Shortly before his passing last year, Fiat Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne announced big plans for Alfa Romeo. There’d be new crossovers, yes, but much more exciting was the confirmation that the GTV would return as a 600-hp all-wheel drive coupe, and a 700-hp mid-engine 8C, both hybrids. The stuff of dreams for Alfa fans. But now that FCA intends to merge with Groupe PSA, the owner of Peugeot, the GTV and 8C’s futures are in doubt.
Current FCA CEO Mike Manley said on a conference call that “in the near term, the new portfolio for the brand is significantly scaled back with a corresponding reduction in capital spending,” Motor Trend reports.
While Manley isn’t quoted as saying what that means specifically, Motor Trend says “previous plans for more sedans and sports cars have been shelved.” The Giulia sedan and Stelvio crossover will continue, and both will soon be joined by the smaller Tonale crossover and another high-rider.
One of the primary motivations for FCA and PSA to merge is for both companies to reduce spending on future product development. Inevitably that means more platforms will be shared between the two, and the total number of platforms will be reduced. Manley told Motor Trend that the Giorgio platform that underpins the Giulia and Stelvio will likely continue on, as it’s one of the few rear-drive architectures in the new group.
While Alfa’s future looks far less interesting than it did this time last year, things are looking up for Maserati. Motor Trend reports that a Ghibli plug-in hybrid is due in the coming months, and the Alfieri will arrive to replace the old Granturismo by the end of 2020. The Alfieri will be available in both a plug-in hybrid and full-electric forms, and a Levante EV is also in the works.
We’ve reached out to an Alfa Romeo spokesperson for more confirmation on these developments, and will update this post if we hear back.
Source: Read Full Article