I can’t read. I need a video!!

 

Rumor had me at halo car mid-engine… 🤤

 

I can't see Giulia and stelvio not happening at the same time since it's same platform and share a lot of components

 

Front and rear are completely different, interior shares infotainment components and the cluster in theory; but they are completely different designs from an implementation perspective.

 

So, today’s rumors I’m selling go a little bit like this for those who think STLA has forgotten about Alfa Romeo and favored Maserati… We all are aware that the Tonale is AR’s big bet (outside of the Giorgio Platform which I rumored two years ago wasn’t dead, and it’s not); but there are bigger bets at stake. Here goes:

• MY24: Stelvio refresh ONLY (hotter selling 2.0L gets the first shot)
• MY25: Giulia refresh
• MY26: HALO CAR MID-ENGINE RELEASE
• MY27: ALFA GOES BIG ON AN SUV—POSSIBLE THIRD ROW SEATING BIG

I don't buy this at all. Didn't Stellantis announce that Alfa Romeo will be fully electric by 2027? When in this calendar will the e-Giulia & e-Stelvio launch?

In my head-logic (feel free to agree or disagree), launching a halo car before the e-Giulia & e-Stelvio & the rumored 3-row SUV is a bad business decision. The point of a halo car is to draw attention to the brand and bring people to the showroom. (Fun fact - halo cars often lose money for the company at launch because the volume is so low.) So why launch it at a time when most of the line-up is long in the tooth and are much closer to the end of their lifecycles? If there is to be a halo car, it should launch after the line-up has been renewed.

 

I think the order is likely to be... (ignoring facelifts for now)

Tonale -> Halo -> Giulia Replacement -> Stelvio Replacement -> Brennero

 

No halo on the horizon. Come on, where is this coming from? Imparato’s recent statements were about a bigger SUV and a land-yacht sedan.

 

Interesting how they emphasize that the Estrema will share both active suspension and an LSD with the QV trim. Makes me wonder if the Veloce trim won't be available with LSD moving forward. (My MY22 Veloce has LSD as standard.)

 

Since the Estrema is Veloce+ I’d hope it remains. Don’t forget Estrema is limited in supply.

 

• MY27: ALFA GOES BIG ON AN SUV—POSSIBLE THIRD ROW SEATING BIG

Sounds like a Grand Cherokee L with an Alfa badge on it

 

Exactly what we need. 3-row, Castello, would sell.

 

I don’t see the mid engine halo car coming. Alfa will stay in its lane. More likely and more reasonable/successful will be a new Spider, which I think will only happen if Stellantis can partner up with another manufacture as was done with Mazda for the Fiat Spider.

 

I do enjoy a good rumor, especially one which lifts spirits. Right now, with what we've seen and heard over the past couple of years my expectation are pretty low, but i'd be more than happy to see a 2-door Alfa, like a GTV or "TZ4" based on the current QV and Giorgio (and not limited to 10 units).

 

MY26 🖤

 

We already have face-lifted Stelvio test mules driving around in Italy, showing matrix full-led front headlights, Giulia is expected to surface a month later.

 

We already have face-lifted Stelvio test mules driving around in Italy, showing matrix full-led front headlights, Giulia is expected to surface a month later.

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I live in the stomping grounds of test mules in central Ohio--I saw NSX mules 4 years before they were on showroom floors. And I'm speaking to the US Alfa market only--the European Alfa market has all sorts of things that the US/North America does not.

 

Two more...

 

Most by now are hopefully aware that there isn’t a mid cycle refresh coming for MY23 Giulia’s/Stelvio’s… STLA announced this with their Estrema press release a little bit ago. The majority of the rumblings from the rumor mills I’ve posted have come to fruition (search through my history)…

Edit: PR from STLA -

Stellantis Media - Alfa Romeo Rolls Out New, Limited-edition Giulia and Stelvio Estrema Models

Alfa Romeo introduces the limited-edition Giulia Estrema and Stelvio Estrema series. This new offering is the first time Alfa Romeo has created a globally available, limited model.

media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Photos at the bottom of MY23 Giulia’s and Stelvio’s.

So, today’s rumors I’m selling go a little bit like this for those who think STLA has forgotten about Alfa Romeo and favored Maserati… We all are aware that the Tonale is AR’s big bet (outside of the Giorgio Platform which I rumored two years ago wasn’t dead, and it’s not); but there are bigger bets at stake. Here goes:

• MY24: Stelvio refresh ONLY (hotter selling 2.0L gets the first shot)
• MY25: Giulia refresh
• MY26: HALO CAR MID-ENGINE RELEASE
• MY27: ALFA GOES BIG ON AN SUV—POSSIBLE THIRD ROW SEATING BIG

No rumors yet on engine, hybrid, etc. or updates / special editions for the QV.

I feel a bit like Ron’s Rides at this point with no video; but I’m BUYING these rumors…

Any others heard similar speculation, or new things, please share here…

Seems like we spoke to the same source! I concur this is the schedule. Unless the world gets sick again.

