Alfa Romeo is breaking into the electric car world at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, revealing a new concept - the Alfa Romeo Tonale mid-size SUV. The Tonale is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid and the first mid-size utility vehicle from Alfa Romeo. It rewrites the rules of today's fastest growing segment using the manufacturer's trademark language, combining unique Italian style and unparalleled driving pleasure.
A car inspired by beauty and the Alfa Romeo design strategy
The design of the Tonale is an expression that looks into our future. Its compact dimensions embody unique Italian design and the unmistakable original and modern style typical of Alfa Romeo, striking the perfect blend of legendary heritage and anticipation of new principles. Alfa Romeo cherishes the essence of Italian art and sculpture, through the timeless “artigianale” experience of hand sculpting.
The Tonale is inspired by the beauty and nuances associated with human forms, and the organic movement of light that results from pure lines and volumes. Its design tangibly recalls a number of time-honoured design elements that are synonymous with the rich history of Alfa Romeo, through an execution that takes an exciting modern approach to the new Alfa Romeo anatomy. An element that echoes the tradition of the Alfa Romeo DNA is the phone dial wheel - the Tonale’s 21-inch wheel design displays this through a lightweight architectural construction, creating an honest and impactful execution of the circular theme. The lineage of the phone dial wheel dates back to the 1960’s, worn proudly on the iconic 33 Stradale. The distinctive Tonale wheel design is also celebrated harmoniously with an exclusive Pirelli tyre design.
The bold, elegant volumes of the sides of the body make reference to a seemingly distant past, recalling the sensual qualities found in the pure forms of the Duetto and the Disco Volante Spider, while the Tonale’s ‘Linea GT’ interprets the tautness and confidence of the pouncing stance found on the beloved GT Junior. The front end sports Alfa Romeo’s signature ‘Trilobo’ and the distinctive ‘Scudetto’ grille that serves as the central point of strength, driving the speed and fluidity that move throughout the Tonale.
Flanking the iconic ‘Scudetto’ and completing the front monographic is the ‘3 plus 3’ forward lighting that evokes the proud gaze reflective of the SZ and Brera. The rear of the Tonale is elegantly defined by an enveloping window volume, complemented by a suspended wing that enhances the continuity between the transparent roof and the rear window. As every Alfa Romeo design is cared for through an ever present human touch, the rear lighting is reminiscent of an artistic signature, rather than an optical lighting element - a sort of luminous signature born directly from the artist’s hand.
With the inspiration of Alfa Romeo’s history of racing at its core, the interior design of the Tonale brings to mind the passion associated with providing a spirited drive through dynamic form and pure sculpture. The interior of the Tonale is very driver oriented, but not egoistic, as the layout is designed comfortably for four passengers. Hand-drawn gestural lines stretch throughout the environment to create a muscular tension, as if what surrounds you is ready to lunge. The emotional significance of the Tonale interior is also generated by the contrast of rich materials, such as the cold solidity of aluminium combined with the soft and welcoming warmth of leather and Alcantara. Inside there are also translucent backlit panels, such as on the central tunnel, providing the perfect location for the essential Alfa Romeo element, the DNA drive mode selector. The interior of the Tonale provides an inclusive experience, with details typically reserved for the exclusive - immersive and welcoming, with dynamic attributes that will be appreciated by those who love to drive.
The Tonale concept vehicle is equipped with the highest standards of technology to ensure a connected, comfortable and dynamic user experience, while retaining the pleasure of a sporty drive at the forefront.
The driver's attention will always be on the road, with peripheral focus on a 12.3-inch / 312.42 mm full digital cluster and a 10.25-inch / 260.35 mm touchscreen central head unit. The new infotainment system features a seamless and fluid multitasking interface that gives the driver all the latest features and functionality readily available at their fingertips. The Tonale allows the driver to be fully connected to the Alfa Romeo Lifestyle and Social communities, realised and presented through new infotainment features.
‘Alfista’ and ‘Paddock’
‘Alfista’ is an immersive Alfa Romeo Lifestyle experience, providing a fully connected interface with select Alfa Romeo clubs and Community events, such as gatherings, drives and meets. This in-vehicle app gives the driver access to live news and updates about current happenings from the Alfa Romeo Brand. The customer can confirm attendance to events and gatherings, order Alfa Romeo Racing tickets, as well as apply for opportunities to win VIP access to special Alfa Romeo sponsored Events, to name but a few.
