Alfa Romeo Returns to Simola Hillclimb with Electric and Combustion Power

Alfa Romeo will return to the Simola Hillclimb as Stellantis South Africa enters three factory-backed models into the prestigious event. Taking place in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026, the Simola Hillclimb is a highlight of the Knysna Speed Festival and remains one of South Africa’s most recognised motorsport gatherings.

The 2026 entry is a significant milestone, placing both internal combustion and all-electric Alfa Romeo performance models on the same course. This showcase brings together Alfa Romeo’s deep racing heritage, modern high-performance engineering, and electric innovation.

The vehicles in the spotlight include the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and the all-electric Junior Elettrica Veloce.

“Motorsport sits at the heart of Alfa Romeo’s identity, and Simola gives us a platform to demonstrate that spirit where enthusiasts can experience it up close,” says Janus Janse van Rensburg, Head of Marketing and Sales for Alfa Romeo.

“When people see a Giulia or Stelvio Quadrifoglio take on the Simola course alongside sports cars and supercars, it reinforces what Alfa Romeo engineering is capable of in real-world performance conditions.”

Quadrifoglio Performance Meets the Hill

Stellantis South Africa is using the event to demonstrate how the brand’s performance DNA translates across different technologies.

• The Giulia Quadrifoglio: Competing in class A3, this model will be driven by Art Denisov. Denisov’s impressive performance in his own Giulia at the 2025 Speed Classic Cape Town earned him the attention of the Alfa Romeo factory team.
• The Stelvio Quadrifoglio: Competing in class B9, the Stelvio will be piloted by Janus Janse van Rensburg. As the defending class winner and record holder from 2025, Janse van Rensburg returns for his fourth appearance, proving that Alfa Romeo combines everyday practicality with genuine motorsport capability.
• The Junior Elettrica Veloce: Marking the brand’s foray into electrified performance, this model is a finalist for the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY). It will compete in class A8, driven by long-time ‘Alfisti’ and historic racer Trevor Tuck.

A Passionate ‘Alfisti’ Community

Beyond the three factory entries, Alfa Romeo’s presence at Simola extends to several privately owned models. These historic and modern vehicles regularly participate in the Classic Car Friday and King of the Hill programmes.

“Events like the Simola Hillclimb allow Alfa Romeo South Africa to connect directly with the ‘Alfisti’ community,” Janse van Rensburg notes. “When historic race cars line up alongside our latest Quadrifoglio models and the Junior Elettrica Veloce, it shows the continuity of Alfa Romeo’s performance spirit across generations.”

Strengthening Brand Visibility in South Africa

For Stellantis South Africa, the Simola Hillclimb is a strategic opportunity to engage with enthusiasts and the broader motoring public.

“Motorsport events create a meeting point between brands and enthusiasts,” says Charl Timms, Chief Commercial Officer at Stellantis South Africa. “Simola gives Alfa Romeo the opportunity to demonstrate its performance credentials in a highly visible setting while celebrating the passion that has always surrounded the brand.”

Read InBoundSA Online