Engineering:Alfa Romeo Tonale
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Alfa Romeo Tonale (965) | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
Also called | Dodge Hornet (US and Canada) |
Production | 2022–present |
Model years | 2023–present (North America)[1] |
Assembly | Italy: Pomigliano d'Arco |
Designer | Alexandros Liokis at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Compact crossover SUV (C)[discuss] |
Body style | 5-door SUV |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive |
Platform | FCA Small Wide 4×4 LWB[2] |
Related | Jeep Compass (MP) |
Powertrain | |
Engine |
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Electric motor |
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Power output |
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Transmission |
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Hybrid drivetrain | |
Battery |
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Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,637 mm (103.8 in) |
Length | 4,530 mm (178.3 in) |
Width | 1,840 mm (72.4 in) |
Height | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight | 1,525 kg (3,362 lb) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Dodge Nitro (Dodge Hornet, North America) |
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a car produced by the Italian company Alfa Romeo since February 2022. A c-segment model, it slots below the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the marque's crossover SUV range.[3] Known internally as the 965,[4] the Tonale is the first hybrid-powered Alfa Romeo and became the first new model introduced by the brand in six years.[5] It is named after the Tonale mountain pass in Northern Italy.[6][7]
In August 2022, a rebadged and restyled version was unveiled as the Dodge Hornet, exclusive to the North American market as the smallest, entry-level SUV offering from Dodge. The Hornet will be sold alongside the Tonale in the region with different specs and lower pricing.
Overview
The production Tonale was originally scheduled for release in 2021, but was delayed until 2022 due to the global semiconductor shortage[2] and Alfa Romeo management demanding better range and performance from its drivetrain.[8][6] It was developed during the ownership of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and underpinned by a heavily modified version of the SCCS crossover platform shared with the Jeep Compass. It is also the first Alfa Romeo to be equipped with an optional plug-in hybrid system, which uses a 15.5 kWh (56 MJ) lithium-ion battery to achieve 30 miles (48 km) of all-electric range.[9][10] The Tonale marks the brand's electrification effort, where Alfa Romeo will be the first brand among the 14 brands of Stellantis to go fully electric by 2027.[11] The Tonale is marketed in the premium segment,[12] and has been described variously as a "compact crossover",[13][14][15] a "compact SUV",[13][16][17] a "small SUV",[18][19] and a "tall hatchback".[20][21]
All models of the Tonale are equipped with a 12.3-inch (31 cm) digital infotainment cluster and a 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) infotainment screen, which will run on the Uconnect 5 software suite.[22] In addition, the Tonale will come with an NFT that records and stores data of the car's life cycle. According to Alfa Romeo, the NFT will generate a certificate that Stellantis claims can help maintain the car's residual value.[23][24] The Verge noted that Alfa Romeo had not provided much information about what blockchain technology they intended to use for this.[24] Jalopnik felt that digitising a car's service history was a good idea, but that blockchain NFTs were a "bad" and "entirely unnecessary" way to achieve this.[25]
According to Alfa Romeo, the Tonale was designed to offer more driving engagement than the class average by using a very quick steering rack (2.3 turns lock-to-lock). It also features torque vectoring by braking, frequency-selective dampers as standard, and adaptive items and four-piston brakes on the range-topping Veloce.[citation needed]
Powertrain
One of the powertrain options is a newly developed Alfa Romeo-exclusive 160 hp (162 PS; 119 kW) 1.5-liter petrol engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) and 48 V hybrid system, paired with a 7-speed TCT dual-clutch transmission and a 48 V 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) and 55 N⋅m (5.61 kg⋅m; 40.6 lb⋅ft) P2 electric motor (135 N⋅m (13.8 kg⋅m; 99.6 lb⋅ft) with a 2.5:1 transmission ratio). It can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. The Tonale is claimed to be capable of 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 8.8 seconds and a maximum speed of over 209 km/h (130 mph). The engine comes with a compression ratio of 12.5:1, a new cylinder head with a compact combustion chamber, dual variable valve timing, and "high-tumble" intake ducts.
A 48 V lithium-ion battery with a 0.8 kWh capacity is used. The capacity is more than twice that of batteries commonly used on belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) hybrid systems, while providing an output of up to 22 kW (30 PS; 30 hp). The battery has a volume of about 11 litres and does not affect the size of the boot, as it is installed under the central tunnel between the front seats. The dual voltage system with a DC/DC converter from 48 to 12 volts manages the interface with the electrical architecture of the vehicle.[26]
Markets
Europe
The Tonale has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrated into its user interface, which also has a 10.25-inch (260 mm) touchscreen. Regular versions of the car have 18-inch (460 mm) wheels, whilst a special edition sold at launch had 20-inch (510 mm) wheels along with other cosmetic changes. The plug-in hybrid version has less boot space than the non-plugin version.[27]
North America
The Tonale for Canada will be released for the 2023 model year, with the option of a 2.0 L petrol turbocharged engine or a 1.3 L petrol plug-in hybrid engine.[9] In the U.S. market, initially only the 2.0 L will be available.
