Alfa Romeo Tonale Kills Gas Engine, Will Be Plug-In Hybrid Only in U.S.
The Alfa Romeo Tonale will only be sold as a plug-in hybrid in America, according to a report by Automotive News Europe.Alfa’s decision to drop the previously announced 2.0-liter gas engine from the Tonale’s U.S. lineup is said to be an attempt to reduce C02 emissions. Earlier this week, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told AN Europe the plug-in-hybrid Tonale will cut the brand’s average carbon emissions by 40 percent.
The 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale was originally going to be offered with two powertrains in America: one with a traditional gasoline engine and the other with a plug-in-hybrid setup. However, plans have changed, as yesterday Automotive News Europe reported the company is dropping the gas-only option and selling the Tonale solely as a plug-in hybrid in the U.S. market.
The news comes after Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato earlier this week told AN Europe the American Tonale will now be PHEV only. The decision was reportedly made to cut C02 emissions. Imparto said the plug-in-hybrid Tonale will help Alfa Romeo reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent, according to AN Europe. We reached out to Alfa’s North American team for comment on the news but have not yet received a response.
When the 2023 Tonale was revealed earlier this year, the U.S. version was said to have two powertrain options. The 272-hp plug-in hybrid is the more powerful of the two, combining a 180-hp turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four powering the front wheels with a 121-hp electric motor feeding the rear axle. This is the Tonale’s only powertrain now that the previously announced 256-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder has reportedly been axed.
For those disappointed in Alfa’s decision to drop the gas-only turbo four, the Tonale’s corporate counterpart, the Dodge Hornet, is still expected to be offered with that engine, as well as the same plug-in-hybrid powertrain. The Hornet is expected to go on sale soon, with the Tonale set to follow early next year.
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