 

Seems like we spoke to the same source! I concur this is the schedule. Unless the world gets sick again.

Such a small circle Alfisti's are in

 

How do you release a halo car in less than 4 years when all of your new development money is on the STLA EV platform? Do you mean an EV halo?

 

I have no details on the power source--the way I understood it though, mid-engine or some variant of it may have been implied.

 

Alfa - Romeo, proving the value of duct tape...

 

"This will hide everything..." 🤣

 

I can’t help but wonder whether those Stelvios are testing advanced lighting systems still not allowed in the US.

 

The answer would be a no, but not because the US doesn't allow advanced lighting systems. DOT finally changed its antiquated lighting rules not too long ago. As such, those advanced lighting systems are no longer illegal in the US.

But of course, just because the rules have been updated, it doesn't mean it's economically advantageous for car manufacturers to do so immediately. I suspect most cars will introduce them at the next redesign/facelift.

I want to believe there will be an Alfa based on the 8C platform handed over to Maserati, but after the last couple of years I highly doubt we will see a transfer in that direction (from Maserati to Alfa).

I'm trying to manage my expectations, and not get too excited/carried-away, which is why i'll be happy with a 2-Door Giulia QV (with a V6, on Giorgio)

Also, regarding the 'facelift' Stelvio pictures.....it just looks like new/different headlights, right?

This late in the lifecycle of a relatively low-volume car, I wouldn't expect much beyond new lights, and if we are lucky, bumpers.

 

Among other generic cars they are releasing, they really should release 4C II and Giulia QV II. Now that the flaws of gen I have been solved with aftermarket parts and all the major parts are already done (engines, transmission, chassis, monocoque, etc.), it would be a cheap and easy to finally make it right and successful on the market, with almost zero development cost (only slight updates to current gen I). 4C could make a decent sale in the lightweight sports car class if they would utilize ICE only (not much comeptiton at all at this point). Many purists from other brands would probably buy one, unless the price would be set too optimistic (comparable to gen I). If they would go with anything more "sophisticated" (heavier, safer, more comfortable), and by chance HEV or EV, I'm afraid it will be a fail, as again they have no base model to work on, so once again, it would be probably a half baked cookie, followed by bad press and bad sales. Giulia QV with its quirks fixed would be a great for all non German car lovers and I'm sure, there is plenty of these, but have nothing to choose other than German sport cars, so M2 / M4 it is.

Call me Germanophil, but Alfa Romeo should learn from Porsche. Cayman 718 uses the same chassis as the initial 986 series (25 years old now), but of course each gen slightly updated and improved. Smart and financial viable approach. The 986 saved the Porsche from bankruptcy in 96' and today the Porsche is yielding one of the highest revenues per sold car. They work smart and efficient. They stick to what it works and improve each gen and make it better. The used car market is healthy, the dealerships are healthy, the sales are good, the generated revenue is good, the brand recognition and desirability is good and therefore everyone is happy. The Porsche, the dealerships, the clients. I'm not in love with Porsche, but we can't deny they are very good at what they do and it seems like they understand the big picture and their management works wonders. I'm afraid I can't say the same for Alfa. I mean both 4C and Giulia are close to perfect cars, given the fact that both platforms were built from a scratch. Hands down, it took Porsche quite a few gens to make 911 series and Cayman series to a standard they are reknown for today, while both 4C and Giulia were pretty good sports cars in their initial release already. Some fails and sub-optimal solutions, but all that could be easily improved and I'm sure second gen would be perfect if done so. But no, at Alfa Romeo they rather ditch both platforms and start new projects. Projects that are 90% comparable with other brands. Don't get me wrong, but hearing Tonale and Stelvio owners talking about the supreme handling and design and stuff, it's telling me that they don't know the roots of the brand and it shows that Alfistas are really desperate to have a brand offer something original, so they keep praising whatever the Alfa releases. Don't get me wrong, Tonale is OK, but that's all. It's nothing more than OK. it's not original, it's not a lust car. I mean I haven't for a moment wished one, and I'm sure future gen's won't either, but the older Alfa Romeos were and still are desirable right? Because they were original, not a sell out. I think Giulia QV and 4C will be the only modern Alfa Romeos that will keep its value on the market and desirability among the Alfistas.

