Alfa Romeo is hitting pause on its plans again. The Italian brand has confirmed that the next-generation Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV won’t arrive until 2028, marking a significant delay and a major rethink of its product strategy.
The reason? The company is stepping back from its earlier all-electric ambition and reworking both models from the ground up.
A Sudden Course Correction
Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili recently admitted the brand needs to “change everything” about its upcoming models. That includes platforms, electronics, and powertrain strategy. Originally, both the Giulia and Stelvio were meant to go fully electric, aligning with Europe’s once-strict zero-emissions roadmap.
But the market hasn’t played along.
EV adoption has slowed, incentives have been rolled back in key regions like the US, and even the European Union has softened its stance on banning combustion engines outright by 2035. Instead of a full ban, regulators now target a 90 percent emissions reduction — leaving room for hybrids and efficient ICE models.
That shift forced Alfa Romeo to hit reset.
STLA Large Platform, Gas Power Returns
The next-generation Giulia and Stelvio will now ride on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform. This architecture supports multiple powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and internal combustion setups.
Most interestingly, the platform can accommodate Stellantis’ twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six the same engine used in the new Dodge Charger. While Alfa hasn’t officially confirmed engine options, the possibility of a high-performance ICE-powered Giulia has already reignited enthusiasm among enthusiasts.
European versions are expected to offer a mix of EV, plug-in hybrid, and possibly range-extender setups, giving buyers far more flexibility than the earlier EV-only plan.
Delays Stretch the Current Lineup
The downside? Time.
The redesigned Giulia and Stelvio were originally expected much sooner, with the Stelvio at one point slated for a 2024 debut. Now, both models are pushed to 2028, meaning the current generation will remain on sale through 2027.
That’s a long time in today’s fast-moving auto market, especially for a brand already struggling with relevance in key regions.
Sales Struggles in the US
Nowhere is that struggle more obvious than in the United States. Alfa Romeo currently sells just three models: Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale. Combined, they managed only 5,652 sales last year a 36 percent drop.
To put that in perspective, BMW sold more X4 crossovers alone than Alfa sold vehicles in total.
Meanwhile, Alfa’s new Junior crossover has been a rare bright spot in Europe, crossing 50,000 orders by mid-September. But that success hasn’t translated overseas.
What Happens Next
More clarity is expected during Stellantis’ upcoming Capital Markets Day, where CEO Antonio Filosa will outline the group’s revised strategy, including Alfa Romeo’s role in it.
What’s clear for now is this: Alfa Romeo is abandoning rigid EV thinking in favor of flexibility. Whether that gamble pays off depends on how well the brand balances performance, electrification, and the emotional appeal that once made Alfa special.
For fans, the wait just got longer. But the payoff might finally be worth it.
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