Tonale

Make
Alfa Romeo
Segment
SUV

Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Phillippe Imparato claims the upcoming Alfa Romeo supercar is nearly sold out, despite the fact that it hasn't even been approved by Alfa Romeo management, let alone revealed in any way, shape, or form.

Speaking to Autocar, the automotive CEO said that even though Stellantis is yet to sign off on the project officially, Alfa has already taken deposits from customers who don't want to miss out on the Italian sports car. The vehicle, known only as the 6C, is nearly sold out and will only be revealed later in the summer.

"It will be sold out before I unveil the car," remarked Imparato.

As for design, Alfa's boss remained tight-lipped, but the 6C will reportedly "contribute to the DNA" of the Alfa Romeo brand. With that in mind, we can expect something with retro styling cues. A modern rendition of the glorious TZ2 or 33 Stradale would go down a treat with monied buyers who want something tasteful and exclusive.

"We are working on something that I could put aside the 8C in the museum of Arese, being proud of our contribution to the history of Alfa Romeo. That is what we want," added Imparato.

Stellantis is betting big on electrification, and even brands like Dodge have been forced to abandon the V8 engine in favor of more eco-friendly setups. But something tells us the Italians aren't ready to give up on the combustion engine yet, and the 6C may very well be the last Alfa to have an ICE engine.

Imparato's comments only fuel this suspicion. "To take this type of decision in 2022 in a group like Stellantis, everyone considers that you are completely mad." We won't be surprised to find the newcomer gains motivation from an electrified version of the 690T, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 found in the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Historically speaking, Alfa's sports car nomenclature had been based on the number of cylinders - with the 6C, 8C, and most recently, 4C, all bearing as many cylinders as their name indicates.

The segment the 6C will occupy remains a mystery, but it certainly won't be a hardcore track toy. Imparato has promised a level of civility that would allow owners to drive the car every day. "It's not done yet, but it's ongoing. The positioning is ongoing. We have so many fans asking for something special."

To ensure exclusivity, the new sports car will have a limited production run. Not only will it invigorate a brand known for its legendary motorcars, but it will perhaps spark a renewed interest in Alfa Romeo as a brand. The automaker has struggled to succeed in the shadow of the German premium brands but hopes to change that with the new Tonale, a compact crossover designed to tackle Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz where it hurts.

Alfa's lineup is also set to expand, with the introduction of an all-electric crossover in 2024.

Alfa will re-engineer the Jeep Avenger, an all-electric SUV sold outside of the USA, and bestow it with a different set of talents and capabilities. The Italian will presumably be sportier and more upmarket. Hopefully, Alfa does go the extra mile to set its version apart - unlike Dodge which did very little to differentiate the Hornet from the Tonale.

A year after that, the elegant Giulia will be replaced and adopt an all-electric setup. It's set to be a technological tour de force and will usher in a new software suite and capabilities for the Stellantis group. "It has 5G and new-era technology that will bring to market something special," hinted Imparato.

The Stelvio will be replaced in 2026 and return as an electric-only SUV. From 2025, every core model the brand introduces will be electric, and, by 2027, all vehicles will utilize battery power.

This means the Tonale will likely be the last ICE Alfa Romeo - but there's a chance the 6C will debut with an electrically-assisted V6. One can only hope.

"Alfa will switch from zero [electrified vehicles] to zero [emissions] the fastest," added Imparato. "On questions of legislation, on global warming and the global ecosystem, there is no alternative. That's why we want to be part of the game."

While the loss of combustion-engined Alfas will be a big one, Imparato says the adoption of electric power opens doors for even better design. "With the EV switch, it opens so many opportunities for me for top hats from a design point of view."

Imparato has also hinted at the return of the Duetto, which will arrive as an electric vehicle. The CEO also said the EV sphere allows the company to explore more segments and even produce a compact hatchback once again.