Alfa Romeo Tonale.
11-02-2022 14:12 - CAR NEWS
The side line is reminiscent of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GT coupe. The alternation of full and elegant volumes on the sides refers to iconic models such as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The front of the Alfa Romeo Tonale shows the trilobo typical of the brand, including the shield-shaped radiator grille, called Scudetto in Italian. The three-piece headlights with an adaptive full LED matrix cite Alfa Romeo SZ Zagato and the Proteo concept car. The three headlight modules, developed in collaboration with Marelli, form a unique graphic and also feature daytime running lights, dynamic indicators and a "Welcome and Goodbye" function. This is activated when the Alfa Romeo Tonale is locked or unlocked . The adaptive headlights adapt the low beam to the speed and the respective road conditions. Adaptive high beam automatically dims to avoid dazzling vehicles ahead or oncoming vehicles. In addition, cornering lights are integrated into the headlight modules. This technology ensures longer headlight life, saves energy and offers around twice the light output of conventional headlights. They combine improved safety with less eye strain and greater driving comfort. The taillights adopt the same design cues as the front headlights. They form a sine curve that completely encloses the rear of the vehicle, making the light signature just as unique and unmistakable.
The new Alfa Romeo offers two levels of electrification: hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The new hybrid drive with a displacement of 1.5 liters was developed exclusively for Alfa Romeo. The engine is equipped with a turbocharger with variable geometry "VGT" (Variable Geometry Turbo) and has an output of 118 kW (160 hp). With the Alfa Romeo TCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 48-volt "P2" electric motor, which provides an additional 15 kW and 55 Newton meters of torque, the hybrid version of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale also runs purely electrically. The drive enables starting and driving in electric mode at low speeds, for example when parking. Alfa Romeo has chosen this technical solution to offer an authentic electrified driving experience.
A 96 kW (130 hp) hybrid version will also be available for market launch, also combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the 48-volt “P2” electric motor. The exclusive 202 kW (275 hp) plug-in hybrid drive guarantees top performance. Combined with Alfa™ Q4 all-wheel drive, the Alfa Romeo Tonale with this motor accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and achieves a range of up to 80 kilometers in the city cycle in pure electric mode or over 60 kilometers in the combined cycle – both are Best values in this segment. The engine range of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale is rounded off by a 1.6-liter turbo diesel that produces 96 kW (130 hp) and 320 Newton meters of torque. This engine is combined with the six-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale is the first vehicle in the world to offer Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technology. This term describes a forgery-proof digital certificate. Alfa Romeo is the first automobile manufacturer to equip a production vehicle with an NFT. This technology is based on the blockchain concept, which immutably records the most important stages in the life of the vehicle. This unique feature underlines Alfa Romeo's innovation strategy. With the owner's consent, the NFT records important vehicle data and creates a certificate that can be used, for example, as proof that the vehicle has been properly maintained. This documentation will have a positive effect on the residual value, for example. In the used car market, NFT certification provides an added layer of security that sellers or dealers and buyers can rely on.
The new Alfa Romeo Tonale will be produced at Stellantis' modernized Giambattista Vico plant in Pomigliano d'Arco, near Naples, one of the Group's most advanced sites. A separate production line with a state-of-the-art assembly unit was set up for the new model. The plant was designed in 1968 and commissioned by Alfa Romeo in 1972. Around five million cars have been manufactured there to date. The plant has received numerous international awards over the years, including the 2012 World Class Manufacturing Standard (WCM) silver certification and the Automotive Lean Production Award for the best automotive plant in Europe. In 2013, the plant upgraded to the WCM Gold level. In the past year, the factory was extensively modernized in order to be able to face the challenges of the future even better. This is reflected, among other things, in the introduction of the most innovative production technologies for hybrid vehicles, in the training of employees and in the environmental friendliness of the plant.