The new Alfa Romeo Giulia caught testing on the streets of Turin... the design changes everything

And if Alfa Romeo surprise earlier than expected? While everyone had a clear timetable in mind, the Italian brand may well have decided to speed things up... or at least confuse the issue.

Stellantis in the midst of a complete overhaul

The arrival of Antonio Filosa at the helm of Stellantis is a clear game-changer. In the next few weeks, the new CEO is due to present his industrial plan for the coming years, with a view to resetting the Dare Forward 2030 plan devised by Carlos Tavares.

Up until now, the roadmap seemed clear: an Alfa Romeo Stelvio presented in 2025, followed by the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in 2026, for an arrival in dealerships at the end of 2026. But this timetable is no longer valid.

Initially, future Stelvio and Giulia models were to be based on the STLA Large LP3, designed primarily for 100 % electric powertrains. In this configuration, the Quadrifoglio versions promised impressive figures, with nearly 600 kW, 815 horsepower.

But the reality of the market decided otherwise. Faced with far too little demand for electric-only models, Stellantis is said to have revised its plans in depth.

The future Giulia should indeed be produced in Cassino, but with a much more pragmatic approach. Under the hood, the 2.0L GME engine will be paired with a ZF 8HP Evo gearbox, while a Quadrifoglio version will feature a 3.0L V6 in hybrid configuration.

Another major change is the abandonment of the STLA Large platform in favor of an evolution of the Giorgio platform, called Giorgio Evo. A technical base already used on models such as the Maserati GranTurismo or the Maserati Grecale, and above all capable of accommodating both hybrid and 100 % electric powertrains.

Unexpected spyshots in the streets of Turin

And that's when everything accelerated. Against all expectations, the new Giulia has been caught testing in the streets of Turin. Here are a few photos leaked on social networks.

Despite the camouflage, a number of elements stand out. The front end seems to echo the styling cues already seen on the prototypes of the future Stelvio, confirming a new, shared visual identity.

At the rear, the transformation is even more marked. The Giulia would abandon its classic three-box silhouette for a fastback design, almost flirting with the spirit of a hunting wagon. Reminiscent of the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake. A bold choice that could profoundly change its positioning. Another revealing detail is the presence of two large tailpipes, confirming the abandonment of all-electricity in favor of a hybrid powertrain.

A surprise for May 21?

All this comes at a time when all eyes are already on the strategic presentation scheduled for May 21. According to some indiscretions, Antonio Filosa is preparing several surprises for the occasion.

Could the new Giulia be one of them? Nothing has been confirmed, but these spyshots are just the thing to fuel speculation. One thing's for sure: between a change of strategy, the return of the hybrid combustion engine and a change in design, Alfa Romeo seems ready for a major overhaul. And this unexpected first glimpse could well be just the beginning. 🐟