Not everyone is happy with the transition to electrification. For some die-hard enthusiasts, letting go of the sound and delight of a combustion engine is a hard pill to swallow. Alfa Romeo, known for its driver-centric approach, especially (if we’re being brutally honest), with its two largest estate models, is going through its own transition. It looks like the logo will soon give enthusiasts 986 reasons to settle for this change.
Present on the market since 2016, the Stelvio has long since been replaced, with the new styling scheduled for next summer. It will be based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, the same one that underpins the new Dodge Charger.
Read more: The new Milano SUV is Alfa Romeo’s first vehicle
This platform provides access to an 800V architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging speeds and offering enough battery capacity for several hundred kilometers between charging stops. According to CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, it can also boast up to 986 horsepower (735 kW).
Speaking to AutoExpress, he claims that the existing progression car already develops 941 horsepower (741 kW), but the team doesn’t stop there. “That’s the number right now. . . If we can get to 1,000 hp (986 hp), “then we’ll do it, but I’m not sure it’s the first priority for the company or the customers,” he says. If those numbers are correct, we’re talking about an SUV with comparable strength to the Tesla Model X.
In fact, a 986 hp SUV would be second only to the Model X in terms of original SUV power on sale today. Only one other vehicle, the Lotus Eletre, has an output of more than 900 hp (671 kW). In the headlines, such a rugged SUV would. This also makes sense given Stellantis CEO Carlos Taveres’ recent comments.
More: 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia will be based on Dodge Charger, available in EV and ICE trims
Just a few days ago he called Alfa Romeo the “biggest jewel” of the entire organization and rejected takeover offers. The French-Italian car giant will invest billions in Italy to carry out its plans to build 15 new models in the country. The next-generation Stelvio and Giulia (also an electric vehicle arriving in 2027) will be part of that plan.
There is no doubt that the finish of the current production of the Stelvio and Giulia Quadrifoglio is a bittersweet authenticity. However, driving an SUV with the kind of power Imparato is talking about is a real thrill.
We also see an ICE version.
While Alfa Romeo officials have said the Stelvio’s replacement will be solely electric, recent reports recommend that the Giulia’s successor will eventually offer electric and gasoline options, similar to the new Dodge Charger. Given the current state of the market, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think that Alfa’s new SUV could also come with a combustion engine option.