Alfa Romeo Tonale: La Metamorfosi

The definitive design of the Tonale is extraordinarily faithful to the concept car from which it draws its origins, courtesy of the remarkable work done at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo.

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Intended for a young, metropolitan and dynamic customer, the Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a distinctive, sensual and forward-looking design, extolling new stylistic canons destined to remain as points of reference in the development of the Alfa Romeo line-up: 5-hole wheel rims, the cluster in the “telescopic” instrument panel, the 3-spoke sports steering wheel, and the sine-curve headlights. Its compact dimensions – a length of 4.53 meters, width of 1.84 m and height of 1.6 m – thus encompass the uniqueness of Italian design and the original, contemporary style typical of Alfa Romeo,

We see the recurrence of stylistic features that have entered the history of world motoring, such as the “GT Line” that runs from the rear to the headlights, recalling the forms of the Giulia GT and alternating with the full and elegant volumes, reminiscent of iconic models such as the 8C Competizione. The front features the inimitable “Trilobo” and the distinctive Alfa Romeo “Scudetto” shield, which acts as a central focus.

The “3+3” headlights with new Full-LED Adaptive Matrix evoke the proud look of the SZ Zagato or the Proteo concept car. Developed in conjunction with Marelli, the three modules make up a unique frontline for the car and simultaneously provide daylight, dynamic turn signals and a “Welcome and Goodbye” feature (activated every time the driver turns the car on or off), to ensure the best lighting conditions courtesy of the introduction of two sophisticated technologies. The first of these – “Adaptive Driving Beam” – constantly adjusts the dipped headlights according to speed and specific driving conditions; the second – “Glare-Free High Beam Segmented Technology” – automatically detects traffic in front and/or travelling in the opposite direction to avoid glare from other cars; finally, a third module, automatically activated when turning corners to ensure the best lateral lighting. These technologies offer greater efficiency – in terms of durability and energy-saving with twice the light intensity of conventional halogen lamps and lower emissions – and improved safety, with less eye strain and better driving comfort.

The taillights take on the same design cues as the headlights and form a sine curve that fully wraps around the rear of the car, making it a truly unique and distinctive light signature.

The car’s sensuality and dynamism are also clear in the all-encompassing rear window, a tribute to the 8C Competizione, and in the design of the alloy wheels that reproduce the Alfa Romeo style canon of the “telephone dial”.

Inspired by Alfa Romeo’s racing history, the interior is strongly focused on the driver, with easy access to all controls for a safe, unparalleled driving experience. The same care is reserved for the passengers, who are given the ideal space to travel in comfort. This results in an environment designed for and around the occupants, characterized by meticulous attention to detail paired with a constant quest for the highest quality.

The Tonale’s interior arouses real emotions, not to mention the latest technology, ensuring a connected and comfortable experience while maintaining the pleasure of a sporty drive that always remains in the lead.

Record-breaking technology.

In a world exclusive, Tonale debuts non-fungible token (NFT) technology, a true innovation in the automotive sector. Alfa Romeo is the first automaker to link a car with an NFT digital certificate. The technology is based on the “blockchain card” concept, a confidential and non-modifiable record of the main stages in the life of an individual vehicle. This distinctive off-board feature – immediately usable and sustainable – emphasizes the innovative nature of Alfa Romeo. With the customer’s consent, the NFT will record vehicle data, generating a certificate that can be used as a guarantee that the car has been properly maintained, with a positive impact on its residual value. On the pre-owned car market, NFT certification represents an additional source of credibility for owners or dealers to count on. In the meantime, buyers will be reassured in their choice of car.

Alfa Romeo interprets the use of software and connectivity to enhance the driver’s experience, which is and remains the focus. Tonale, therefore, comes with the most advanced technology, to ensure a connected and comfortable experience, while maintaining the driving pleasure typical of an Alfa Romeo.

The major new features in the Alfa Romeo Tonale include built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant features, so you can always “feel at home” in your car, making the everyday experience even more straightforward and convenient.

Complete integration with Amazon: courtesy of the “Secure Delivery Service”, you can choose the Tonale as the place to deliver the packages you are expecting, by unlocking the doors and letting the courier leave them inside the car, all completely safe.

You can also receive constant updates on vehicle status from the comfort of your home, find out the level of charge and/or fuel, search for points of interest, find your car’s latest location, send remote locking and unlocking commands, and much more. “Alexa” can also be used to ask to add products to your shopping list, to search for a restaurant nearby or to adjust lights or heating connected to your home automation system, all while remaining focused on the road.

As standard, Tonale comes with a built-in and all-new infotainment system. With a customizable Android operating system and 4G connectivity with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, it also offers content, functionality and services that are always kept up to date.

This system includes a fully digital 12.3” screen, the main 10.25” touchscreen unit, and a smooth, sophisticated multitasking interface, keeping everything at a glance without distracting your attention from the road. Totalling 22.5”, the two large Full TFT screens are best-in-class in the segment.

Technology is also at the service of safety and comfort: level 2 autonomous driving, with new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that act in line with the Alfa Romeo philosophy. Here again, the software is at the service of the brand’s DNA, with the focus remaining on the driver. All the systems, therefore, work without ever interfering with the driver’s experience, where control and the emotions of driving remain intact.

