The current-generation (Type 952) Alfa Romeo Giulia was unveiled a decade ago in June 2015, and the Stelvio (Type 949) arrived around the same time, so they're both a little long in the tooth. But according to a new report from Autocar, they'll be soldiering on for another few years until 2027 as their planned all-electric successors have been delayed while Stellantis reengineers them for hybrid power. Alfa Romeo U.K. boss Jules Tilstone confirmed the news to the British publication and justified the decision thus: "80% of the [U.K.] market is still ICE. People are looking for fun-to-drive performance ICE cars, and the Giulia and Stelvio offer that in spades." Tilstone further defended the decision by saying that the Giulia is a "timeless D-segment saloon - and it is still stunning." Personally, this writer agrees, but can the aging Giulia and Stelvio remain competitive when BMW alternatives on Neue Klasse architecture will be hitting their stride by 2027? Perhaps familiar engines will help.
Quadrifoglio V6 Engine Will Be Resurrected
Stellantis
After confirming that the Italian sedan and SUV will continue to be sold with a 270-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine, Alfa's U.K. boss added, "We're also bringing back the Quadrifoglio versions of both the Giulia and Stelvio." Tilstone says that "the powertrains will be effectively the same" in the face of impending Euro 7 emissions rules, so along with dated (if attractive) designs, the pair will be doing battle with Bavaria and the rest of Germany without any hybrid assistance while the likes of the next (G84) M3 will arrive with mild-hybrid powertrains to improve both fuel economy and performance. That's concerning when many buyers seek bragging rights; the next BMW M3 will doubtless exceed 500 hp by some margin when it arrives in late 2026 or early 2027, while the Quadrifoglio V6 is currently rated at 505 hp.
Alfa Romeo Has A Mountain To Climb
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo is struggling in the U.S., with a highly limited offering leading to low sales amid high inventory and recent recall troubles, not to mention rust issues, and keeping the current range alive with few changes (if any) sounds like a desperate move, especially now that the Stelvio Quadrifoglio can be had for less than a brand-new BMW X3. As the broader Stellantis group backs off its 2030 all-electric plan and contends with the challenge of tariffs, this news of Alfa's SUV and sedan being kept on life support for two more years begs the question: Can Alfa Romeo prove its worth before Stellantis is forced to make tough decisions? Rumors of a sale persist, and if this decision to prolong the Giulia and Stelvio's lives doesn't return dividends, the Italian brand may be forced into obsolescence once again.
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