Alfa Romeo is changing direction regarding its plans for electric vehicles—at least for the time being.
Even though they had previously planned to eliminate internal combustion engines, the Italian car company has acknowledged that it will retain the Ferrari-created 2.9-liter V6 engine in their range. This decision comes as a direct result of significant customer demand.
The engine, known as the 690T, was originally engineered by the same developer behind Ferrari’s acclaimed F154 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, a powerplant found in models like the GTC4 Lusso and California T.
In Alfa’s current form, the V6 produces 512 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, and has become synonymous with models like the Giulia Quadrifoglio, which is now nearing the end of its production life.
Nevertheless, the engine endures—as Alfa Romeo’s clientele isn’t prepared to part with it.
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Electrification Plans Quietly Abandoned
Previously, Alfa Romeo signaled its intention to transition completely to electric vehicles, which aligns with overarching industry patterns as well as the strategic direction of its parent company, Stellantis.
However, in a fresh interview with
Car
The magazine reported that Alfa’s top communication executive, Cristiano Fiorio, suggested this scheme has been discreetly abandoned.
Fiorio candidly admitted that the choice to retain internal combustion engines in their product range is primarily fueled by consumer requests, even though regulations and company policies are pushing towards an electrified future.
” Personally, I envision a Quadrifoglio with the sound of a genuine internal combustion engine rather than one that is electric. That’s how it stands at present,” Fiorio stated.
“Maybe things will change in five years. But as it is now, Quadrifoglio for me—for us—should be something with a roaring sound.”
Engine V6 Could Change, But It Won’t Be Discontinued
Although Fiorio did not explicitly confirm that the present 2.9-liter V6 engine would stay unaltered, he gave strong indications that it will drive upcoming performance vehicles like the following iteration of the Giulia and Stelvio.
When asked about which engine upcoming Quadrifoglio versions might utilize, he replied with a hint of secrecy:
If I respond, I’ll share precisely which engine we will have in the Giulia and Stelvio. Thus, let me simply state that the engine you’re referring to is quite close to our current consideration.
This implies that Alfa might be looking at making adjustments or enhancements to the current engine instead of replacing it entirely, particularly as the move towards electrification is progressing gradually.
A More Extensive Pullback From Electric Vehicles
Alfa Romeo is not the only one scaling back from its all-electric goals. Its sister marque, Maserati, is said to have postponed several electric vehicle initiatives as well. Even Mate Rimac, who leads the electric supercar firm Rimac, has acknowledged lately that customer demand for electric vehicles seems lower than anticipated.
In the meantime, Dodge, which is part of the Stellantis group, has had to discontinue its popular V8 engines, leading to criticism from aficionados of American muscle cars.
On the other hand, Alfa Romeo seems to be catering to its most dedicated followers—the ones for whom the Quadrifoglio emblem signifies the roar, sensation, and excitement of gasoline engines.
“Thus, we must keep providing customers with what they desire,” Fiorio concluded.
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