Alfa's Upcoming Quadrifoglio Models May Still Use Gasoline | Carscoops

      The company has subtly modified its upcoming flagship models to incorporate combustion power.

      6 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      The CEO of Alfa Romeo mentioned that future Quadrifoglio models may utilize either BEV or ICE powertrains.

      The Giulia and Stelvio underwent last-minute redesigns to meet the cooling requirements for internal combustion engines.

      A future Alfa coupe or spider could be in the works, but it's currently not a priority for the brand.

      Alfa Romeo fans have been anxiously anticipating the return of the iconic Quadrifoglio badge on the next generation of Giulia and Stelvio. While it was widely believed that these high-performance versions would transition to full electric power, there’s now a chance the legendary badge may still feature internal combustion engines.

      This indication comes directly from Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili. In a recent interview with Top Gear, Ficili expressed that preserving the Quadrifoglio spirit is a personal aim. When questioned about future powertrain options, he stated, “Quadrifoglio can be BEV, why not? But it can also be ICE.”

      A High-Powered Future, But Not Fully Decided

      Former Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato suggested last year that the upcoming Stelvio Quadrifoglio could be introduced with a fully electric powertrain capable of producing up to 986 horsepower (736 kW or 1,000 PS). This output would classify it in supercar territory. However, it remains uncertain whether the production version will achieve that number, and any internal combustion variant, potentially with hybrid assistance, would likely fall below that threshold.

      The debut of the next-generation Stelvio was initially anticipated for late 2025, but reports indicate that the launch has been postponed. Regardless, the SUV is unlikely to appear in showrooms before 2026, with the new Giulia following thereafter.

      Both models are based on the STLA Medium platform, which has faced development delays attributed to the inclusion of ICE and plug-in hybrid versions alongside the electric models. Ficili confirmed that both underwent a last-minute redesign at the front to accommodate the cooling needs for gasoline engines.

      Ficili emphasized that future Alfa Romeos must maintain a distinct brand identity, both visually and in terms of driving experience. “When you look at the car, you must immediately recognize it as an Alfa,” he stated. “And the driver should have full control. I envision not having excessive distractions that don’t aid the driver. We need to achieve the right balance among the suspension, steering, absorption, exhaust, and engines for optimal handling of the car.”

      Alfa To Remain A Small Brand

      Despite facing challenges in sales metrics, Ficili made it clear that Alfa Romeo does not intend to evolve into a high-volume brand like BMW. “We need to retain the customers who are passionate about Alfa,” he mentioned, highlighting the brand’s history, racing heritage, and legendary past models. “There’s a significant demand based on our legacy, racing achievements, and the remarkable products we have developed historically. The Junior model is designed to attract younger customers, serving as a bridge between new buyers and longstanding fans of the brand.”

      Ficili also indicated potential collaborations with Maserati that might lead to a sequel to the sold-out 33 Stradale supercar: “If I can explore synergies with Maserati, we could definitely envision creating similar products. We’ve had the 8C, 6C, and 4C. It’s feasible. Why? Because I can draw from Alfa Romeo's history.”

      Additionally, there is potential for a return to smaller models such as coupes and spiders, which have long been integral to the brand's identity. For the time being, however, these concepts are on pause. According to Ficili, the focus is on delivering vehicles that can sustain the brand financially over the next couple of years, a timeframe he described as “not so clear.”

      The current Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia will see more special editions before they eventually are phased out of production.