It may only be a few years old, but Alfa Romeo is already ready to ditch the rear-wheel-drive platform known as Giorgio that underpins the Giulia and Stelvio, as well as the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Speaking with journalists in Italy this week, new Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato said all future Alfa Romeos will use modular platforms from Stellantis and offer battery-electric options.
“We must take advantage of the volumes to take all possible opportunities and bring an EV range to Alfa Romeo, but always with the touch of Alfa Romeo,” he said.
Jun 04, 2020 We know Alfa Romeo will release the same crossover with an internal combustion engine, which we'd expect to sit on Peugeot's CMP bones, a likelier proposition for sales in North America. 1 day ago As for the future of Alfa Romeo, the next model coming from the brand is the Tonale, which was delayed by Imparato in order to get its plug-in hybrid powertrain just right. Rumors suggest an even smaller crossover called the Brennero is on the way, also using a hybrid drivetrain. Past that, we'll just have to wait and see — Imparato says new.
According to Forbes, Imparato specifically said Alfa Romeo will use a platform known as STLA Large, which will also be used by Maserati. There will also be platforms known as STLA Small and STLA Medium, which will presumably also be used by Alfa Romeo.
STLA small will replace Stellantis' current CMP platform designed for mini and subcompact cars while STLA Medium will replace Stellantis' EMP2 platform designed for compact and mid-size cars. STLA Large has been designed for premium mid-size and large cars. Crucially, the electric versions of the STLA Medium and STLA Large platforms are expected to be capable of delivering over 400 miles of range.
Imparato's comments follow an announcement made by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares during an April 15 annual general meeting that Stellantis will eventually have just four platforms for its passenger lineup, all of which will support electrified cars. A separate body-on-frame platform should remain for pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
The fourth platform is thought to be an updated version of Giorgio that will support hybrid cars but not battery-electric cars. Count on this one being used in future Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
The focus for Alfa Romeo right now is launching the Tonale compact crossover in early 2022. The automaker will then likely launch a subcompact crossover. Stay tuned.
We first saw a glimpse of the Alfa Romeo Tonale concept at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show. The Tonale is Alfa’s first-ever small crossover with a hybrid powertrain, and it looks every inch an Alfa Romeo with its evocative three-plus-three headlight design, Scudetto grille design, and curvy styling.
You can expect the 2021 Alfa Romeo Tonale to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year, but Alfa remains tight-lipped on specifics like horsepower numbers, powertrain options, and range/fuel economy. However, there are a couple of things we know about Alfa’s newest subcompact crossover.
The Tonale is destined to be the first-ever hybrid vehicle from Alfa Romeo. The Tonale concept unveiled at Geneva is a plug-in hybrid model, but Alfa may shift to a pure hybrid for the production version of the car – or Alfa may offer both. Whatever the case, the Tonale will most likely be powered by a turbocharged four-banger in the front and an electric motor in the rear.
Alfa Romeo Crossover 2018
We reckon the PHEV powertrain is derived from FCA’s lineup of rugged plug-in-hybrids like the Jeep Renegade and Compass. Interestingly enough, the Tonale is underpinned by the same Small Wide chassis as both Jeep models. But since the Tonale is meant as a sportier alternative, the platform is tweaked to deliver a more direct and exhilarating driving experience as all Alfas are known for.
But can a hybrid deliver Alfa Romeo’s ‘Mechanics of Emotions’ credo? Yes, and it all boils down to the Tonale’s bespoke driving modes. The Alfa D.N.A. is still there albeit modified to accommodate its new hybridized powertrain. The previous ‘Dynamic’ mode is replaced by ‘Dual Power’ and squeezes out the highest possible output from both the gasoline engine and electric motor.
Meanwhile, ‘Natural’ drive mode is for normal driving and provides the right balance of economy and performance. The previous ‘Advanced Efficiency’ mode is replaced by ‘Advance E’ and allows the Tonale to operate in all-electric mode. As previously mentioned, Alfa Romeo has yet to divulge the actual numbers, but we’re assuming an all-electric driving range of around 31 miles similar to the pure EV range of the Jeep Renegade Hybrid and Compass Hybrid.
Alfa Romeo Crossover
Of course, all of this might change in the production version. We won’t be discounting the possibility of a bigger battery pack for longer all-electric range, or maybe a Tonale Quadrifoglio version with dual rear-mounted electric motors and a more powerful gasoline mill. If the Tonale is to bang heads with other premium offerings like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, it needs to have a high-performance model, right?
Inside, the new Alfa Romeo Tonale is littered with new tech. The vehicle has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin is swathed in premium leather and Alcantara with aluminum trimmings and backlit panels.
Alfa Romeo Crossover Used
The 2021 Alfa Romeo Tonale slots nicely between the Stelvio SUV and Giulia sedan, and we expect base prices to hover between $33,000 to $35,000 for a FWD gasoline-only Tonale.