Stellantis announces a 5th model for an Italian factory... and it could be a new Alfa Romeo

The news came quietly, but it could well have major consequences for the future of’Alfa Romeo and Stellantis in Italy. Following a meeting with the unions, the Group confirmed that a fifth model would be added to the four already planned for the Melfi plant. A brief announcement, almost innocuous in appearance... but open to many interpretations.

Because behind this simple phrase probably lies much more than just another new vehicle. In our opinion, there's every reason to believe that this fifth model could be a new Alfa Romeo, which we've been talking about for several months now.

Melfi, at the heart of industrial strategy

Today, the Melfi plant is one of the pillars of Stellantis« industrial transformation in Europe. The plant is home to several models based on the STLA Medium platform. The unions confirmed that »the industrial journey is already underway", with a gradual ramp-up of the new models. The addition of a fifth vehicle strengthens Melfi's central role, but also its long-term prospects, particularly in terms of employment. The key question remains: what is this additional model?

A credible lead: the famous A4U project

For almost a year, several reports have been converging around an in-house project called A4U. Originally, this model was simply intended to replace the current Tonale at the end of its career, with a launch scheduled for around 2027 or 2028. But the timetable has changed.

Internally, Alfa Romeo is said to have brought forward the presentation of this vehicle to 2026, passing it off as a a surprise model. A strategy that may seem surprising... unless, of course, this is the vehicle that is to fill a gap in the brand's product plan. Between the launch of the Junior in 2024 and the future Giulia and Stelvio, now postponed until 2027/2028, a gap has opened up in the range. This new SUV would fit right in.

A “new Tonale”... with a new name

All indications are that this model is in fact the direct successor to the Tonale originally scheduled for 2027. But it is not expected to take its name. The reason is simple: the current Tonale, launched in 2022, is extending its career with a restyling. So it's impossible to have two models with the same name. As a result, this future SUV will have to be rechristened, even if it retains the Tonale philosophy. Rumors suggest the name Brera, as the rear end is reminiscent of the brand's well-known model.

But this is no mere replacement. With an estimated length of between 4.60 and 4.65 meters, this model moves upmarket, positioning itself between the current Tonale and the future Stelvio. This repositioning would enable it to fill the space left by the current Stelvio, which is also set to grow in size in its next generation.

A familiar technical base in Melfi

This future SUV will be no stranger to the Melfi plant. It will be based on the STLA Medium platform, already used by several models produced here: Jeep Compass, DS N°7, DS N°8 and soon the Lancia Gamma. This means a high degree of technical sharing, both in terms of architecture and powertrains.

In terms of powertrains, one thing is almost certain: the entry-level model should be based on the 1.6L EP6 engine. It remains to be seen what form this will take. Two options are currently on the table: a plug-in hybrid version, or a rechargeable hybrid version. recently increased to 240 hp, or a single-hybrid version with around 210 hp, currently reserved for the American market. In any case, this model should offer a complete range, including the 100 % electric.

An announcement that says a lot... without saying everything

While Stellantis has not officially confirmed the identity of this fifth model, the timing, industrial logic and information already known all converge towards the same conclusion. This additional vehicle announced for Melfi could well be the most strategic Alfa Romeo of the next few years. All that remains now is to wait until May 21, when Stellantis is due to present his strategic plan. That's when things will become much clearer.