Alfa Romeo is known for its sporty and stylish cars, but its latest model also showcases electric vehicle technology. The Alfa Romeo Tonale, a compact crossover that will debut later this year, was part of the Carabinieri fleet that escorted President Sergio Mattarella and other dignitaries on Republic Day, June 2, 2023.
Republic Day is the national day of Italy, commemorating the referendum in 1946 that abolished the monarchy and established a republic. It is a day of patriotic pride and celebration, with parades, ceremonies, and fireworks across the country.
One of the highlights of the festivities is the passaggio della Colonna della Libertà, or the passage of the Column of Freedom, a convoy of historic and modern vehicles that carries the president and other dignitaries along the streets of Rome. The convoy starts from the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the president, and ends at the Altare della Patria, a monumental complex dedicated to the first king of Italy and the unknown soldier.
The Carabinieri, Italy’s national military police force, has a key role in ensuring the security and order of the parade. They also have a tradition of using Alfa Romeo cars for their service, dating back to 1960 when they received their first Alfa Romeo Giulietta sedans.
This year, for the first time, the Carabinieri used an electric car: the Alfa Romeo Tonale. This new model is based on a concept car that was unveiled in 2019 at the Geneva Motor Show. It is Alfa Romeo’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle and its first compact crossover.
According to Stellantis, the parent company of Alfa Romeo and other brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, and Jeep, the Tonale will combine a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The combined output will be around 240 horsepower and 450 Nm (332 pound-feet) of torque. The electric motor will power the rear axle, while the gasoline engine will power the front axle, creating an all-wheel-drive system.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will also feature a range of driving modes, including Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficiency, and E-Mozione. The latter mode will enhance the performance and responsiveness of the hybrid system. The battery pack will have a capacity of 11.4 kWh and a range of 50 km (31 miles) in electric-only mode.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will be not only efficient and powerful but also stylish and distinctive. It will have a sleek and muscular design that draws inspiration from Alfa Romeo’s heritage, such as the 33 Stradale and the Duetto Spider. It will also have a signature grille, LED headlights, 21-inch wheels, and a dual exhaust system.
The interior will be equally elegant and modern, with leather seats, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a rotary controller. The Tonale will also offer advanced safety and connectivity features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will compete with other premium compact crossovers such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40. It will also be part of Stellantis’ plan to offer more than 40 electrified models across its brands by 2025.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is an example of how electric vehicles can blend performance and style while respecting the environment and enhancing mobility. It is also a reminder of Alfa Romeo’s glorious past and its promising future as a premium brand under Stellantis.
