Alfa Romeo cancels GTV, 8C plans

ALFA Romeo has moved to “focus on market strengths” by removing low-volume sportscars from its future model plans, with the reborn GTV and 8C coupes announced in June last year axed in favour of a third SUV that will rival the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1.

Announced last week by parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) as part of its Q3 2019 earnings call that was held on the same day it announced its plan to merge with PSA Group (see separate story), the struggling Italian premium marque’s smaller model line-up will result in “reduced global reach and overlap with other (FCA) Group brands”.

Last seen in 2005 and 2010 respectively, the GTV and 8C are not the only future models to get the axe, as a next-generation Giulietta small car was also a notable absentee from the presentation shown during the earnings call. Its current model received an update in March.

Similarly, a large SUV to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 is no longer part of Alfa Romeo’s plans, but it will still add a third member to its crossover family, with a compact SUV to slot underneath the Tonale small crossover that was previewed in concept form at March’s Geneva motor show and remains on track for production.

Critically, the compact SUV due in 2022 is shaping up as Alfa Romeo’s first model with a battery-electric powertrain, although the Tonale will kick off its electrification era with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain in 2021.

Mid-life facelifts for the mid-size Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV are also planned for 2021, although neither will be electrified, with only minor changes expected.

Previously announced long-wheelbase versions of the Giulia and Stelvio targeted at the Chinese market will now not see the light of day as part of the realignment.

Alfa Romeo has remained consistent, however, with its plans for the MiTo light hatch and 4C sportscar, with neither to see another generation.

“In the near term, the new portfolio for the brand is significantly scaled back with a corresponding reduction in capital spending,” said FCA chief executive Mike Manley during the earnings call.

As reported, the GTV was to pair an internal-combustion engine with an E-Boost electric turbocharger for 447kW of power – more than enough to outshine the 375kW Mercedes-AMG C63 S and 331kW BMW M4 Competition coupes in a straight line.

An all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, perfect 50/50 weight distribution and seating for four were also promised for the third-generation GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce).

The 8C was set to well and truly up the performance ante courtesy of a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged petrol engine working in tandem with a front electric motor for a combined power output of more than 522kW.

A lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis was to play a role in enabling the second-generation 8C to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in less than three seconds.

Meanwhile, FCA’s Italian luxury marque, Maserati, has confirmed timings for its future model line-up announced in September, with facelifted versions of the Levante SUV and Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans due next year alongside the long-awaited Alfieri coupe.

In 2021, a mid-size SUV, the next-generation GranTurismo coupe and a cabriolet version of the Alfieri will appear, while the next-generation Quattroporte and GranCabrio cabriolet will launch a year later.

The next-generation Levante will surface in 2023, while timing for the next-generation Ghibli remains under wraps despite having been confirmed as part of Maserati’s five-year plan announced in June 2018.

As reported, next year’s Ghibli will be the marque’s first electrified model, with a hybrid powertrain option confirmed.

What form the hybrid Ghibli will take, though, is yet to be officially confirmed, with a PHEV version likely dependent on where significant re-engineering of the model’s platform has been undertaken.

Battery-electric powertrains will be available in each of the new-generation models, with the Alfieri, Levante and Quattroporte also confirmed to get PHEV options.