The new Alfa Romeo Cuorerosso concept hints at a simplified design direction for the Italian brand - as well as its commitment to petrol-powered performance cars.
A sleek 2+2 fastback, it previews the styling of Alfa Romeo's next-generation models. Until now, only the replacement for the Stelvio SUV has been seen in camouflage, and its development programme has been mired in delays.
The Cuorerosso is described as a manifesto for how Alfa Romeo will tackle electrification without forgoing the characteristics that differentiate its cars from the competition.
The brand said that it emphasised its 'Necessary Beauty' philosophy in shaping the new concept. It was initially designed without wheels, windows or details, enabling complete focus on the proportions.
The Cuorerosso is a similar size to the current Giulia, at 4.7m long, 1.98m wide and 1.33m tall, with a 2.93m wheelbase. It is slightly shorter and wider - likely to exaggerate its dramatic shape - but isn't far from what could be possible as Alfa Romeo develops the replacement for its 11-year-old saloon.
Indeed, Alfa Romeo said future models in "key segments of the market" will be based on platforms sized up to 4.7m long, firming up the viability of this design.
Alfa Romeo also sought to produce a shape that was aerodynamically sound, manifesting in its truncated 'coda tronca' rear end - a cue that recalls Alfas of the past - and swept tail.
The low, pointed nose is likewise fitted with Alfa's famed 'scudetto' grille. The 'biscione' crest is backlit and illuminates in a similar rhythm to a heartbeat. The thin headlights, meanwhile, are intended to resemble scowling eyes.
Inside, it follows other recent concepts from the Stellantis group in adopting steer-by-wire technology, which removes a physical connection between the helm and the front wheels. The steering wheel has a flat top to provide a better view of the instruments, which put a fresh spin on Alfa's traditional 'cannocchiale' binnacle.
In ordinary driving, two round screens display speed and revs, but in sportier drive modes, or as the driver picks up the pace, they merge into one central screen inspired by the large dial in the 1960s 33 Stradale.
Alfa Romeo said this interpretation of the cannocchiale could be developed for production cars, enabled by Stellantis's STLA SmartCockpit tech. Such systems will become increasingly important in "preserving the distinctive identity of each brand" in the Stellantis stable, said the company.
Emphasis is also placed on physical controls, with dials mounted along the centre console for the sound system and air conditioning.
Notably, the Cuorerosso also proposes a technical specification for the next generation of Quadrifoglio performance models.
Alfa Romeo has imagined a kerb weight of 1750kg, with power coming from a hybridised version of the familiar 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. Power will be sent to all four wheels through a torque-converter automatic gearbox and a carbonfibre driveshaft.
This, said Alfa Romeo, will "put technology at the service of driving pleasure". However, the firm said it is also preparing a full gamut of powertrains for future models, including mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric.
It remains to be seen how much of the Cuorerosso will make it to production cars. Many of its details, such as its rear-hinged back doors and its lack of a conventional boot, are distinctly conceptual. It nonetheless represents a vital moment for Alfa Romeo, reaffirming the brand's commitment to its heartland models after long delays and forays into small SUVs with the Tonale and Junior.
To that end, aside from a new Giulia and a new Stelvio, the company is working on a spiritual successor to the Giulietta hatchback, which could be among the first designs informed by the Cuorerosso.