Now, I understand that Alfa Romeo would probably die unless it would merge with Stellantis conglomerate, but I'm also afraid that this will only bring a bunch boring cars with just different badges. If that's necessary for a brand to survive, fine, but on a long run Alfa Romeo should return to its roots of making sport cars and stop trying to bring to the market cars, that every common guy would buy, because it won't. It's not Volkswagen or Škoda and it's not BMW. It's Alfa Romeo and it has its own fans that will buy original Alfa Romeo ideas. None of these fans wants to buy a rebadged Citron Berlingo. I mean, it's a great car, affordable, efficient, roomy car, but it's Citroen, so why would I pay 20%-30% more for it with an Alfa Romeo badge? Just for the badge? I wouldn't. On the other-hand, I wouldn't have any second thoughts at all spending triple the price of Berlingo on a bad-ass Alfa Romeo 2-seater. Loud, raw and thrilling. I mean, Ferrari is not the most affordable, reliable or roomy car either, but no one cares, it's Ferrari. You don't buy one because it's efficient, reliable or roomy. You buy one because you want one badly. It's a lust. I'd have one in a heartbeat. That's what Alfa Romeo used to be, but now it's just a shadow of great history of sport cars. That's exactly what brought the Alfa Romeo to its knees in the past. It started to move away from sport cars and started competing with FIAT and other common cars and it ended badly. It soon became nothing more than an expensive version of a common FIAT and people soon realized that. Same story was with Lancia. The enthusiasts didn't want it anymore and neither the common people did. It took years for Alfa Romeo to realize that they must really do something about it. Finally Alfa Romeo returned to its roots with releasing 4C in 2013 and then Giulia a few years later. These two models were truly a bright light at the end of a tunnel, that gave a hope there is a chance for Alfa Romeo to survive. Also entering F1 in 2019 was a great news, although I knew it would be a bit delusional to expect any significant results, as the other teams were developing the cars for years before, but they look solid this year, which proves they can build cars just as good as others can. And again, if they don't' give up, instead of improving and updating, I'm sure we will see them ranking high in the following seasons. Right now, racing in F1 is the only bright light that gives some hope that as a brand they might be actually interested in releasing sport cars again, because racing in F1, surely won't sell more of Tonale and Stelvio cars. Or perhaps this is just another bad decision that will eat the finances, pushing the Alfa Romeo further into financial troubles? Hopefully not. 🖤

 

hopefully the halo is the Alfa 6C which is the MC20 with different bumper like how it was supposed to be.....

 

So you're telling me it's safe to buy a 22 Giulia Quad?

On a semi-related note, one of the dealers I've been talking to indicated that Alfa is "phasing out" the Giulia to focus on the Stelvio. I'm not sure if he meant the Giulia Quad or all models, but interesting fodder nonetheless.

 

You’re unlikely to be told by this group not to get it.

Phase out the Giulia? Right now it’s Alfa’s halo car in the US.

 

The Evija is the halo car in the Lotus world. Note how Emira and this new SUV pick up on the sesign language.

Emira is the mass market sports car.

 

Let's get back to Alfa rumors! The refresh Stelvio and Giulia will have 360 degree camera, UConnect 5, ventilated seats, digital dash, reverse tilt mirrors, and larger touchscreen. If the refresh has these things, I will get one!

 

Catching up with North American Stellantis vehicles.

 

With the GTAm gone, it seems, at least to me, that the "halo car" is the current QV.

I really hope they grant us a couple of special editions before they stop production (straight-pipe akropovic exhaust would be nice)

 

Gone? Was it ever here?

 

Over here in the old world, the launch list seems to be the following

2022 Q2 Tonale MHEV
2022 Q4 Tonale PHEV
2022 Q4 Stelvio and Giulia facelift (MY23)
2023 Brennero (presentation)
2024 Brennero
2025 Stelvio II
2026 Giulia II
2027 E-SUV

the goal is to reach 200 000 units. If this goal is reached there will be projects like GTV, Spider, 33 Stradale nuovo etc where they will invite external coach builders, as in the good ol’ days.

 

Over here in the old world, the launch list seems to be the following

2022 Q2 Tonale MHEV
2022 Q4 Tonale PHEV and Stelvio och Giulia facelift (MY23))
2023 Brennero (presentation)
2024 Brennero
2025 Stelvio II
2026 Giulia II
2027 E-SUV

the goal is to reach 200 000 units. If this goal is reached there will be projects like GTV, Spider, 33 Stradale nuovo etc where they will invite external coach builders, as in the good ol’ days.

Thanks. Now I’ve got my Swedish language lesson in for today! I’ll be there in May.

 

Haha! I posted that on a Swedish site first, and evidentily made a sloppy translation...


Anyway, sooner or later Swedish will rule the entire world, nay universe, so you'd better to get used to it already now.

 

I mean you guys went everywhere a thousand years ago, and now you have Chris Hemsworth (Thor), so I figure any day now.

 

Updated rumor on the AR halo car—MHEV with a mid-ICE making over 600HP. It will sit just under the MC20 in cost and power. Although, “starting under $300K” is more than what the MC20 starts at currently. Makes me wonder what’s in store for the MC20 by that time.

 

From a mild hybrid? Find that very hard to believe. They really just help with parking lots and start/stop.

Is your leak Ron or some random Italian blog?

 

600hp halo car that has some sort of hybrid system? Sounds a lot like the current NSX (which I don’t believe is a PHEV).