These include “Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control” (IACC), “Lane Centering” (LC) and “Traffic Jam Assist” – which automatically adjust speed and trajectory, keeping the car in the middle of the lane and at a distance from the vehicle in front, thus ensuring safety and comfort. The Tonale is also equipped with other innovative devices and technologies that perfect the interaction between driver, vehicle and road: from “Autonomous Emergency Braking” to alert the driver of danger and engage the brakes to avoid or mitigate any collision with a pedestrian or cyclist; to “Drowsy Driver Detection” that warns the driver if they become drowsy; from “Blind Spot Detection”, which detects rear blind spots and signals any approaching vehicles to avoid a collision, to “Rear Cross Path Detection”, for warnings of vehicles approaching on the sides when reversing, all the way to the high-resolution 360° camera with a dynamic grid.

State-of-the-art electrification.

For the Brand, Tonale marks a natural entry point into the world of electrification but, true to its daring approach, Alfa Romeo sets a paradigm: electrification must serve the Brand and its DNA, with the mission of reinventing sportiness for the 21st century.

A concrete commitment to future-oriented sustainable mobility, while remaining faithful to its founding values.

Two levels of electrification, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid: the Tonale debuts the 160-hp Hybrid VGT (Variable-Geometry Turbo) engine, an exclusive for Alfa Romeo. Its variable-geometry turbocharger paired with 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch transmission and the 48-volt 15-kW, 55-Nm “P2” electric motor makes it possible for the 1.5-litre gasoline engine to propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. Alfa Romeo has opted for this technical solution to offer an authentic electrified experience. The transmission enables startup and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising. At launch, the 130-hp Hybrid version is also available, again paired with 7-speed Alfa Romeo TCT and a 48-volt “P2” electric motor.

Top performance is guaranteed by the exclusive 275-hp Plug-in Hybrid Q4, which clocks up 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.2 seconds and a range in pure electric mode of up to 80 km* in the city cycle (over 60 km* in the combined cycle), best-in-class values in the segment. As standard in the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, the Q4 traction ensures an unparalleled level of safety and driving pleasure.

To complete the engine range, the new 1.6-litre, 130-hp diesel engine with 320 Nm of torque, paired with 6-speed Alfa Romeo TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Product and service quality.

With Tonale, Alfa Romeo launches a series of new services, which redefine the customer experience and will cover the brand’s entire line-up.

A digital experience: the customer purchase experience can take place online from the comfort of home, in three simple steps, by accessing an interface identical to the one used in dealerships.

Extended warranty: Relentless efforts to improve the quality of the end product have resulted in the availability of an innovative Alfa Romeo extended warranty, lengthening the protection of the vehicle’s main components to 5 years. The warranty for the batteries in the hybrid Tonale versions has also been extended to 8 years or 150,000 km travelled, becoming the best offer in the segment.

Alfa Romeo Certified is dedicated to customers in the pre-owned car market. The aim is to ensure a shopping experience that is identical to that of buying a new vehicle. The main features of the service are as follows:

• Warranty coverage equivalent to that of a new car’s
• “Satisfaction or your money back”, within 10 days or 1,000 km
• No maintenance costs, for 15,000 km or 1 year
• 120 vehicle checks
• Customized after-sales and financing services
• Test drive
• 24/7 roadside assistance in Europe during the warranty period

Finally, Alfa Romeo Video check is the service dedicated to after-sales, created in consideration of the special relationship its customers have with their car. One sole aim: service quality and transparency for customers. When at a workshop, if a car is found to need more work than agreed with the customer, the technicians will be required to follow a procedure via mobile app to certify the work, with a video to accompany the related repair costs. The customer will then be free to partially or fully accept or reject the new quote.

Dedicated technical solutions.

Tonale stands as a benchmark in the segment in terms of driving dynamics. It ensures sports car-like impeccable dynamic behaviour, proven by the best weight distribution and the most direct steering in its segment (13.6), and the fact it is the only model in its class to be equipped with the Integrated Brake System (IBS) and to include fixed shift paddles made of aluminium. The adoption of fixed callipers by Brembo, with 4 pistons and self-ventilated discs at the front and full discs at the rear, contributes to the improved braking performance. The Tonale opts for the fully independent MacPherson suspension system, with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock absorbers. And to further enhance its exceptional road-holding qualities, even on low-grip surfaces, the new Tonale offers two drive solutions: Q4 all-wheel drive in the Plug-in Hybrid e-Q4 version and front-wheel drive in the Hybrid and diesel versions. The latter is also equipped with Alfa Romeo electronic self-locking differential. The specifications are completed with “Dual Stage Valve” active suspension with electronically controlled damping. In short, sitting behind the wheel of the new Tonale equates to an engaging driving experience that becomes an invitation to travel, never mind the destination.

New line-up strategy.

Alfa Romeo Tonale introduces a new line-up strategy, making customer configuration even easier. Two trim levels are available – Super and Ti, both with clearly defined specifications that meet the needs of the most discerning customers. The Super trim, the gateway to the unique Alfa Romeo experience, can be customized with the Sprint pack, which includes numerous options with a strong sporty connotation. Alternatively, the Ti trim – which enhances the Tonale’s qualities of elegance and distinctive character – can be added to with the Veloce pack, to reach the peak in terms of performance and sportiness.

Made in Italy ar Pomigliano.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale is built at the refurbished “Giambattista Vico” Stellantis plant in Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples) – one of the Group’s most advanced production sites – on a revamped production line dedicated to the new Alfa Romeo model, with a specially created, ultra-modern assembly unit. Designed in 1968 by Alfa Romeo and operational since 1972, the industrial complex has produced 5 million cars to date and has won numerous international awards, including in 2012, World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Silver certification and the Automotive Lean Production Award for best plant in Europe, followed in 2013 by the WCM Gold Medal and the level of the same name. Last year, the plant underwent a major refurbishment to meet the challenges of the future, evidenced by the adoption of the most innovative technologies to build hybrid cars, by the staff training there, and by its respect for the environment.