For several years now, the future of future Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio seemed relatively well-designed. The two models were set to usher in a new generation based on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, with a 100% electric focus. But the past few months have completely reshuffled the deck, to the point where one might now wonder whether the Biscione’s upcoming sedans and SUVs will ultimately be developed, at least in part, with Maserati’s future industrial partner.
Long-awaited replacements
The current Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are now approaching their tenth year on the market. Despite a design that has stood the test of time remarkably well and handling that is still considered the benchmark in their respective categories, these two models need a new generation to revitalize their sales momentum.
When creating Stellantis, the group had clearly outlined its plan: the upcoming Giulia and Stelvio would be based on the STLA Large platform and would adopt a 100 % electric powertrain. The project was even far enough along that prototypes of the future Stelvio were photographed during winter testing in Lapland.
Then, after a first rumors in late 2024, a dramatic turn of events in 2025. Faced with an electric vehicle market that was less dynamic than expected, Stellantis decided to rethink its strategy. The upcoming Giulia and Stelvio have been delayed in order to incorporate a multi-energy lineup that includes gasoline, hybrid, and electric versions. The problem is that the platform STLA Large LP3 had not been designed to accommodate hybrid powertrains. Added to this is another challenge: Stellantis does not currently have a high-performance hybrid powertrain capable of naturally meeting the expectations of a Giulia or a Stelvio, which are positioned in the premium sports segment.
The Alfa Romeo-Maserati Synergy Strategy
While the projects were delayed, Stellantis announced a Strategic partnership between Alfa Romeo and Maserati. A logical approach on paper.
On one side, the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. On the other, the upcoming Maserati Quattroporte and Levante. These four models are positioned in similar segments (D-segment and premium for Alfa Romeo; E-segment and luxury for Maserati) and are set to be produced at the same plant in Cassino, which is slated to become the group’s production hub for premium and luxury models in Italy.
This industrial approach fit perfectly into the overall organization of the group’s Italian brands. The Alfa Romeo Junior is already based on the CMP platform, which it shares with other Stellantis models. The future Alfa Romeo Tonale will use the STLA Medium platform, which is shared, in particular, with the future DS No. 7 and Lancia Gamma, all of which are produced in Melfi. As for the upcoming Giulietta, it is expected to be based on the STLA One platform.
In other words, until recently, the picture seemed relatively clear: the Giulia, Stelvio, Quattroporte, and Levante would share a common technical platform as part of a strategy to leverage synergies between Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
Filosa's latest statements are a game-changer
It is precisely this certainty that has just been called into question by Antonio Filosa. Testifying before the Italian Parliament on June 17, 2026, to outline Stellantis’s industrial strategy in Italy, the new CEO spoke about Maserati’s future in particularly surprising terms.
According to him, Stellantis is currently in talks with two potential partners to collaborate on the development of the Trident brand.
«We are in talks with two major partners who can provide us with technology, development resources, and excellent ideas.»
Antonio Filosa also said that the group would soon select its partner. He added:
«Maserati is not for sale, Cassino is not for sale.»
He went on to add that cooperation and development partnerships could be established both in Cassino and at the group’s other plants (such as Leapmotor in Spain and Dongfeng in France). Finally, the executive explained that Maserati deserved a separate discussion and that a concrete industrial plan for the brand would be presented next December. That deadline still seems a long way off, given that only a few models, concealed under tarps, were briefly shown. As of now, there is no confirmation of the nationality of these two partners. While some may be dreaming of Ferrari, there has been rumors involving Huawei and JAC Motors.
What if the future of the Giulia and Stelvio also depended on this partner?
This is probably the most interesting question raised by these statements. Because if Stellantis is currently looking for a technology partner to develop future Maserati models, this suggests that, aside from a few mockups and design concepts, the future Quattroporte and Levante do not yet seem far enough along to go into production anytime soon.
So, what will become of the much-touted synergies between Maserati and Alfa Romeo? If the next-generation Quattroporte and Levante are developed with the help of an outside partner, it seems hard to imagine that the future Giulia and Stelvio would remain completely outside the scope of this collaboration—especially if the goal is to share investments, platforms, or certain powertrain technologies.
For now, the situation remains completely unclear. And if there are two models whose future seems less certain today than it did a year ago, they are precisely the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. Until we know more, the current Giulia and Stelvio will have to hold the fort. Antonio Filosa has confirmed that they will remain in the lineup for some time yet and will even be offered in new special editions. It’s a way to keep customers waiting… but also a sign that their replacements are likely further off than ever.
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