Photo: Alfa Romeo
Remember the Fiat Panda? How about the Alfa Romeo Tonale concept from the 2019 Geneva Motor Show? As it happens, FCA announced almost a billion euros in investments covering the modernization and expansion of the Pomigliano plant in preparation for the next-generation models.
Located in the town of Pomigliano d'Arco, the plant began production in 1972 with the Alfasud type 901. The flat-four small family car was followed by the Giardinetta, 33, Arna, 33, 155, 145, 146, 156, 146, 156, GT, 146, and 159. Following the corporate restructuring of 2007, the factory switched to third-generation Fiat Panda production in 2011.
As expected, the Panda is up for a redesign from the ground up. With it, a hybrid will be introduced as per a report in the Italian media. The Panda Hybrid is expected to enter production in the first half of 2020 for the 2021 model year, and ANSA.it reports that the Tonale will follow soon after that.
The premium crossover is more compact than the Stelvio, classified as a C-segment utility vehicle by Alfa Romeo. Given that the Italian brand looks to the future with an emphasis on electrification, the Tonale will offer at least one electrified powertrain option. Rear- and all-wheel drive are also certain given the Giorgio vehicle architecture shared with the Giulia and Stelvio.
Tipo 965 is how Alfa Romeo refers to the model, a codename that’s been rumored for quite some time on forums and other places on the Internet where the Alfisti hang out. Back in March 2019, the concept combined internal combustion up front and an e-motor driving the rear axle in “Dual Power” mode.
What is strange about the concept is that prospective customers and enthusiasts alike haven’t been offered performance specifications, nor gas mileage. There’s no denying four- and six-cylinder engines will be offered, and Alfa Romeo won’t disappoint in this regard. The only problem would be reliability, something that the Italians haven’t managed to master to date, Giulia included.
As expected, the Panda is up for a redesign from the ground up. With it, a hybrid will be introduced as per a report in the Italian media. The Panda Hybrid is expected to enter production in the first half of 2020 for the 2021 model year, and ANSA.it reports that the Tonale will follow soon after that.
The premium crossover is more compact than the Stelvio, classified as a C-segment utility vehicle by Alfa Romeo. Given that the Italian brand looks to the future with an emphasis on electrification, the Tonale will offer at least one electrified powertrain option. Rear- and all-wheel drive are also certain given the Giorgio vehicle architecture shared with the Giulia and Stelvio.
Tipo 965 is how Alfa Romeo refers to the model, a codename that’s been rumored for quite some time on forums and other places on the Internet where the Alfisti hang out. Back in March 2019, the concept combined internal combustion up front and an e-motor driving the rear axle in “Dual Power” mode.
What is strange about the concept is that prospective customers and enthusiasts alike haven’t been offered performance specifications, nor gas mileage. There’s no denying four- and six-cylinder engines will be offered, and Alfa Romeo won’t disappoint in this regard. The only problem would be reliability, something that the Italians haven’t managed to master to date, Giulia included.
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