Alfa Romeo has decided to extend production of the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV by two years, keeping both models in the lineup longer than originally planned. The Giulia, a decade-old contender against the BMW 3 Series, and the Stelvio, the brand’s SUV offering, will now continue rolling off the Cassino assembly line through 2027.
Initially, both were slated for replacement this year, but Alfa Romeo has opted to keep the current generation alive while their successors undergo significant reengineering.
Why the Delay?
The primary reason behind the extension lies in Alfa Romeo’s shift toward electrification. Stellantis had planned for the second-generation Giulia and Stelvio to be fully electric, aligning with the group’s goal of going all-electric by 2027. However, slower-than-expected EV adoption across key markets has forced a rethink.
“While EVs are the future, the transition isn’t happening as fast as anticipated,” said CEO Santo Ficili during the recent presentation of the updated Tonale. As a result, the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio will now be designed to accommodate traditional internal combustion engines alongside electrified powertrains.
Engineering Challenges on the Horizon
The Giulia and Stelvio share the Giorgio platform, a cornerstone of Alfa Romeo’s engineering developed under the late Sergio Marchionne through a €1 billion investment. Adapting the forthcoming STLA Large platform to support combustion engines has proven more complex than initially expected, necessitating additional time for development.
Speculation already points to possible powertrain choices for the next-generation models. The twin-turbo inline-six “Hurricane” engine, currently found in the Dodge Charger Sixpack, is a strong contender for the regular variants. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo has hinted that the Quadrifoglio versions could adopt Maserati’s V6, keeping the high-performance DNA intact.
No Signs of Slowing Down
Despite lacking electrification, the current Giulia and Stelvio remain competitive, and their extended lifecycle allows Alfa Romeo to maintain a presence in key segments while preparing for the next generation. In context, they aren’t even the oldest cars in the Stellantis portfolio. The Fiat Panda, for instance, has been on sale since 2011, and the Dodge Durango, launched in 2010, isn’t expected to be replaced until 2029.
Looking Ahead
For Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, this extension is a welcome reprieve. It not only keeps beloved models on the road but also gives the brand time to refine its approach to electrification without abandoning the combustion engine entirely. With the automotive world caught between traditional engines and the EV revolution, Alfa Romeo’s decision highlights the challenges even luxury brands face during this transitional period.
Conclusion
The extended life of the Giulia and Stelvio reflects both practical considerations and market realities. As Stellantis balances electrification goals with consumer demand, Alfa Romeo’s iconic models are set to remain a fixture in showrooms for a little while longer proof that sometimes, even classics deserve an encore.
