Alfa Romeo Opens Ordering Of New 2023 Tonale “Edizione Speciale” Launch Edition!

Alfa Romeo has announced that it has officially opened orders for its all-new Tonale, with its exclusive “Edizione Speciale” launch edition. The Edizione Speciale’s complete range of features is intended to meet the needs of the first customers who decided to purchase Alfa Romeo’s first compact SUV. 

The Edizione Speciale will be offered in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration with power coming from the new turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder gasoline mild-hybrid (mHEV) engine. The engine will deliver 130 horsepower and 176 ft.-lbs. (240 Nm) of torque, mated to a new 7-speed 7HDT300 dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new propulsion system includes a built-in 48-volt 15 kW (20 horsepower) electric motor delivering 41 ft.-lbs. (55 Nm) of torque – equalizing to 99 ft.-lbs. (135 Nm) of torque at gearbox input level – which can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine (ICE) is turned off. The new e-Hybrid models offer up to 15% lower consumption and CO₂ emissions than the previous gasoline models.

Tonale can run in various driving scenarios using only the electric motor (and with the gasoline engine turned off). This is made possible courtesy of an array of electric operating modes known as “EV capabilities”, which include:

• e-Launch: starts the vehicle using only the electric motor, when starting up or restarting at traffic lights
• e-Creeping: the electric motor provides the start-up normally seen in automatic vehicles, at a speed that can vary from 0 km/h to the equivalent of the gasoline engine idling in first gear, or in reverse (for example when maneuvering)
• e-Queueing: the vehicle can keep going in a traffic jam, following a ‘stop & go’ pattern in full-electric mode
• e-Parking: simplifies parking maneuvers, which can be carried out using electric propulsion only, to ensure a practical and quiet experience.

EV capabilities are available depending on battery charge status and the power output required. A 160 horsepower model of the Edizione Speciale will be available in May 2022.

Other features for the Edizione Speciale include the following equipment…

• 20-Inch Sport 5-Hole Aluminum Wheels
• Red Brembo Brake Calipers
• 7-Speed DDCT Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission
• Matrix Full-LED Headlights with Adaptive System
• Privacy Windows
• Dark Miron Body Kit with Miron Inserts
• Dark Miron V-Shaped Front Grille
• Gloss Black Daytime Light Opening (DLO)
• Aluminum Shift Paddles
• Keyless Entry
• Hands-Free Power Lift Tailgate
• 10.25-Inch Touchscreen Radio with Voice Control & Navigation with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Wireless Charging Pad
• Sporty Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Ambient Lighting
• Alcantara Seats
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Rearview Camera
• Traffic Sign Recognition

As announced at the worldwide premiere, starting with the Tonale Edizione Speciale will be the first car on the market to be equipped with non-fungible token (NFT) technology, a true innovation in the automotive sector. 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. This distinctive off-board feature – immediately usable and sustainable – emphasizes the innovative nature of Alfa Romeo. With the customer’s consent, the NFT will record vehicle data, generating a certificate that can be used as a guarantee that the car has been properly maintained, 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 count on. In the meantime, buyers will be reassured in their choice of car.

Alfa Romeo interprets the use of software and connectivity to enhance the driver’s experience, which is and remains the focus. Tonale, therefore, comes with the most advanced technology, to ensure a connected and comfortable experience, while maintaining the driving pleasure typical of an Alfa Romeo. As standard, Tonale comes with a built-in all-new infotainment system.

With a customizable Android operating system and 4G connectivity with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, it also offers content, functionality, and services that are always kept up to date. This system includes a fully digital 12.3-inch screen, the main 10.25-inch touchscreen unit, and a smooth, sophisticated multitasking interface, keeping everything at a glance without distracting your attention from the road. Totaling 22.5-inch, the two large fill thin-film-transistor (TFT) screens are best-in-class in the segment.

Technology is also at the service of safety and comfort: Level 2 autonomous driving, with new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that take action in line with the Alfa Romeo philosophy. Again here, the software is at the service of the brand’s DNA, with the focus remaining on the driver. All the systems, therefore, work without ever interfering with the driver’s experience, where control and the emotions of driving remain intact.

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Four exterior colors will be available to choose from. They include Montreal Green, Misano Blue, Alfa Red, and Vesuvius Gray. 

The photos shown below, are from our friend Walter Vayr of GabetzSPYUnit. He caught this Alfa Red model, out testing in recent days before the official announcement.

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The starting price for the Tonale Edizione Speciale is €39,000 (or about $43,000 USD) across the European Union (E.U.) where it is available. No plans have been announced just yet if the model will be coming to the North American market.