Next-Gen Alfa Romeo Giulia & Stelvio Quadrifoglio Return to Gas Power

Alfa Romeo is making a bold move by bringing gasoline power back to its high-performance Quadrifoglio models. Initially planned as all-electric vehicles (EVs), the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio will now retain internal combustion engines (ICEs), responding to market demand and customer feedback.

A Shift in Strategy – 

For years, Alfa Romeo intended to electrify its lineup, including the Quadrifoglio performance models. The upcoming 2026 Stelvio and 2027 Giulia were expected to feature battery-electric powertrains, potentially sharing technology with the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee. However, the brand has now confirmed that gasoline power will remain part of the equation.

Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili acknowledged the shift in direction, stating, “We have to continue to give our clients what they want.” He emphasized that the company is adapting to market realities, as high-performance EV sales have not grown as quickly as expected.

Listening to Enthusiasts – 

Cristiano Fiorio, Alfa Romeo’s Head of Marketing and Communication, reinforced the company’s decision, noting that Quadrifoglio buyers value the sound and feel of a traditional engine. “Personally, I do not see a Quadrifoglio EV. I see a Quadrifoglio which has the sound of a real engine,” Fiorio told Auto Express.

He added, “We look at data every day, and if you see the data of the high-performance electric car market, it’s different from what we or anyone thought it would be three or four years ago.”

Built on a Versatile Platform – 

Both models will be built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, a multi-energy architecture designed to support electric, hybrid, and gasoline powertrains. This flexibility gives Alfa Romeo the ability to adapt its strategy as needed. “The good thing is that the platform was developed to be a multi-energy architecture, so there is zero problem in adapting it to any kind of engine,” Fiorio explained.

The Return of the Twin-Turbo V6? – 

While Alfa Romeo has not officially confirmed which engine will power the next-generation Quadrifoglio models, Fiorio strongly hinted at the return of the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. When asked about the possibility of keeping the engine, Fiorio responded, “You said something which is not far from our thoughts.”

Fiorio further suggested that the upcoming Quadrifoglio models will stick with a six-cylinder engine, stating, “If you express a high-power version for Giulia or Stelvio, which by the way are big cars, I would not see two, three, or four cylinders in there.”

The Future of Alfa Romeo Performance – 

While hybrid options remain a possibility for the standard Giulia and Stelvio, Fiorio noted that Alfa Romeo is evaluating multiple options and will make final decisions based on global market trends. “There are on the table a couple of alternatives at the moment,” he said. “Once we finalize the picture worldwide, then we will press a button on alternative A or alternative B.”

Source: Auto Express