Alfa Romeo’s Hybrid Rework Of Next-Gen Stelvio More Extensive Than Previously Thought

Alfa Romeo is cooking up a new generation of its Stelvio compact crossover based on parent company Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, currently found in the Dodge Charger and Jeep Wagoneer S, with camouflaged prototypes already spotted testing. Originally, the plan was to launch the new Stelvio this year, exclusively as an electric vehicle, with a related Giulia to follow. However, a slower-than-expected take-up rate for EVs globally has thrown a spanner in the works.

Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili revealed in May that the new Stelvio is being delayed as the automaker looks to develop gas and hybrid versions in addition to the EV – something that the highly flexible STLA Large platform can accommodate. It turns out that the rework will be an extensive one.

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Ficili, who also oversees Maserati – another Stellantis brand that previously planned to go the all-EV route but is now scrambling to develop new ICE models – provided some insight this week during a media briefing for Alfa Romeo’s announcement of a sponsorship deal with Italian sailing team Luna Rossa for the 38th America’s Cup, which will take place next year in Italy.

According to The Drive, Ficili said customers are still demanding ICE models, and that this requires the automaker to develop previously unplanned engines, likely evolved from current units. He said the engines will be used in both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. Potential challenges for the engine developers include meeting the latest emissions standards as well as certain requirements for hybrid configurations.

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Ficili didn’t give specific timing for the Stelvio’s new launch date, apart from when it is ready. However, Reuters, citing anonymous sources, reported last week that deliveries will now likely start in the fall of 2026 – at the earliest.

The design of the new Stelvio may have already been revealed, though. Alleged patent drawings that surfaced in April show what’s likely to be the new generation of the compact crossover. They show a much more modern design with split headlights, a floating roof, and plenty of triangular-shaped motifs.

It may seem Alfa Romeo is busying itself during this crucial period with distractions like its sailing sponsorship. However, there’s a reason for this, Cristiano Fiorio, Alfa Romeo’s head of global marketing communication and strategic projects, told Drive this week.

With the new Stelvio delayed, and likely also the new Giulia, Alfa Romeo will look to maintain brand momentum with special editions inspired by racing yachts and linked with the automaker’s Quadrifoglio performance sub-brand. This inspiration will reportedly extend to the use of lightweight parts developed using technology similar to that of racing yachts. Fiorio hinted at the first of the special editions arriving in early 2026.

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Interestingly, Alfa Romeo was gearing up to kill its current Quadrifoglio models, based on the current Stelvio and Giulia, this year. Production for the US market already ended last year. However, Fiorio’s latest comments suggest the models have received a stay of execution. He’s also previously hinted that the future of the Quadrifoglio sub-brand will be internal-combustion power and not electric, and that the Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged V6 in the current Quadrifoglio may live on for another generation.

Sources: Drive, The Drive, Reuters