Alfa Romeo was set to move to an electric-only lineup in 2027, but now Stellantis’ European boss has left the door open for a version of the next Giulia with petrol power.
“As we are blind in terms of changes in regulation, my only answer is that I have the means to adapt,” Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo’s former CEO and now head of Stellantis Europe, told Auto Express.
“We will assess where we are. If the current global ecosystem does not change, [the Giulia] will be 100 per cent electric.
“If I see it is changing, or that I’m not matching what I want, it is not a problem to adjust with alternative powertrains.”
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The next-generation Giulia is expected to launch in 2026, preceded by the related Stelvio SUV that’s set to debut in the second half of 2025.
The Giulia and Stelvio SUV are expected to move to the STLA Large architecture, which parent Stellantis says is a “highly flexible, BEV-native” platform that supports not only electric powertrains but also hybrid and traditional combustion powertrains.
Electric vehicles (EVs) on this platform can support either 400-volt or 800-volt electric architectures, with batteries ranging from 85 to 118kWh and 0-100km/h times as quick as in the two-second range.
Stellantis is also targeting an overall range of 800km for sedans.
This platform will be used by not only Alfa Romeo but also Dodge (the new Charger), Jeep (the Recon and Wagoneer S), and Chrysler and Maserati models.
There are some powerful combustion-powered models coming on this platform.
The Dodge Charger Sixpack S.O. and H.O., set to enter production in the second half of 2025, will use Stellantis’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Hurricane inline six.
In the H.O. this will pump out 410kW of power and 706Nm of torque, or 35kW and 106Nm more than the twin-turbo V6 used in the current Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
However, electric Chargers will offer up to 500kW and 850Nm.
Mr Imparato told Auto Express newly appointed Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili “has the flex” to offer multiple powertrain types depending on customer demand and market conditions.
In contrast, the executive said back in 2022 that a move to electric power for the Giulia was an essential risk to take, arguing, “If I want to have more than an average level of performance, I must be bold. If I say I go electric, I go electric. I’m not half pregnant, if you see what I mean? It doesn’t work.”
Alfa Romeo announced in 2021 its plan to move to an EV-only lineup in 2027.
The Alfa Romeo range is gaining a new flagship SUV, developed with the US market front of mind, which is also set to use the STLA Large architecture. It’s expected to launch in 2027 and take on the likes of the Porsche Cayenne.
It recently revealed the entry-level Junior crossover, which was originally expected to be its last vehicle launch without an entirely electric powertrain lineup.
It’s offered with both 116kW and 179kW electric powertrains, but also a 101kW mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine.
It slots in under the Tonale, which was the last Alfa Romeo launched without an electric powertrain. It does, however, offer a plug-in hybrid.
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