Alfa Romeo is reversing course on its electric ambitions—at least for now.
Despite previous commitments to phase out combustion engines, the Italian automaker has confirmed it will keep the Ferrari-developed 2.9-liter V6 engine in its lineup, following clear pressure from customers.
The engine, known as the 690T, was originally engineered by the same developer behind Ferrari’s acclaimed F154 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8, a powerplant found in models like the GTC4 Lusso and California T.
In Alfa’s current form, the V6 produces 512 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, and has become synonymous with models like the Giulia Quadrifoglio, which is now nearing the end of its production life.
Still, the engine lives on—because Alfa Romeo’s customers aren’t ready to let it go.
Electrification Plans Quietly Abandoned
Alfa Romeo had previously indicated that it would shift entirely to electric vehicles, aligning with broader industry trends and parent company Stellantis’ strategy.
But in a new interview with Car magazine, Alfa’s chief communications officer, Cristiano Fiorio, hinted that this plan has quietly been shelved.
Fiorio openly acknowledged that customer demand is driving the decision to keep combustion engines in the lineup, despite regulatory and corporate pressure to transition to electric power.
“Personally, I don't see an electric Quadrifoglio. I see a Quadrifoglio that has the sound of a real combustion engine. As it is now,” Fiorio said.
“Maybe things will change in five years. But as it is now, Quadrifoglio for me—for us—should be something with a roaring sound.”
V6 Might Evolve, But It’s Not Going Anywhere
While Fiorio stopped short of confirming that the current 2.9-liter V6 would remain unchanged, he strongly hinted that it will power future high-performance models, such as the next-generation Giulia and Stelvio.
When pressed about what engine future Quadrifoglio models might use, he responded coyly:
“If I answer, I will tell you exactly which engine we will get in the Giulia and Stelvio. So I'll just say that the engine you're talking about is not far from what we ourselves are thinking of.”
This suggests that Alfa may be considering refinements or updates to the existing engine, rather than a complete replacement—especially with the electric shift slowing down.
A Broader Retreat from EVs
Alfa Romeo isn’t alone in pulling back from its electric-only ambitions. Sister brand Maserati has also reportedly shelved some EV projects. And even Mate Rimac, CEO of the electric hypercar company Rimac, has recently admitted that his customers are showing less interest in EVs than expected.
Meanwhile, Dodge, also under the Stellantis umbrella, has been forced to retire its beloved V8 engines, prompting a backlash among American muscle car fans.
In contrast, Alfa Romeo appears to be embracing the desires of its most loyal fans—those who equate the Quadrifoglio badge with the sound, feel, and thrill of internal combustion.
“Therefore, we will have to continue to give customers what they want,” Fiorio concluded.
