Design chief Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos says Alfa Romeo’s heritage gives it a cultural distinction Chinese rivals cannot easily match. The Cuorerosso points to modern future models, not a retro revival.
At the Paris show, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos said the Cuorerosso was meant to pressure Stellantis to keep making emotionally engaging Alfa Romeo cars. The concept sets out a design direction, but it is not a confirmed production model. Alfa Romeo presented it as a study of how the brand might evolve while keeping its recognisable identity. Mesonero-Romanos has led the marque’s design team since July 2021.
He sees Alfa Romeo’s cultural identity as a key distinction from Chinese carmakers. Mesonero-Romanos acknowledges that they make very good cars, but argues that a car can mean more than a way to get around. Alfa Romeo should give its heritage a modern expression instead of competing on utility alone. The brand’s chief executive, Santo Ficili, has called the design philosophy “Bellezza Necessaria,” or “necessary beauty,” and linked it to cars made for people who enjoy driving.
That argument comes as Stellantis weighs its wider engagement with Chinese manufacturers. The group is also considering more European production sites for Leapmotor, as covered in Leapmotor plant discussions.
For future Alfa Romeos, Mesonero-Romanos wants contemporary design rather than a routine return to retro styling. He cited Renault’s Espace and Gordini as examples of the nostalgia he wants to avoid across the main Alfa range. BottegaFuoriserie, by contrast, can cater to customers seeking heritage-focused cars such as the 33 Stradale.
He also drew a line between Alfa Romeo and Cupra. Former colleague Jorge Díez came to see the concept, and Mesonero-Romanos said Alfa has a history Cupra cannot invent. He praised Cupra’s work and sales, while recalling that he had warned against making the Cupra Formentor too aggressive.
The Cuorerosso is described as a realistic four-seat coupé-saloon with a V6. Its proportions could suit a Giorgio Sport architecture. The car measures around 4.7 metres long and stands 1.3 metres tall.
Motor1 says the project began with an abstract form sculpture. The team left off the wheels and windows, and the Alfa Romeo shield was absent too, so they could first work out the car’s proportions and volumes. The cabin is built around the driver. Mesonero-Romanos describes the interior as an “organic heart” running from the dashboard towards the rear passengers. Its patented cannoquiale transforms into a bicannoquiale. The car is 1.96 metres wide.
AutoBild describes the concept’s powertrain as a hybrid 2.9-litre V6, paired with Q4 all-wheel drive and a torque-converter automatic transmission. It also has a carbon-fibre driveshaft. The engine is associated with the Quadrifoglio versions of the Giulia and Stelvio. Mesonero-Romanos says the concept points towards future Alfa Romeo design, and some features could reach production models, potentially including a future Giulia. The concept itself does not confirm a production car.
