Alfa Romeo Goes Hybrid with Tonale Crossover

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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9th February 2022

Alfa Romeo is launching its first electrified powertrain with its new Tonale compact luxury soft-roader.

The car will feature mild hybrid and PHEV versions in its line-up along with the somewhat gimmicky world first for automotive, being equipped with a non-fungible token (NFT) digital certificate. Kicking off the range in is a new four-cylinder 1.5-liter mild hybrid Variable-Geometry Turbo (VGT) engine with 12.5:1 compression ratio, variable-geometry turbocharger and 350-bar direct gasoline injection. This comes in two power levels, 127bhp and 156bhp, both with front-wheel drive, a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a built-in 48-volt 15-kW, 55m P2 electric motor that can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. This system allows the mean the car to start and travel in electric mode at low speeds and when parking and cruising.

Top of the range is the 270bhp PHEV Q4 version with all-wheel drive with a claimed electric range of up to 50 miles on the city cycle. This uses a 1.3-liter MultiAir turbo gasoline engine, from the Global Small Engine family, to provide traction to the front wheels while the electric motor is connected to the rear wheels. The system has a 15.5kWh battery and claims the zero to 62mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds. Alfa Romeo says a full battery charge takes 2.5 hours when using the 7.4kW fast charger.

NFT

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.

Upon customer’s consent, the NFT will record vehicle data, generating a certificate that can be used as a guarantee of the car’s overall status, 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 consider.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_