‘Paddock’ is the Alfa Romeo Tonale in-vehicle garage and market for real-time viewing and purchase of the latest interior and exterior performance upgrades and equipment. The Paddock app also enables the customer to scroll through the latest Alfa Romeo Merchandise offerings and Apparel, which can be ordered direct at a touch of the screen.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is our look into the future of the CUV segment, creating a holistic creative expression through the blend of beauty and technology. For Alfa Romeo Design, it is our “opera d’arte”, or piece of art…otherwise expressed as our Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Authentically Alfa Romeo
The Tonale marks the brand’s debut in the mid-size utility vehicle segment and does so in line with the characteristics that have always identified each Alfa Romeo model. The goal is to deliver the best driving dynamics in the segment and to apply electrification in perfect Alfa Romeo style. It is the natural evolution of the brand on the way towards propulsive synergy capable of enhancing performance and driving dynamics. Rather than simply adapting to new standards, with the Tonale concept car Alfa Romeo is reinterpreting its own DNA to capture the new ideas of beauty, energy, harmony, efficiency and driving user-friendliness.
The electrification of Alfa Romeo is mindful of sportiness and emphasises the famous ‘Mechanics of Emotions’ mission of the brand. For this reason, it has no need to express itself through signatures or decided livery, but just with small details such as the Alfa logo, or ‘Biscione’ in hybrid optics, a small yet definitive detail that enhances the Tonale. The rear electric engine opens the way to new technological solutions that offer driving dynamics, maximise the drive and pleasure of sporty driving.
The evolution is also evident in the drive modes managed by Alfa DNA. From the beginning on Giulietta, Mito and 4C, and through the development with Giulia and Stelvio, it has reached the Tonale and now implements specific energy management functions.
With Tonale, the ‘Dynamic’ mode evolves into ‘Dual Power’ and guarantees maximum output from the two engines. The infotainment touch screen features an E-mozione button, which offers specific throttle settings, sharper braking and more direct steering response. ‘Natural’ mode continues to maintain the best performance optimisation, and the compromise between using electric and internal combustion engines is managed automatically. This translates into everyday energy and fuel savings, but not at the detriment of performance.
The ‘Advanced Efficiency’ mode becomes ‘Advanced E’ for performance in full electric mode. So, in line with the principles of the brand, plug-in hybrid propulsion enhances the beauty, sporty and dynamic driving characteristics of each Alfa Romeo model, taking them to a new level. In Tonale, electrification embraces performance and represents a new way to achieve high performance and outstanding driving fun.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Tonale embodies the adventurous potential of a mid-size, dynamic sport utility vehicle capable of guaranteeing the adrenaline of sporty driving inherent in the legend of the brand, in urban settings with the same ease. The hum of the electric motor accompanies a genuine Alfa Romeo roar, creating an efficient, exciting synergy with driving pleasure.
The energy switch to electric is the latest key page in the 109-year-long history of the Alfa Romeo legend and one which will propel the brand into the future. This is also behind the name chosen for the new concept car. The Tonale Pass, not far from the Stelvio Pass in the Alps, is a large natural amphitheatre famous for its majestic peaks - a natural spectacle of frothy waterfalls and snow all year round in a breath-taking natural setting. Directly connected to the Stelvio Pass, excitement and harmony co-exist in the Tonale Pass area. The Tonale is an important development under the sign of continuity and geographical proximity, an evolution traced in time in an evocative association.
The Quadrifoglio Alfa Romeo Racing Special Editions
For the Geneva International Motor Show, Alfa Romeo is also introducing the Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio ‘Alfa Romeo Racing’ limited special editions equipped with exclusive carbon fibre Aero Kits designed in partnership with Sauber Engineering.
This exclusive feature reasserts the ever-deeper bond with the world of Formula 1. The special editions celebrate the racing legend of Alfa Romeo and the return of an Italian driver to Formula 1 now that Antonio Giovinazzi has joined World Champion Kimi Räikkönen on the Alfa Romeo Racing team. Far from being a cosmetic kit, it is a piece of technical equipment that improves the aerodynamic performance of the car by increasing downforce and enhancing the already excellent dynamic qualities of the Quadrifoglio versions.
The technical kit complements the actions taken to make these limited edition models lighter and more powerful, demonstrating Alfa Romeo’s attention and research aimed at delivering continuous improvement of performance. The cars are characterised by lighter weight and increased power. The first objective was achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre for the exterior details, Sparco leather and Alcantara sports seats with carbon shells, oversized braking system with carbon-ceramic brake discs and a specific Akrapović titanium exhaust system. The operation shaved off about 28 kilograms from the standard Quadrifoglio versions and is backed up by technical tuning from Alfa Romeo engineers that has resulted in more power - 520 hp - and torque.
The already exciting driving experience of the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio is even more powerful, and a special privilege for twenty lucky drivers. Over the year, ten Giulia cars and ten Stelvio SUVs will be available, representing the ten victories of Alfa Romeo in Formula 1 - each one will sport a dedicated badge bearing the name of a Grand Prix won by Alfa Romeo and the corresponding year. Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio ‘Alfa Romeo Racing’ customers will be invited to live a complete and dedicated customer experience - starting from the Geneva International Motor Show, they will be able to express their interest in purchasing a car through official Alfa Romeo channels.