Dodge Hornet
The Hornet was released in August 2022 for the U.S. and Canada, and is Dodge's first compact SUV since the discontinuation of the Jeep Liberty-based Dodge Nitro in 2011. Compared to the Tonale, the Hornet received a restyled front end, headlights, and taillights. GT models (the only models available at launch) feature the 2.0L turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) powertrain, while R/T models (debuting in mid-2023 as early 2024 model year vehicles) receive the 1.3L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Base and Plus trims of both models are available. Like other Dodge models, the Hornet will receive a unique exterior color palette, with colors such as "8 Ball" (Black), "Gray Cray" (Dark Gray), "Blue Steele" (Light Blue), "Blue Bayou" (Bright Blue), "Hot Tamale" (Bright Red), and "Acapulco Gold" (Yellow-Gold).
The Hornet name was acquired by Chrysler Corporation following their acquisition of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987. All Hornets will feature a "Bee" emblem on the front fenders.
Concepts
Tonale Concept
The Tonale Concept was unveiled in March 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. It features a plug-in hybrid drivetrain from the Jeep Renegade, presumably with a front-mounted petrol engine and a rear-mounted electric motor.[28][29][30] Different driving modes were featured: Dual Power mode for maximum performance, Natural mode for everyday use, and Advanced Efficiency for electric propulsion only.[31] Additional touchscreen settings were claimed to further adjust throttle behaviour, braking response, and steering feel.[29][30]
References
- ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (9 August 2021). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale spy shots: Electrified compact crossover coming soon". Motor Authority. https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1121937_2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-spy-shots. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Oliva, Jacob (2021-10-22). "Alfa Romeo Tonale Delayed Due To Chip Shortage: Report". Motor1. https://www.motor1.com/news/542603/alfa-romeo-tonale-delay-again/.
- ↑ "This is the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale" (in en). Top Gear. 2022-02-08. https://www.topgear.com/car-news/suvs/brand-new-alfa-romeo-tonale.
- ↑ "Archived copy". https://www.alvolante.it/news/alfa-romeo-tonale-2022-date-debutto-vendita-372960.
- ↑ "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale revealed, confirmed for Australia next year" (in en-AU). Drive. 2022-02-08. https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-revealed-confirmed-for-australia-next-year/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Attwood, James (2021-08-06). "New 2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale edges closer to full reveal". Autocar. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-2022-alfa-romeo-tonale-edges-closer-full-reveal.
- ↑ "New Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV steals the show at Geneva". Auto Express. 5 March 2019. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/alfa-romeo/106206/new-alfa-romeo-tonale-suv-steals-the-show-at-geneva. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ↑ Cifferi, Luca; Malan, Andrea (2021-04-08). "Alfa Romeo Tonale launch delayed after new CEO demands better performance". Automotive News. https://www.autonews.com/automakers-suppliers/alfa-romeo-tonale-launch-delayed-after-new-ceo-demands-better-performance.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale First Look: Alfa's Small SUV Is Finally Here" (in en). MotorTrend. 2022-02-08. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-first-look-review/.
- ↑ Miller, Caleb (2022-02-08). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Arrives with PHEV, 2.0T Powertrains" (in en-US). Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39004588/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-details/.
- ↑ "Alfa Romeo to go all-electric by 2027". https://www.autoblog.com/2021/08/09/alfa-romeo-ev-plans-2027/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMRe7CsKvNaG0kWMBdHwtidZL_BcBhdK07U-HH40jlpPLDDbbFXSDAbST4LMTzSk9Qo0ns3nd_FGjqaOmGFO5DpnLJrUllKrBWupwk34gDZY5aFv3eBc94gZecZWjCUi1EVmo68yXClZrcP7my3KQl7BtCNprrWdJufdDE9W9CNF.
- ↑
- Fossdyke, James (9 May 2022). "ALFA ROMEO TONALE 2022 REVIEW: IMPORTANT NEW CROSSOVER DOESN'T QUITE HIT THE MARK". The Sunday Times. https://www.driving.co.uk/car-reviews/alfa-romeo-tonale-2022-review/.
- Carey, John (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale review". https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/luxury/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-review/news-story/62c483cbdbdd0bc3a8d3b36de8dddf07.
- Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale review: International launch". https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2022-alfa-romeo-tonale-international-launch-review/.
- "Alfa Romeo Tonale review (2022): now with PHEV power". Car magazine. 17 November 2022. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/alfa-romeo/tonale/.
- Cheung, Lawrence (18 January 2023). "Alfa Romeo Tonale review". What Car?. https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/tonale/hatchback/review/n24504.
- Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale: The Brand's Smallest SUV Holds Promise". Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a39905701/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-preview-drive/.
- Robinson, Matt (11 October 2022). "New Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022 review". Auto Express. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/alfa-romeo/tonale/357903/new-alfa-romeo-tonale-2022-review.
- Watson, Mat. "Alfa Romeo Tonale Review and Prices". https://www.carwow.co.uk/alfa-romeo/tonale.
- "Alfa RomeoTonale (2022-) review". Which? (The Consumers' Association). September 2022. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-and-used-cars/alfa-romeo-tonale-2022#technical-specifications.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale review: International launch". https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2022-alfa-romeo-tonale-international-launch-review/.
- ↑ Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale: The Brand's Smallest SUV Holds Promise". Car and Driver. https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a39905701/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-preview-drive/.
- ↑ Williams, Evan (8 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo Introduces 2023 Tonale, Brand's First PHEV". https://www.wheels.ca/news/alfa-romeo-introduces-2023-tonale-brands-first-phev.
- ↑ "Alfa Romeo Tonale review (2022): now with PHEV power". Car magazine. 17 November 2022. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/alfa-romeo/tonale/.
- ↑ Robinson, Matt (11 October 2022). "New Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022 review". Auto Express. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/alfa-romeo/tonale/357903/new-alfa-romeo-tonale-2022-review.
- ↑ Watson, Mat. "Alfa Romeo Tonale Review and Prices". https://www.carwow.co.uk/alfa-romeo/tonale.
- ↑ Carey, John (5 May 2022). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale review". https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/luxury/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-review/news-story/62c483cbdbdd0bc3a8d3b36de8dddf07.
- ↑ Cheung, Lawrence (18 January 2023). "Alfa Romeo Tonale review". What Car?. https://www.whatcar.com/alfa-romeo/tonale/hatchback/review/n24504.
- ↑ Duff, Mike (5 May 2022). "2022 Alfa Romeo Tonale = PH Review". https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/2022-alfa-romeo-tonale--ph-review/45634.
- ↑ "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Price Starts In High $30K Range, Reaches Low $50K" (in en). https://www.motor1.com/news/566118/alfa-romeo-tonale-price/.
- ↑ Wayland, Michael (8 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo unveils new electric-hybrid SUV with NFT, blockchain technology". CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/08/new-alfa-romeo-suv-equipped-with-nft-blockchain-technology.html.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Porter, Jon (9 February 2022). "Alfa Romeo's new SUV comes with an NFT for some reason". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/9/22925040/alfa-romeo-nft-service-history-vehicle-data-second-hand-prices.
- ↑ DaSilva, Steve (2 October 2021). "The Alfa Romeo Tonale's NFT Service Record is Dumb". Jalopnik. https://jalopnik.com/the-alfa-romeo-tonales-nft-service-record-is-dumb-1848515511. The website lists the date of the article as 2 October 2022 but this is presumably a typo.
- ↑ "Alfa Romeo Tonale hybrid: everything that energy moves" (in en). https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/alfa-romeo/press/alfa-romeo-tonale-hybrid-everything-that-energy-moves.
- ↑ Fossdyke, James (17 November 2022). "Alfa Romeo Tonale Phev Q4 2023 Review: On road and track with Alfa's plug-in SUV". The Sunday Times. https://www.driving.co.uk/car-reviews/first-drive/alfa-romeo-tonale-phev-q4-2023-review-on-road-and-track-with-alfas-plug-in-suv/.
- ↑ "Alfa Romeo unveils new Tonale PHEV compact SUV". Autocar. 5 March 2019. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/alfa-romeo-unveils-new-tonale-phev-compact-suv. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept First Look: Concept in Name Only?". MotorTrend. 5 March 2019. https://www.motortrend.com/news/alfa-romeo-tonale-concept-first-look/.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Pappas, Thanos (2021-10-31). "2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale Spied With A Jeep-Branded Engine". Carscoops. https://www.carscoops.com/2021/10/2023-alfa-romeo-tonale-spied-in-the-us-revealing-dashboard-jeep-branded-powertrain/.
- ↑ "Alfa Romeo Tonale Concept". https://www.alfaromeo.com/tonale-concept#dna.
External links
- Dodge Hornet (United States and Canada)
![]() | Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa Romeo Tonale.
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