Alfa Romeo GTV could return with electric power

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Alfa Romeo looks to be working on a revival plan that includes a major revamp of its models, including an all-electric GTV.

According to Autocar UK, the zero-emissions GTV is one of a number of new models being proposed by the new boss, Jean-Philippe Imparato.

There’s no clear indication yet as to what the revived model could look like but planning documents referenced by Alfa Romeo insiders suggest it might target the Tesla Model 3 and just-released BMW i4.

Alfa Romeo’s new boss has some big plans.

In any case, Imparato has come to Alfa Romeo from Peugeot, where he was behind the e-Legend concept, an electric coupe inspired by the old 504 Coupe. That one didn’t make production, but it’s safe to say that the man is interested in reviving old designs with new technology.

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The Maserati Ghibli will benefit from Alfa Romeo’s Giulia/STLA cross-bred platform.

Before it was axed, the GTV was to be a high-performance two-door version of the Giulia sedan.

Imparato is also looking towards expanding Alfa’s current two-strong range with hybrids and pure-electric model. That includes successors to the Giulia and Stelvio.

His plans have backing from the boss of Stellantis, of which Alfa Romeo and 13 other automotive brands are part. “It will move to electrification,” Carlos Tavares said, “but in a dynamic way. Imparato is an Italian citizen and is driving the brand with passion and vision for what needs to be done.” Tavares also hails from Peugeot, heading the PSA Group before the FCA merger.

The first of the Imparato-led models (the forthcoming Tonale SUV was effectively finished by the time he started at Alfa, although has been reportedly delayed to next year) will be another SUV, reportedly called ‘Brennero’ internally.

It will represent the entry point to the Alfa Romeo line-up, based on the same platform as the Peugeot 2008 and Citroen C4. Expect it to come in both combustion and electric flavours.

Another platform available is “STLA Large”, which will allow the Italian manufacturer to offer mild and plug-in hybrid variants of larger vehicles without extensive and expensive redevelopment of the existing Giorgio architecture.

However, some aspects of Giorgio, like steering, suspension and some unique chassis components, will be adapted to STLA Large. According to Autocar UK, the new platform will also be used by Maserati for the next-gen Ghibli sedan and Levante SUV.

The new GTV will ride on the STLA/Giorgio hybrid platform too, along with the next Giulia and Stelvio. Powertrain options will reportedly include mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric.

Finally, more retro revivals could be on the cards with a new Spider, although that will require “a certain level of economic performance” before Imparato is willing to look into it.