Respecting Tradition: Alfa Romeo Prioritizes Driver Experience Over Giant Infotainment Screens
Mercedes has recently made waves in the automotive industry with its Hyperscreen, a remarkable 56-inch display that spans the entire width of the dashboard. This impressive screen size sets it apart from competitors like the Cadillac Celestiq and the Lincoln Nautilus, which offer screens that are one and eight inches smaller, respectively. Other notable mentions in the realm of large screens include the Cadillac Escalade with its 38-inch display, the Lucid Air with 34 inches, and the Buick LaCrosse with 30 inches. However, Alfa Romeo is approaching the integration of infotainment screens differently, guided by their internal research and customer preferences.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, recently spoke with Autocar and revealed that future Alfa Romeo models will not feature giant infotainment screens. While he acknowledges and respects the digital technology employed by Mercedes, Imparato emphasized that Alfa Romeo customers are not seeking meter-wide screens or an excessive number of digital assistance systems. Instead, Alfa Romeo owners simply want to relish the experience of driving their cars without feeling overwhelmed by an abundance of technological features.
Imparato went on to highlight that Alfa Romeo will retain its iconic “cannocchiale” (telescopic-styled, double-cowled) instrument cluster, which adds a touch of classic elegance to the interior. However, this traditional feature will be complemented by a large head-up display (HUD) to provide additional information to the driver. Interestingly, Imparato mentioned that the HUD could even project a “ghost car” to assist the driver in positioning the vehicle on the road with greater precision, thus enhancing safety and driving confidence.
The CEO further revealed that Alfa Romeo is planning a new dashboard layout that is expected to make its debut in 2025. This new layout will be accompanied by the STLA Brain electric architecture, indicating a shift towards electrification in their upcoming models. Currently, Alfa Romeo’s screens are relatively smaller compared to industry standards. For example, the Giulia and Stelvio models feature 8.8-inch displays, while the Tonale boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. All three models incorporate a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Imparato previously stated that future Alfa Romeo models will receive infotainment systems with “special features” and screen sizes “beyond 13 inches.” This suggests that the brand is planning to offer a more advanced and immersive display experience in their next-generation vehicles, which are slated for release in 2025. Additionally, Imparato mentioned that Alfa Romeo aims to simplify the driving experience by allowing owners to choose between manual driving and autonomous driving, eliminating any ambiguity about the car’s behavior.
While Alfa Romeo is shifting its focus towards electric vehicles, it is important to note that the brand will continue to offer high-performance Quadrifoglio models. These models are expected to boast impressive power outputs, potentially reaching up to 1,000 horsepower. To achieve this, Alfa Romeo will employ next-generation battery technology that supports wireless charging. Before fully embracing the electric revolution, Alfa Romeo plans to unveil a gasoline-fueled supercar on August 30th, generating excitement among enthusiasts and demonstrating the brand’s unwavering commitment to delivering thrilling performance.
