A Classic Legacy Lives On
In an era where automakers are racing toward electrification, Alfa Romeo has chosen a unique path. The brand has announced that it will extend the production of its iconic Giulia and Stelvio models for another year, ahead of their all-electric successors. Originally expected to end production by 2025, these two fan-favorite models will now continue through 2026, bridging the gap between Alfa Romeo’s combustion heritage and its electric future.
This decision highlights Alfa Romeo’s commitment to preserving its core identity—performance, style, and emotion—while smoothly transitioning into a new age of mobility. Rather than abruptly cutting ties with the internal combustion engine, Alfa Romeo is offering enthusiasts a final opportunity to experience the essence of Italian driving before the electric transformation takes full effect.
Alfa Romeo’s Road to Electrification
Alfa Romeo’s parent company, Stellantis, has ambitious electrification plans for all its brands. By 2027, Alfa Romeo aims to become a fully electric manufacturer, joining the ranks of other premium automakers pursuing sustainability and innovation.
However, not all markets are ready for a complete switch to electric. Charging infrastructure, regulations, and consumer preferences vary widely across the globe. Extending production of the Giulia and Stelvio allows Alfa Romeo to maintain a strong lineup in both traditional and transitional markets.
This approach ensures that customers who still prefer gasoline-powered performance cars won’t feel left behind. It also gives Alfa Romeo engineers more time to refine their upcoming EV successors, ensuring they deliver the performance and passion that define the brand.
The Legacy of Giulia and Stelvio
The Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV are the cornerstones of Alfa Romeo’s modern identity. Both vehicles showcase the brand’s unmistakable combination of design elegance and driving excitement.
Giulia – The Purest Expression of Italian Performance
Introduced in 2016, the Alfa Romeo Giulia was a major comeback for the brand in the premium sedan segment. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform, it offered balanced handling, lightweight construction, and a design that exuded Italian flair.
The highlight of the lineup, the Giulia Quadrifoglio, came equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, derived from Ferrari technology, producing 505 horsepower. This made it one of the most thrilling sedans on the market, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.
Its perfect weight distribution, sharp steering, and engaging dynamics quickly made it a favorite among enthusiasts who wanted something different from the typical German offerings.
Stelvio – Sportiness in SUV Form
Following the Giulia’s success, Alfa Romeo introduced the Stelvio in 2017, marking its entry into the high-performance SUV market. Despite being a crossover, the Stelvio retained the brand’s sporty DNA. It was light, agile, and responsive—everything an Alfa should be.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio shared the same potent V6 engine as the Giulia, delivering SUV practicality without sacrificing performance. It could outpace many rivals on both city streets and racetracks, proving that an SUV could also be fun to drive.
Both models symbolized Alfa Romeo’s rebirth, showing that passion and precision could coexist beautifully in modern cars.
Why Alfa Romeo Is Extending Production
There are multiple reasons behind Alfa Romeo’s decision to extend production of these two models. From market strategy to consumer loyalty, this move is both tactical and emotional.
Meeting Customer Demand
While electric cars are growing in popularity, there’s still a strong global market for traditional combustion vehicles. Many Alfa Romeo fans appreciate the visceral experience of a roaring engine, manual-like response, and exhaust notes that electric cars cannot replicate.
By keeping the Giulia and Stelvio alive for another year, Alfa Romeo caters to these enthusiasts who still crave authentic driving emotion.
Smoother Transition to Electric Models
Developing all-new electric platforms takes time. Alfa Romeo’s next-generation EVs will be built on the STLA Medium architecture, a platform designed by Stellantis for high-performance electric vehicles. Extending the current models gives engineers the necessary breathing room to perfect the EV versions of the Giulia and Stelvio.
It’s a sign that Alfa Romeo prefers quality over speed, ensuring its upcoming EVs are not just efficient, but also exhilarating to drive.
Maintaining Brand Heritage
Alfa Romeo’s combustion-powered models represent the last chapter of its internal combustion legacy. By extending production, the brand honors its history and gives collectors and enthusiasts a final chance to own a piece of Italian motoring heritage before fully embracing electrification.
What’s New for the Extended Giulia and Stelvio
Even as they near the end of their production cycles, the 2025 and 2026 Giulia and Stelvio models are receiving updates to keep them fresh and competitive.
Updated Design and Interior
Both vehicles now feature Matrix LED headlights, a fully digital instrument cluster, and subtle tweaks to the interior. The cabin materials have been improved, with refined leather finishes, modern infotainment software, and new driver-assistance features.
The exterior remains unmistakably Alfa—sleek, aggressive, and timeless. The brand has focused on small yet meaningful updates that maintain the vehicles’ desirability.
Enhanced Driving Experience
Under the hood, the familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged engines and the mighty 2.9-liter V6 in the Quadrifoglio versions continue to deliver thrilling performance. Slight calibrations in fuel efficiency and emissions compliance ensure the vehicles meet global standards while retaining their raw power.
The handling dynamics, always a strong point for Alfa Romeo, remain unmatched in their segments. Even as electric cars rise, few can replicate the engagement and balance offered by these models.
A Glimpse into the Future: The EV Successors
The successors to the Giulia and Stelvio are already in development and promise to redefine Alfa Romeo’s place in the electric era. Built on Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, these electric models will combine power, efficiency, and style.
The Giulia EV is expected to deliver up to 800 kilometers (around 500 miles) of range, with ultra-fast charging capabilities. The Quadrifoglio variant may push beyond 1,000 horsepower, positioning it among the most powerful electric sedans in the world.
Similarly, the Stelvio EV will bring electrifying performance to the SUV segment, offering instant torque, dynamic control systems, and innovative battery management.
Together, these models will carry Alfa Romeo’s signature passion into the electric age while staying true to its design and performance heritage.
The End of an Era — and a New Beginning
For Alfa Romeo fans, the extended production of the Giulia and Stelvio marks both an end and a beginning. It’s the final celebration of traditional Italian craftsmanship before the brand takes a bold leap into electrification.
These models have defined Alfa Romeo’s modern identity — cars that ignite emotion every time the engine starts. Their legacy will live on, not just in collectors’ garages, but also in the DNA of future electric Alfas that continue to prioritize driving pleasure above all else.
Conclusion
The decision to extend the Giulia and Stelvio production is a masterstroke from Alfa Romeo — a move that respects its passionate fanbase while preparing for a sustainable future. It reflects a brand that understands balance: keeping one foot in the world of classic motoring while stepping confidently into electrification.
As the final gasoline-powered Alfas roll off the line, they remind us of what made this brand iconic: style, performance, and emotion. The future may be electric, but Alfa Romeo’s heart will always beat with the same Italian passion that defined it for over a century.
