2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV to Lead Italian Brand's New Model Launch Ahead of Electric Vehicle Revolution and GTV Sports Car

The Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept anticipated the upcoming small SUV that will be unveiled soon.

To say the past decade has been a rollercoaster ride for the Alfa Romeo brand would be an understatement.

Last week Automotive News Europe reported that newly appointed Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said at a conference of Italian dealers that the brand will release a new model every year until 2026.

This latest model starts with the Tonale compact SUV, which has been delayed because Mr. Imparato reportedly demanded more range and performance from the plug-in hybrid version.

Alfa Romeo hasn't talked too much about these models, so we've put together what we think Alfa's future lineup will look like. But first, let's take a look back at the past decade and what led Alpha to its latest plan.

In 2014, under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plan, Alfa was developing eight new models that the company hoped would revitalize the brand by 2018. Part of this plan was the Giulia midsize sedan and the Stelvio midsize SUV, as well as two new compact cars. to replace the Giulietta, another midsize car, a large car, another SUV, and a sports car.

In 2018, this very expensive plan was abandoned in favor of a new five-year roadmap that the FCA hoped would help Alfa Romeo reach 400,000 sales per year based on a pair of new sports cars (the revived 8 C and GTV) replacing the Giulietta. small and large SUV that can sit on either side of the Stelvio, and replacements for the Stelvio and Giulia.

Reduction until 2021. The latest change in direction came after a merger completed earlier this year between FCA and Peugeot-Citroen owner PSA Group, which created a new division, Stellantis, spanning 14 brands from both groups.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares announced that each brand will be given 10 years to prove themselves and succeed. Given the global success of Jeep and Peugeot, it looks like Tavares was eyeing brands like Fiat, Chrysler, Lancia, DS and Alfa Romeo.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is expected to be replaced in the coming years.

This means that Alfa Romeo has ten years to become a real competitor to such big premium brands as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

Then, in April of this year, Imparato confirmed that all future Alfa models will be based on the new large Stellaantis STLA platform. This effectively brings to an early completion the multi-billion dollar Giorgio platform that underpins the Giulia and Stelvio, as well as the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Maserati Grecale SUV.

There are four STLA platforms - small, medium, large and light commercial vehicle frame - and this architecture will be used to support all future electric vehicles from the Stellantis brands.

Alfa Romeo will switch to electric-only production at least in Europe, China and North America from 2027, but what will the iconic brand's lineup look like until 2026?

After the demise of the 4C, Alfa Romeo could revive the GTV name for a future sports car.

Tonale

Alfa tore the covers off the Tonale SUV concept at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and a production version is expected in the coming months.

Most likely, it will be based on the same principles as the Jeep Compass and will compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX, Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque.

The Tonale launch delays are believed to be the result of Mr. Imparato being dissatisfied with the range and performance of the plug-in hybrid powertrain and requesting more work.

A sporty version of the QV is also possible, putting it in the sights of the Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes-AMG GLA45.

Brenner

This model has yet to be announced by Alfa Romeo, but is believed to be a subcompact crossover that will sit under the Tonale in the lineup.

Reports suggest it will share a common base with the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X replacements, but it could also use the common PSA modular platform that underpins the Peugeot 2008. Either way, it should come with all-electric powertrains and internal engines. combustion.

Julia

The Giulia sedan was launched worldwide in 2015, so it should be replaced soon. Even though sales of sedans are declining, Alfa is believed to be working on a new version.

It's unclear whether it's offered as a petrol, PHEV, or pure EV, but given the success of the savory Giulia QV, another performance option should be coming.

Stelvio

Based on the Giorgio platform shared with the Giulia, the Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's best-selling model and is expected to receive a new version.

Little is known about its replacement, but some reports suggest it will arrive in 2024. Expect powertrain options similar to the Giulia and an increase in onboard technology.

GTV

Alfa Romeo does not currently have a sports car as production of the 4C Coupe and Spider ended in 2020. That may change with rumors that Alfa will revive the iconic GTV badge for an all-new model.

While Alpha hasn't confirmed anything at this stage, Autocar UK quoted Mr. Imparato as being "very interested" in the GTV name.

The publication said the new model could take the form of a retro coupe or a four-door coupe like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Either way, expect all-electric powertrains and internal combustion engines.