As the spring sun rises over Turin, a chapter in Alfa Romeo’s storied history prepares to close, while another tantalizing one beckons on the horizon. For passionate Alfisti worldwide, recent announcements regarding our beloved Giulia and Stelvio models bring both a tear to the eye and a quickening of the pulse. The current generation of these automotive masterpieces – particularly those bearing the hallowed Quadrifoglio badge – will soon race into the sunset, but not without the promise of worthy successors that maintain Alfa’s commitment to emotional, engaging driving experiences powered by internal combustion.
The news many of us have dreaded has finally arrived with concrete dates. According to information circulating through Alfa Romeo’s Italian dealership network, production of the current generation Giulia and Stelvio models will be phased out in stages throughout the spring and early summer of 2025. The crown jewels – our beloved Quadrifoglio models with their Ferrari-derived twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 – will be the first to conclude their production run, with the Giulia Quadrifoglio ending on March 31 and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio following on April 30.
The remainder of the gasoline-powered lineup – including the Sprint, Veloce, and Intensa variants – will see production end by May 31, 2025. Only the 2.2-liter diesel models, primarily for European markets, may continue slightly longer into the summer months. This announcement marks the conclusion of nearly a decade-long run for the Giulia platform (introduced in 2015) and almost eight years for the Stelvio (launched in late 2016).
For North American Alfisti, the window of opportunity has already narrowed significantly. Larry Dominique, head of Alfa Romeo North America, confirmed earlier that order books for Quadrifoglio models closed in April 2024, with the final ICE-powered examples rolling off the Cassino production line in June 2024. Those fortunate enough to secure one of the limited 100th Anniversary Editions now possess what may become highly sought-after collectors’ items in the Alfa Romeo pantheon.
Let us pause to appreciate what makes these outgoing models so special. The beating heart of the Quadrifoglio variants – that magnificent Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 505 horsepower – represents one of the most characterful and emotional engines of the modern era. Its distinctive soundtrack, instantaneous response, and brutal acceleration transformed both the Giulia and Stelvio into benchmark-setting performance machines that conquered the hearts of enthusiasts and critics alike.
Now for the good news that should lift the spirits of true Alfisti everywhere – reports of the internal combustion engine’s death at Alfa Romeo have been greatly exaggerated. Despite previous announcements suggesting a full transition to electric vehicles by 2027, Alfa Romeo has made a significant course correction that should delight purists.
The next-generation Stelvio, set to be revealed by the end of 2025 with a market launch in 2026, will indeed offer electrified powertrains, but crucially, it will also maintain gasoline engine options. Even more encouraging for performance enthusiasts, the Quadrifoglio variant is expected to retain a combustion engine rather than going fully electric. This represents a significant shift in strategy for Alfa Romeo, acknowledging the importance of emotive, characterful powerplants to the brand’s identity.
These new models will be built on Stellantis’ versatile STLA Large platform – an architecture described as “BEV-native” but also engineered to accommodate hybrid and internal combustion engines. This platform flexibility allows Alfa Romeo to pursue what Santo Ficili, CEO of Alfa Romeo and Maserati, calls a “multi-energy approach,” ensuring the brand can meet both regulatory requirements and the emotional desires of its loyal fanbase.
The question on every Alfisti’s mind is: what will power the next-generation Quadrifoglio models? Will the current 2.9-liter V6 receive a stay of execution and necessary modifications to meet upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards? Or will Alfa Romeo be forced to adopt an entirely new powerplant?
One possibility being discussed involves Dodge’s Hurricane 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six, which can produce up to 540 horsepower in its highest state of tune. While this engine certainly delivers impressive performance figures, the true test will be whether it can deliver the same emotional character and distinctive soundtrack that make current Quadrifoglio models so special.
More exciting still is the potential for electrification to actually enhance the Quadrifoglio experience rather than dilute it. Former Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato previously hinted that a future Quadrifoglio model could deliver up to 1,000 horsepower through electrification. If such power could be harnessed while maintaining the soul and character we expect from an Alfa Romeo, the result could be truly spectacular.
For those of us who live and breathe the Alfa Romeo experience, these changes represent both challenges and opportunities. The discontinuation of the current models marks the end of an era that revitalized the brand and restored its credibility in the performance segment. Many enthusiasts consider the current Giulia Quadrifoglio to be one of the finest sports sedans ever made – a perfect embodiment of Alfa Romeo’s core values of beautiful design, advanced technology, and pure driving pleasure.
Yet Alfa Romeo has always been a forward-looking brand, balancing respect for tradition with courage to innovate. The decision to maintain combustion engines – especially for Quadrifoglio models – demonstrates that Alfa Romeo understands what makes its vehicles special in a market increasingly dominated by electric powertrains that, while efficient, often lack character and emotional appeal.
As we prepare to bid farewell to the current generation of these magnificent machines, we should take comfort in knowing that Alfa Romeo appears committed to preserving the soul of its performance vehicles. The company’s reversal on its all-electric timeline shows a willingness to listen to its most passionate customers and an understanding that the transition to new powertrain technologies must not come at the expense of the emotional connection we feel with our vehicles.
For those who have been contemplating adding a current-generation Giulia or Stelvio to their garage, the message is clear: do not delay. These final examples represent the culmination of all that made this generation so special, refined through years of subtle improvements and updates. They will undoubtedly hold a special place in Alfa Romeo’s illustrious history.
And for those looking to the future, take heart. Alfa Romeo’s decision to maintain combustion engines in its performance lineup suggests that the company remains committed to delivering the visceral, engaging driving experience that has defined the brand for over a century – just with a contemporary twist that embraces the realities of our changing automotive landscape.
After all, being an Alfisti has never been about living in the past; it’s about embracing the passion, innovation, and spirit that have made Alfa Romeo one of the most emotionally resonant automotive brands in history. That spirit, it seems, will continue to thrive in the years ahead – with the glorious sound of internal combustion still playing a central role in the symphony.
