The prototypes of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale roll all over Europe. The Italian firm, after carrying out most of the development in Italy, has moved to northern Europe for extreme cold tests. But we have also spotted one of the prototypes, apparently in a less advanced phase, but in a curious technical test.
The expression “If the mountain does not go to Muhammad, Muhammad goes to the mountain” fits perfectly with these new spy photos of Alfa Romeo Tonale. The new SUV of the Milanese brand is one month away from being unveiled, so the firm has accelerated its testing program. Just a few days ago we spotted a caravan of prototypes in the vicinity of the headquarters that Stellantis has in the Arctic Circle, to where Alfa Romeo has moved.
But its prototypes have also been seen on the outskirts of Livigno, in Italy, taking advantage of the cold of the Alps, like this hunted prototype of the Tonale. Although it doesn’t have the production taillights, it does. reveals the front groups and part of a dashboard in which the multifunction steering wheel is barely appreciated. The second SUV of the Italian Premium brand has been hunted by undergoing some freezing tests, a common test in manufacturers for which they have different possibilities: move to the north of Sweden or use a facility that allows literally freeze the vehicle, where it is necessary to enter with a real coat.
Curious prototype of the Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022, which points to an HEV version
These types of freezers are also found in the usual testing area in the Scandinavian peninsula, if the cold outside is not enough, but we have also seen it in the trailer of a trailer or in the container that you can see behind the Tonale prototype. Coincidence or not two containers with a powerful cooling system for two prototypes parked opposite each other…
Some more interesting spy photos from among the hundreds that we have shown you of the new Italian model. And it is that despite the distance, it is the first time that we can see the open hood, where some orange cables, the typical ones required for hybrid and electric models, a clue pointing to a self-rechargeable hybrid version, along with the strange box that can also be seen under the rear bumper, also typical of low-capacity batteries. A location that we have seen occupied by the exhaust system on other prototypes. And it is that It would not be unusual for Alfa Romeo to complete the range with an HEV version, leaving the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as the top of the range.
An option that may be in the brand’s bedroom. Although the vinyl covers the entire bodywork, the front of one of the units is becoming more visible, being able to see the design of the vertical air intakes placed at the ends of the bumper. An identical design to those of the concept and to those of the advance of the brand presented in an internal event of comparison with its immediate competitors. Some tests that will still take a little longer, because until mid-March it will not go into production.