This may sound ironic but don’t believe everything you read online. Images of a mysterious Alfa Romeo surfaced last weekend, sparking speculation about a new supercar. While many assumed it was an early leak of the 33 Stradale’s successor, the car is not an upcoming model. In fact, it predates the mid-engine machine by nearly a year.
Alfa Romeo told us this low-slung performance coupe was left on the cutting room floor. Dated October 2022, it represents an early design of what would eventually become the 33 Stradale, which was officially unveiled in August 2023. Head of PR Krystyna Perry explained in an email to Motor1 that the two-seater with butterfly doors was the first full-size physical model created by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the company’s design department.
Photo by: Alfa Romeo
“I can confirm that these images represent the 33 Stradale in its first 1:1 physical model’s design project. They date back to October 2022. This model design was patented in accordance with the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile procedure at that time. The procedure involves patenting the style of a project to protect the uniqueness of its design. Our process establishes a two-year duration for design patents, and upon expiration, we evaluate whether to renew them or not. Once the patent expires, the images can be made public.”
Krystyna Perry also told us the design cues seen here are not indicative of upcoming models: “The aesthetic features shown in these images do not serve as a reference for any future Alfa Romeo products.” Judging by the dual exhaust tips, the patented design depicts an early 33 Stradale with a combustion engine. However, the final version was also offered as a purely electric model. Predictably, most of the 33 buyers opted for the gas version with its twin-turbo, 3.0-liter V-6.
Although this car will never see the light of production day, it’s a known fact another flagship model is on the way. In September 2023, Cristiano Fiorio, head of strategic projects and the man who led the 33 Stradale program, announced a new performance model with a retro twist is planned. The Italian company had planned to go purely electric by 2027, but that objective is no longer in place. Instead, the next-gen Giulia and Stelvio will have gasoline-hybrid versions alongside pure EVs.
Hopefully, sticking with combustion engines will allow the next supercar to retain ICE power. This would make sense, as the V-6 was far more popular than the EV drivetrain among 33 Stradale customers. Alfa Romeo should feel confident about making another range-topping performance car, considering the 33 Stradale was sold out in only a couple of months following its debut.
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