4 Minutes
Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio teased in new red CGI as launch plans shift
Alfa Romeo’s compact SUV, the Stelvio, has been given a fresh digital makeover — this time dressed in a classic Alfa red for the holidays. The illustration is the work of rendering artist Kelsonik, who based the image on previously leaked patent drawings. The result is a bold preview of what the second-generation Stelvio might look like when it finally arrives.
Timing and model strategy: why the Stelvio is sticking around
Contrary to early expectations that Alfa’s next-generation models would arrive in 2026 for the 2027 model year, Stellantis has delayed their debuts. Alfa Romeo will extend production of the current Stelvio and its four-door counterpart, the Giulia, through the end of 2027. That decision was confirmed by brand boss Santo Ficili during the refreshed Tonale launch, and echoed by Alfa Romeo UK managing director Jukes Tilstone, who said that upcoming updates “will be effectively the same.”
Production of the updated Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio models is scheduled to restart in April 2026. Those high-performance variants are expected to carry an updated 2.9-liter V6 tuned to meet the stricter Euro 7 emissions rules — a move that keeps the marque’s performance halo alive for a bit longer.
Powertrain pivot: from BEV to hybrid
Originally, the next-generation Stelvio and Giulia were planned as battery-electric vehicles. However, with electric vehicle sales softening in some Western markets, Stellantis has adjusted course: the new models will adopt hybrid options rather than being pure BEVs across the board. This strategy reflects a pragmatic balance between emissions regulations, customer demand, and market readiness for full electrification.
Design preview: what the Kelsonik CGI reveals
The CGIs offer a clear before-and-after vision. Compared with the current model, the imagined Stelvio features:
- A split lighting signature up front and a reinterpretation of Alfa’s triangular grille
- A larger, more aggressive lower bumper intake and clamshell-style hood
- Flush-mounted door handles and a more pronounced, arching roofline
- A complex LED rear light signature and a license plate moved from the tailgate to the bumper
Rendered here in a deep Alfa red, the new design reads sportier and more contemporary. Kelsonik previously released a similar interpretation in white; the red finish gives the concept a more authentic, brand-aligned character — especially at a time of year when Italian marque traditions tend to lean on red and performance heritage.
What this means for buyers and the segment
Extending the current Stelvio and Giulia lifecycle gives Alfa Romeo time to fine-tune electrification strategy and ensure compliance with Euro 7 without abandoning core customers who still value combustion-powered performance. For buyers in the premium compact SUV segment, the decision signals continuity: the Quadrifoglio will remain a statement of performance while future models pivot toward hybrid efficiency and modernized styling.
Highlights:
- Updated Stelvio and Giulia production extended through 2027
- Quadrifoglio variants return with a Euro 7–compliant 2.9L V6
- New-gen models shifting from planned BEV to hybrid options
- Kelsonik renders hint at a much sharper, tech-forward exterior
Whether the final production car will mirror Kelsonik’s vision exactly remains to be seen, but the digital renderings offer a vivid hint at Alfa Romeo’s design direction. For now, enthusiasts can enjoy the imagined Stelvio — dressed for the holidays and ready to carry the brand forward into a hybrid future.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment