Meet the world's first car that comes with an NFT
Italian automaker Alfa Romeo has revealed its Tonale SUV for the international markets. It will be up for grabs in the US from the first quarter of 2023. As for the highlights, the car has a head-turning look and a luxurious cabin loaded with a bevy of tech-based features. It is available with a choice of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Why does this story matter?
The Tonale marks Alfa Romeo's foray into electrification and is the first model under its new owner Stellantis. It is also the world's first car to come with a non-fungible token (NFT), which pairs the car to a digital certificate. This aids in improving the vehicle's residual value. The four-wheeler has been geared toward young buyers and should rack up good sales globally.
The car has phone-dial-style alloy wheels and LED headlamps
The Alfa Romeo Tonale sports a sculpted bonnet, a shield-shaped 'Scudetto' grille, a wide air dam, and LED headlights with three DRLs on each side. It is flanked by blacked-out B-pillars, indicator-mounted ORVMs, and phone dial-style alloy wheels. A shark-fin antenna and a full-width taillamp grace the rear end. Dimensions-wise, it is 4,530mm long, 1,840mm wide, and has a length of 1,600mm.
The SUV gets a flat-bottom steering wheel and Amazon Alexa
The Alfa Romeo Tonale has a luxurious cabin, featuring a flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel and circular AC vents. It houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. It also gets an Amazon Alexa voice assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, rear cross-path detection, and lane-keep assist.
The four-wheeler accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds
The Tonale has a mild-hybrid powertrain that uses a 1.5-liter petrol engine linked to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and a 48V electric motor. It puts out 130hp or 160hp of power. A 275hp, plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol mill with an electric motor and a 15.5kWh battery is also offered. It allows the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
Everything to know about the NFT offered with the car
Alfa Romeo Tonale comes with an NFT that registers information related to the car. At the time of purchase, the buyers will take over the NFT. Every time the vehicle will be taken to a dealership for servicing, the company will update the NFT, thus creating a digital log about the four-wheeler's history. However, customers can also opt out of the program.
Alfa Romeo Tonale: Pricing and rivals
In the US, the Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV is expected to carry a starting price-tag of around $30,000 (roughly Rs. 22.4 lakh). The vehicle takes on rivals such as the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
