It appears that more manufacturers are recognising that an all-EV approach may not be the best long-term strategy.
Recently, Alfa Romeo has reportedly made a U-turn regarding its intention to sell only EVs by 2027.
The Italian manufacturer joins brands such as Audi, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo in backpedaling its EV-only plans, following a decline in demand and tight competition from Chinese brands.
Speaking to Automotive News, Alfa Romeo’s North America chief Chris Feuell, acknowledged that it is challenging for Alfa Romeo’s 110-strong dealer network in the United States to survive with a portfolio consisting solely of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
As an alternative, Alfa Romeo will adopt a recently finalised “multi-power” strategy. This strategy includes a combination of petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
“The biggest thing in our product and technology roadmap is transitioning from what was a BEV-only strategy for Alfa to one that us multi-energy,” Feuell said.
Earlier this year, the Chief Operating Officer of Alfa Romeo USA, Larry Dominique, confirmed that sales of the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio would be discontinued in the country in April 2024.
Additionally, Dominique stated that production of the Quadrifoglio models for the US and Canada markets would cease in June. Both biturbo V6 models are assembled at the Stellantis factory in Cassino, Italy.
As a farewell gesture, Alfa Romeo has introduced a special edition model known as the Super Sport, which is inspired by the 6C 1500 Super Sport racing car that won the Mille Miglia race in 1928.
The Super Sport models are limited globally to 275 units for Giulia and 175 for Stelvio. Out of these numbers, 72 Giulias and 52 Stelvios are specifically allocated for the US.
Pricing starts from $86,770 (RM408,067) for the Giulia Quadrifoglio Super Sport and $94,370 (RM443,809) for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport.
The Quadrifoglio Supersport models can be distinguished by a number of design elements, including the ‘reintepreted’ Quadrifoglio logo with a black background instead of white.
There are also carbon fibre parts such as the roof (optional on Giulia only), in the “V” of the grille shield, and the sideview mirror caps.
These are complemented by dark-coloured 19-inch five-hole alloy wheels for the Giulia and 21-inch for the Stelvio, along with Brembo brake calipers painted in black.
The Super Sports can be had in Rosso Etna, Nero Vulcano metallic, and Bianco Alfa, which is available for the Giulia only.
The sportiness is further highlighted by 3D red carbon fibre trim on the entire dashboard, center console, and door panels. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon-fibre accents.
The front headrests are embroidered with the “Super Sport” logo in red and the car’s number in black to distinguish them as part of the exclusive limited series.
Both models are powered by an all-aluminum 2.9-litre biturbo V6 engine capable of delivering 505 hp and 600 Nm, channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and mechanical LSD derived from the Giulia GTA.
Good news for fans of the Alfa Romeo brand, as the manufacturer is expected to maintain the offering of classic sedan body styles for the upcoming Giulia model expected to debut in 2026.
The Giulia EV is one of the two D-segment cars from Alfa Romeo that will be launched later, with the other being a replacement for the Stelvio.
Speaking to Autocar at the preview event for the new Milano crossover, its CEO Jean Philippe Imparato emphasized that the successor to the Giulia will still maintain the traditional sedan form, despite being aware of the shrinking segment.
He said, “the sedan body shape will make a comeback. I don’t want Alfa Romeo to become an SUV brand.”
The Giulia EV is also likely to bring a profile that combines sedan and wagon elements, similar to the Genesis G70 and Mercedes CLA shooting brake models.
“I don’t want to give up on the sedan market. It is Alfa’s DNA to have a sporty sedan. However, I also acknowledge there are proposals to produce a station wagon (estate) version of the Giulia.”
Alfa Romeo also hints at the revival of the iconic GTV and Duetto models in the EV era.
“The next step we are taking is: what is the answer for the GTV model, and what is the answer for the Duetto model? However, it is not definitive yet, and I don’t want to comment on it.”
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