 Ram 1500, hinting at impressive performance potential for the Italian brand’s next-gen lineup.
The decision to retain internal combustion engine (ICE) options comes as no surprise. Former Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato had previously hinted that his successor would have the freedom to explore multi-energy powertrains for the brand’s future vehicles. With global EV adoption still facing challenges, Alfa Romeo likely recognized that limiting the Stelvio and Giulia to electric-only models could have significantly impacted demand.
Additionally, Alfa Romeo’s sales figures have struggled in recent years, making it a risky move to abandon ICE powertrains completely. By offering both hybrid and electric variants, the automaker aims to appeal to a broader audience while future-proofing its lineup.
Giulia’s Radical Transformation: An SUV-Inspired Liftback?
While details about the new Giulia remain scarce, Ficili’s recent comments suggest a major departure from the traditional sedan body style. The CEO stated that the Giulia will adopt “a new design and a new type of bodywork,” hinting at a more SUV-like profile.
Industry speculation suggests that the next Giulia could take the form of a high-riding liftback, similar to the Citroën C5 X, Peugeot 4008, and DS N°8. While it won’t have the full ground clearance of the Stelvio, it is expected to sit higher than the current Giulia, marking a significant shift in Alfa Romeo’s design philosophy.
Exciting Times Ahead for Alfa Romeo Fans
With hybrid and EV options on the horizon, the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia are set to offer a blend of electrification and exhilarating performance. As Alfa Romeo gears up for the future, enthusiasts can expect a bold new direction for the brand—one that keeps the thrill of combustion engines alive while embracing the transition to electric mobility.
