Alfa Romeo could be releasing some high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) according to its CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato.
The Italian automaker will launch its first all-electric model in 2024 with a Quadrifoglio variant under consideration according to Autocar.
“For all out model launched, I will always study the possibility to make a performance version of the car that will be fully consistent with the product portfolio message we send,” said Imparato.
“If I consider that I’m not able to offer the right level of performance steps of Quadrifoglio, I will not do a Quadrifoglio version.”
Tonale concept
From 2022, Alfa Romeo will be releasing a new model every year until 2026 as reported by Reuters.
“I will launch in 2024 the full BEV version of the first Alfa Romeo to be fully electrified,” said Mr Imparato.
“I will have one trim, with two engines: one side will be 100% electrified, but it will be on top of that my first full BEV.”
The brand will only sell EVs from 2027 onwards and is targeting three “basecamps”: Europe, North America and China.
It has, however, committed to right-hand drive production and a continued presence in Australia.
The automaker’s first electrified vehicle will be in the form of the Tonale, a small SUV with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that’s been delayed until 2022.
Tonale prototype
After the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA to form Stellantis, Imparato asked his engineers to improve the performance characteristics of the plug-in powertrain.
This model will use the same Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Small Wide platform that’s also used in the Jeep Compass and Renegade.
The Tonale was first revealed as a concept at the 2019 Geneva motor show, and was originally slated for an unveiling in 2021.
Next is expected to be a light SUV in 2023, which could wear the Brennero nameplate.
Peugeot 2008
It’ll offer an all-electric option and is expected to use either the CMP platform of the Peugeot 2008, or its STLA Small successor.
It’s set to be built alongside new Fiat and Jeep-branded light SUVs at Stellantis’ Tychy plant in Poland.
At this stage it’s unclear what Alfa Romeo will launch after this model.
The current Giulia and Stelvio models entered production in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and are due to be replaced.
Giulia GTAm
The limited-production, performance-oriented Giulia GTA and GTAm recently sold out with all 500 examples, including 18 Australian examples, snatched up.
Revealed in March 2020, these models revive the iconic Gran Turismo Alleggerita nameplate for the Italian marque, with the ‘m’ in GTAm standing for ‘Modificata’ as it features further modifications.
It’s uncertain whether this nameplate will ever feature on an all-electric Alfa Romeo vehicle.
A report from Autocar earlier in 2021 said an electric GTV could become the brand’s flagship, with a redesigned Giulia and Stelvio, a replacement for the defunct MiTo, and potentially a convertible also in the pipeline.
Imparato has also said he’s “very interested” in a revived all-electric GTV, which could take the shape of a retro-inspired two-door coupe or a four-/five-door fastback.
With that being said, this GTV could rival the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4 if it heads down the road of becoming a fastback.
A MiTo successor, like the Brennero and next-generation Lancia Ypsilon, could use the STLA Small platform.
The Giuila and Stelvio will reportedly shift from the Giorgio platform to the STLA Large platform that’ll also be used by other Stellantis brands, such as Maserati.
Stelvio
This architecture can support mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains, the latter of which will offer up to 799km of electric range.
Alfa Romeo will reportedly strengthen its ties with Maserati, collaborating more closely in engineering and development activities in order to align its sales and service operations.
A Spider convertible could also make a return, though executives say this model may only be on the table once the brand has reached “a certain level of economic performance”.
Alfa Romeo has shown dealers what a Spider Duetto production vehicle could look like.
Giulia
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said that each of the company’s 14 brands will be given a chance to flourish.
He said he will “give a chance to each of our brands, under the leadership of a strong CEO, to define their vision, build a roadmap and make sure they use the valuable assets of Stellantis to make their business case fly”.
Each brand has been handed a “time window of 10 years and [given] funding for 10 years to do a core model strategy”.
MORE: Alfa Romeo launching new model every year to 2026 – report
