Release of 2026 Release: New Stelvio set to arrive next year
If you have your eye on a fresh new Dodge Charger with a touch of Italian style, you’ll just have to exercise some patience until 2026 when the next-generation Giulia is set to hit the market. In a recent interview with our partners at Motor1 Italy, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean Philippe Imparato revealed early information about the upcoming sports sedan. It will utilize the STLA Large platform, as seen in the 2024 Charger, but will boast an entirely unique design.
In an interview with the Italian media during a gathering at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, the CEO of the company confirmed that the design of their latest car is set in stone. After dedicating two years to perfecting the vehicle’s appearance, he confidently assures that the end product will be nothing less than remarkable. He proudly states, “The design we have created is a masterpiece. We could not have completed the styling of this car without being completely enamored with it. And now, we are!”
The upcoming Giulia model will once more have a shared platform with the Stelvio, and production for both cars will take place at the Cassino factory. According to Alfa Romeo, the SUV will hit the market first in approximately 2025, followed by the sedan version after about a year. To differentiate the new Giulia from the Charger, we inquired with Imparato about Stellantis’ plans. The CEO of Alfa Romeo stated that the STLA Large platform provides ample room for adjusting factors such as length, wheelbase, width, and height, giving it a competitive edge over the Charger.
It is yet to be determined if the upcoming Giulia model will adhere to the conventional three-box sedan design or if it will embrace a more streamlined fastback appearance, as suggested by representatives from the company. If the latter option is indeed the plan for Alfa Romeo, the overall shape may resemble other Stellantis offerings such as the Peugeot 4008 and Citroën C5 X.
Contrary to recent reports, it is not accurate to say that Giulia and Stelvio will only be offered as electric vehicles. The STLA Large platform was specifically designed to support both traditional combustion engines and electric drivetrains, as exemplified by the latest Dodge Charger. As a result, both Alfa Romeo models will be available with internal combustion engines, electric motors, or a hybrid option that combines the two.
In the year 2027, all models from Alfa Romeo will be converted to purely electric versions. The first model to initiate this change will be the Milano small crossover, which is set to make its debut on April 10th. Following suit, the Giulia and Stelvio models will also receive a zero-emission setup within the next few years. There are also plans for a larger SUV to join the lineup in the latter half of the decade. However, according to Imparato, there is a possibility that instead of an SUV, a large aero-optimized sedan may be chosen. A final decision will not be made until the end of this year. Whichever model is ultimately chosen, it will not be available for purchase until 2028.
Alfa Romeo’s executives also discussed the possibility of bringing back the iconic Duetto name for a compact electric vehicle, potentially in the form of a coupe or convertible. As stated by the top brass, “Alfa Romeo is the sole brand with the ability to produce a car ranging from €30,000 to €2 million. The Duetto cannot simply be created out of thin air. However, if we were to develop a C-segment car, we could also introduce a Coupe or Spyder variation, which would be a fantastic opportunity. The silence of an electric motor would only add to the experience.”
Upon examination of the sales figures, it is evident that Alfa Romeo is making progress with a 30 percent increase in shipments in 2023. The upcoming release of the Milano, their entry-level model, at dealerships later this year suggests that 2024 will also be a successful year. Furthermore, the rollout of the Stelvio (2025) and Giulia (2026) in the next few years could potentially transform Alfa into a strong contender for the dominant German brands.
Following the merger of FCA and PSA, Stellantis made a commitment to maintain its 14 brands under its corporate umbrella with a significant 10-year investment plan. Amongst these brands is Alfa Romeo, which has received a substantial cash injection to revamp its lineup. Similarly, other struggling Italian brands like Maserati, Fiat, Lancia, and Abarth are also receiving financial support. Even the French luxury brand DS Automobiles will remain part of the Stellantis portfolio for the foreseeable future.
