Alfa Romeo is making a noticeable change to its design language, ditching the long-standing tradition of offset front licence plates. This signature feature, gracing Alfa Romeo models since the 1950s, is being phased out in response to the European Union’s (EU) new General Safety Regulations (GSR) focused on pedestrian safety.
While the specific safety rationale behind linking licence plate placement to pedestrian injuries remains unclear, Alfa Romeo is complying with the regulation. The company’s design chief, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, surprisingly embraces the change. “This will allow us to have symmetry anyway, so I am happy,” he revealed in an interview with Autocar. This sentiment suggests that Alfa Romeo might have been considering a shift towards symmetrical designs anyway, and the EU regulation provided a nudge in that direction.
The decision to ditch the offset plate has sparked some debate within the car enthusiast community. While some, like Mesonero-Romanos, appreciate the resulting symmetrical look, others question the safety logic behind the regulation. Sceptics argue that the licence plate’s position is unlikely to have a significant impact on the severity of injuries sustained by a pedestrian in a collision.
Alfa Romeo has already begun implementing the centred licence plate on its newest offering, the Junior. The iconic triangular grille, or “scudetto,” remains a prominent design element thanks to the strategic placement of the plate on the lower bumper. Additionally, the company has hinted at a “fresh interpretation” of the scudetto for the upcoming electric Giulia and Stelvio models. The closed-off design reflects the absence of a traditional combustion engine that would typically require airflow through the grille.
While the asymmetrical plate design will undoubtedly be missed by some Alfa Romeo purists, the brand seems to be adapting well to the change. The new regulation opens doors for a more symmetrical design aesthetic across the Alfa Romeo lineup, a prospect that pleases both the company’s design chief and fans of a balanced look. It remains to be seen whether this change will be limited to EU-market vehicles or influence Alfa Romeo’s design philosophy globally. One thing is certain – as Alfa Romeo embraces electrification and navigates a new regulatory landscape, the brand’s design language is set to evolve.