Alfa Romeo was set to launch redesigned versions of the Giulia and Stelvio this year. However, the company got cold feet after seeing other automakers deal with lackluster demand for electric vehicles.

Instead of pushing the models out and hoping for the best, Alfa embraced a radical rethink and is delaying the vehicles to give them additional powertrains. While the redesigned sedan and crossover ride on the STLA Large platform, which underpins the Dodge Challenger and allows for both ICE and electric powertrains, things are more complicated than just installing an engine.

More: Alfa Romeo Scraps New Giulia And Stelvio Plans To Start Fresh

According to Autocar, the vehicles had to be reengineered to “allow more cooling for combustion powertrains.” As part of the makeover, the models will reportedly be equipped with new fascias as well as a functional grille.

The exact details remain to be seen, but patent images of the Stelvio surfaced last year and showed the model would have slender headlights and a small V-shaped grille. The crossover also had sizable intakes, although they appeared to be largely blocked off.

Elsewhere, there was streamlined bodywork, pronounced wheel arches, plastic body cladding, and a rounded roof. The original Stelvio design also included an angular rear window, a large spoiler, and a distinctive taillight area.

A Powertrain For Everyone

The Giulia and Stelvio will reportedly be offered with an assortment of different powertrains. The lineup will reportedly kick off with turbocharged four-cylinder engines with mild-hybrid technology. The company is also said to be looking at the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that powers the Charger Scat Pack and produces 550 hp (410 kW / 558 PS).

Customers will also be able to opt for plug-in hybrid and electric options. Little is known about them, but the PHEVs could echo other Stellantis models.

The electric variants are also mysterious, but the automaker has previously said the STLA Large platform can accommodate 101-118 kWh battery packs as well as electric motors with outputs ranging from 168 hp (125 kW / 170 PS) to 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS). While earlier reports claimed the Quadrifoglio variants could have a tri-motor powertrain producing more than 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS), the publication threw water on that idea and noted “no model in the Stellantis stable currently produces that much power.”

That being said, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore has a tri-motor powertrain producing 751 hp (560 kW / 761 PS) and 995 lb-ft (1,348 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

Numerous questions remain, but Alfa Romeo seems to believe that delaying the launch was the right move. As CEO Santo Ficili explained, “We need to consider the entire world because the brand is global” and not every market is ready to go fully electric. He went on to say, “We need to find a way to satisfy the needs of our customers” and that means electric, plug-in hybrid, and ICE options.

Facing mounting pressure to cut costs and speed up timelines, Stellantis is looking beyond its own engineering bench. The automaker is reportedly exploring a plan to co-develop a new EV for Opel, and possibly Alfa Romeo too, with Leapmotor, leaning heavily on the Chinese firm’s underlying technologies.

Read: Stellantis’ Plan For Canada Looks Less Like A Car Factory And More Like A Chinese IKEA, Says Official

The move comes as Stellantis recalibrates its EV strategy following a $25 billion writedown tied to scaling back parts of its electric vehicle roadmap.

China-Based Development Plans

Unnamed sources claim that the new Opel could use the same architecture as the Leapmotor B10. Whether it will share the exact same powertrain remains unclear, but Leapmotor is expected to supply key systems, including electrical and electronic components, effectively doing much of the heavy lifting under the skin.

In addition, much of the development work would take place in China, with Opel focusing primarily on exterior design. Reuters reports that discussions between the two companies began late last year, and a deal could be finalized in the coming weeks.

Stellantis acquired a 20 percent stake in Leapmotor in 2023 and has since supported the brand’s international expansion through their joint venture, Leapmotor International. This entity oversees sales and production outside China. If approved, the new Opel SUV would be built at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, which is also set to assemble the Leapmotor B10 starting later this year.

An Alfa Romeo Next?

It is understood that the new Opel could enter production in 2028, with annual output targeted at around 50,000 units. Leapmotor has responded cautiously to the reports, noting that it continues discussions with partners, including Stellantis, but has no plans for full platform-level collaboration. Instead, it remains focused on supplying its own in-house components.

The close-knit partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor may extend beyond a single Opel EV. Early discussions have considered applying Leapmotor’s technology to smaller A-segment models, which would likely require separate production lines. The same report also points to a possible Alfa Romeo model based on the B10 architecture, which could also be produced in Zaragoza.

This is the latest Alfa Romeo-based restomod from Italian brand Totem Automobili, and while it’s not the first we’ve seen, there’s one major thing that sets it apart from others. You see, rather than a 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing up to 739 hp, this car is equipped with an all-electric powertrain.

Totem refers to this car as the GT Electric ‘Zeal 01’ and says it was commissioned by a client from California. Visually, it looks just as incredible as the ICE-powered GT Super models the small firm is also building. If Alfa Romeo itself were to build a new model inspired by its past, it’d be wise to look at this car for inspiration.

Read: This Alfa Romeo Restomod Laughs In The Face Of The Giulia QV

The exterior is painted in a special shade known as Accurro Pervinca and has loads of satin gold accents. These include the headlight surrounds, the triangular Scudetto grille, the wing mirrors, door surrounds, and even the metal windshield wipers. A set of gorgeous matching wheels has then been fitted.

A Masterpiece Of A Cabin

Somehow, the cabin looks even better than the outside. Totem has crafted custom gauges for the car, complete with satin gold surrounds, as well as a three-spoke steering wheel trimmed in blue leather and complete with custom switchgear on the steering column. The column itself, as well as parts of the dashboard and door panels, are made from carbon fiber with a very distinctive weave.

The rest of the interior is a mix of blue and cream Nappa leather, including on the seats, dash, transmission tunnel, and doors. Totem has then added a special fabric to the center of the carbon-fiber-backed Sabelt seats and even crafted a leather headliner.

While we think it’s a little sad that the car’s owner won’t be able to enjoy the specially developed twin-turbo V6 that Totem also sells, the electric powertrain isn’t exactly lacking in grunt. It features a 590 hp motor at the rear axle, allowing it to hit 60 miles (96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds and is also said to be good for up to 300 miles (482 km) on a charge. Finally, Brembo brakes and an electronically controlled suspension should ensure the car handles as one would expect from such a build.

Photos Totem Automobili