Skip advert
Advertisement

New Alfa Romeo Tonale Quadrifoglio production to be decided by customer demand

Customer interest will be a key factor in whether a proposed hot Alfa Romeo Tonale Quadrifoglio will reach showrooms

Alfa Romeo Tonale Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo’s Quadrifoglio performance models will make the transition to pure-electric, boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has promised – and there could yet be a place for the badge to feature on the newly launched Tonale.

The most potent version of the Audi Q3 rival so far is the plug-in hybrid variant, which has a combined output of 271bhp. But Imparato believes that the car’s chassis could “cope easily with 300bhp, or more”. And while a Tonale Quadrifoglio is not imminent, he says that customer demand could persuade Alfa Romeo to develop it.

“Quadrifoglio is not the vocation of Tonale, for the moment,” Imparato told us. “For this car, I focused our energy on the transition [to electrification] so for the moment I’d say Tonale is a plug-in hybrid with 271bhp and a zero-emissions range of up to 50 miles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“If we have a good response from the public, and expectations, then I will work on other possible development, but it is not a priority. I will put the energy on the development of Quadrifoglio on probably the other launches – except if I have tons of customers asking for something special on Tonale. If that happens, then we will see.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Imparato suggested that Quadrifoglio will play a role as he nudges Alfa upmarket, but as the brand switches to pure-electric, it will have to do so while still delivering authentic performance. “Quadrifoglio will stay with us,” he said, “and we will develop it on top of each and every product, provided that we can achieve the right level of performance.

“Quadrifoglio is the little baby you protect, because you cannot afford to betray the DNA. It’s a kind of umbrella on top of models, but with the highest level of performance – I mean 0-62mph in two to three seconds, less than 20 minutes for a full charge, the right level of range, handling and so forth. It will be pricey, but I will have all of the power I need to feed this proposal coming from Stellantis.”

For pure EVs, the largest of Stellantis’s three new architectures supports electric motors producing up to 442bhp, potentially enabling a four-wheel-drive model with more than 800bhp. And the group has promised a 0-62mph time of “as little as two seconds”.

Imparato confirmed that Alfa will use Medium and Large versions of STLA, with the latter chosen for mid-sized vehicles because of the power and battery options it offers.

Click here for our list of the best fast family cars on sale...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Alfa Romeo adds a golden touch to all models with the Intensa special editions
Alfa Romeo Intensa - lineup

Alfa Romeo adds a golden touch to all models with the Intensa special editions

Black and gold theme, plus extra kit, available on the Junior, Tonale, Giulia and Stelvio
News
31 Mar 2025
Alfa Romeo Intensa trim level announced for entire range
Alfa Romeo Giulia - front tracking

Alfa Romeo Intensa trim level announced for entire range

The ‘Intensa’ is an exclusive limited edition with subtle touches inside and out
News
20 Dec 2024

Most Popular

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell
Used Renault Arkana - front action

Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell

Demand for pre-owned cars beats pre-pandemic levels as buyers seek out bargains
News
9 May 2025
BYD beats Dacia, Honda and Citroen: Chinese EV giant already outsells ‘big’ UK brands
BYD Seal - full front

BYD beats Dacia, Honda and Citroen: Chinese EV giant already outsells ‘big’ UK brands

EV sales were up slightly last month year-on-year, but overall car sales were down as buyers tried to dodge increased road tax
News
9 May 2025