Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo will bring back two of its iconic models – the 8C and GTV – by 2022. In its five-year strategy announcement, the carmaker added that they will also launch a new mid-size SUV and a large SUV, sitting below and above the Stelvio – a model that has brought huge success to the brand since its launch last year.
The Italian brand also confirmed long-wheelbase versions of the Giulia and Stelvio. LWB variants are a growing trend thanks largely to the demand in China where chauffeur-driven cars are extremely popular.
The new additions coming by 2022 will almost double Alfa Romeo's line-up, bringing the range to nine models. Currently, it consists of the Giulia, Giulietta, Stelvio, 4C Spider and Mito. The Mito had been highly tipped to be axed, but there was no mention of it in today's strategy announcement.
The new 8C will be a twin-turbo mid-engined sports car with an electrified front axle delivering at least 710hp with a 0-100kph time of sub-3.0sec. The previous model – the 8C Competizione, produced between 2007 and 2010 – was front-engined and used a 4.7-litre Ferrari-derived V8, achieving the 0-100kph sprint in 4.2sec.
Meanwhile, the GTV – essentially a coupe version of the well-received Giulia – will have more than 608hp with E-Boost technology, all-wheel-drive torque vectoring, 50:50 weight distribution and room for four occupants. The last GTV went off sale in 2005.
Talking about the 8C and GTV sports cars, brand boss Timothy Kuniskis said, "The 8C is a true supercar with a mid-engined, carbonfibre monocoque chassis and electrified AWD system. It’s a car that will be born for the track here at Balocco. We also want a sports car as attainable as it is aspirational, so we’re bringing back one of the most fabled names in Alfa history, the GTV. The Quadrifoglio model will deliver more than 600hp."
Talking about the two new SUVS, he said, "The timing of our expansion plans couldn’t be more optimum. The premium market is growing and there are considerable opportunities in that segment. These are two key segments – compact UV and full-size UV. These segments represent 81 percent of the global premium market growth. We will ensure each new product embraces our brand principles.”
Kuniskis also said that by axing diesel powertrains, there would be “new electrification opportunities”, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid with an electric range of 53km and E-Booster technology with zero turbo lag.
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