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Alfa Romeo scales back electrification offensive as it rethinks turn-around

Alfa Romeo stopped developing a pair of two-door sports cars to focus on high-volume crossovers as part of its ongoing restructuring. The Italian firm has also scaled back its green ambitions, though it hasn't deep-sixed them completely, and a recent report sheds light on what to expect. The Fiat-owned automaker needs to release electrified models to keep up with its German and Japanese rivals, to satisfy demand from buyers, and to remain on the right side of government regulations. While it originally announced plans to electrify six of seven nameplates, its updated product road map outlines two plug-ins out of four models; they're the two we haven't seen yet. With the 4C allegedly out of the picture, and a direct replacement not expected to arrive, the Alfa Romeo range currently consists of the Giulia sedan (pictured), the Stelvio crossover, and a city-friendly, front-wheel drive hatchback named Giulietta sold in Europe, among other global markets. The latter will retire next year as it celebrates its 10th birthday, so the Giulia and the Stelvio will represent the Milan-based brand on their own until they're joined by two crossovers. One is the Tonale, which was previewed by an eponymous concept car at the 2019 Geneva auto show, and leaked online several weeks later. It will take Alfa Romeo into the plug-in hybrid segment for the first time. The other is a yet-unnamed entry-level soft-roader which will offer an electric powertrain. Both will also come with non-electrified drivetrains. The Giulia and the Stelvio are no longer in line to receive hybrid technology, interestingly. Alfa Romeo has a proven history of changing its product plan on a regular basis, so seeing a plug-in hybrid variant of either nameplate is not entirely out of the question. Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) boss Mike Manley hinted the rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform on which both cars are built was recently updated to accommodate an array of tech features, including alternative powertrains. "We have changed the suspension. We have updated all of the electrical architecture in that so that it can take the next-generation infotainment as well as very, very advanced high-tech features," he explained, according to Automotive News. He didn't go into more specific details, but the publication believes the updated platform could also find its way into the research and development department of sister company Maserati, which is also planning a major range extension during the 2020s.

Alfa Romeo Zagato-designed Giulia-derived coupe previewed

Alfa Romeo's long-awaited return to the coupe segment may be imminent. The company published an enigmatic preview image on its social media channels that shows the rear end of what's labeled the "Giulia SWB Zagato," and it pledged to release more details in the near future. While there's not much we can glean by looking at the dark teaser, we can at least say with near-certainty that the coupe won't look much like the Giulia when viewed from the back. The photo depicts a thin strip of LEDs that seemingly stretches across the entire rear end, and the basic silhouette is vaguely reminiscent of the Giulia TZ (Tubolare Zagato) and TZ2 coupes built in very limited numbers during the 1960s. Beyond that, your guess regarding what we're looking at is as good as ours. The name strongly suggests that the coupe will be Giulia-based, shorter than the sedan, and designed jointly with Zagato. Company boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has previously confirmed that the two-door model will make its debut at some point in 2023 and he clarified that it will be "very exciting, very selective, and very expensive." To us, it sounds like the coupe will land as a limited-edition model rather than as a regular-production addition to the company's range. What the coupe will be powered by is up in the air as well. Given the Giulia-derived platform, we wouldn't be surprised if power comes from a version of the 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that powers the range-topping Quadrifoglio. The six develops 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque in Alfa Romeo's BMW M3 fighter but those figures could increase in the coupe. Rear-wheel-drive should come standard. Alfa Romeo will publish additional details about the Giulia SWB Zagato in the coming weeks, and we'll see the coupe by the end of 2023. Related video: Design/Style Alfa Romeo Coupe Luxury Performance

Alfa Romeo Stelvio to get a new rear-drive base version

Good news for those who want an Alfa Romeo Stelvio but do not have the need for all-wheel drive: Alfa is reportedly introducing a cheaper, solely rear-drive version. It will still have plenty of power. Car & Driver is reporting that there will be a new, rear-wheel-drive base Stelvio for 2019, one that undercuts the current cheapest Q4 model by $2,000. That would mean a starting price of $41,440. However, the gap will widen slightly as the all-wheel-drive cars will see a price bump for 2019. The base model's only engine option will be the four-cylinder turbo, offering 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is the eight-speed automatic. C&D also says that the RWD versions will be kitted out more cheaply than AWD models, as a posher Ti version will always come standard with AWD. The new base models are likely to bear Q2 badging to differentiate them from the "quattro per quattro" Q4 models. And, if you're still willng to add a little something to the RWD Stelvio, there will be an available Sport package that offers 19-inch wheels and performance-oriented accessories such as aluminum pedals, painted brake calipers, paddle shifters and more. This does almost negate the price difference between the 2018 and 2019 base models, as it is said to cost $1,800.