A new group means new possibilities. Since its takeover by the giant Stellantis in 2021, Alfa Romeo now has access to all the Group’s technologies. The Italian brand will be the first in the Stellantis galaxy to adopt the STLA Brain software architecture in 2025 for the replacement for the Stelvio. This promises a plethora of connected services involving a high level of connectivity.
Smooth digitalisation
Is this an opportunity for Alfa Romeo, which has always lagged behind in this area? In an interview with Autocar, the Biscione’s CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato is categorical: this platform should not drag the brand into the ‘total digitization’ led by the Germans. Imparato half-heartedly points to the Hyperscreen and Superscreen, screens that run across the entire dashboard of the latest Mercedes models. While Imparato concedes the technical feat, he also confirms that this profusion of technology has no place at Alfa Romeo.
Capitalizing on the driving experience
In his opinion, Alfa Romeo customers don’t want to know what the weather will be like over the next three weeks. All they want to do is drive, and therefore it’s important to capitalise on this last point. Of course, this does not mean that future models will turn their backs on screens. Because, inevitably, refusing digital technology in the premium segment is suicidal. So Imparato is not against the idea of a bigger screen, as long as it doesn’t display ‘useless information’.
Finally, as far as driving aids are concerned, the CEO assures us that the next Alfa Romeo will not be invaded by a myriad of intrusive assistance systems. The aim is not to fit a feature just because the competition has it too. The Milan-based manufacturer will only offer systems that add real value to vehicles and will reject all others.
5
