Marko Hanželic
The original proposal of Euro 7 regulations has sparked controversy in the auto industry, with some companies claiming they have no choice but to stop producing certain models. Why? Higher production costs required to adapt engines to meet stricter emission standards, would be reflected in the final price, making the cars too expensive. Some engines were in danger of becoming extinct, but that will not happen now.
Last week, European Union ministers agreed to the European Commission's proposal on vehicle emissions Euro 7 softened considerably. Under the new agreement, the test conditions and emission limits for cars and vans will not change from Euro 6 to Euro 7, as the newer standard will only affect buses and heavy vehicles. For this reason, the chairman of the board of the Alfa Romeo company Jean Philippe Imparato says that the V6 engine that powers the models Four-leaf clover, will not retire.
In an interview with a British magazine Coach the first man of Alfa Romeo was asked whether the Italian brand will stick with its 2,9-liter twin-turbo engine in the long term: "The answer is yes, because this year I expect the outcome of the Euro 7 proposals. I would like to have something that would be in line with the new regulation." As a refresher: the Euro 7 standard is due to come into force in July 2025.
Alfa uses this V6 engine not only in top models Giulia in Stelvio, but also in the new model 33 Stradale, in which the volume of the six-cylinder is increased to three liters. It can also be found under the hood of limited series models Julia GTA in GTAm ter Giulia SWB Zagato. Jean-Philippe Imparato hinted that other models could also get the V6, although he did not want to talk about the details.
The new supercar is already in the works and is expected to appear on the market around 2026. Similar to the 33 Stradale, it will have a retro design, and possible inspiration Giulietta SZ from 1960 and Montreal from 1970. It's too early to say whether it will offer a choice between V6 power and electric drive, as is the case with the 33 Stradale, or whether the brand intends to Stellantis to be made with electric drive only. Hopefully the less stringent Euro 7 standard will encourage Alfa Romeo to put the V6 in at least one more car.
