Alfa Romeo Confirms MiTo GTA with 230Hp 1.8 Turbo

During the European media presentation of the MiTo in Italy, Alfa Romeo’s executives confirmed earlier reports of a top-notch sport version that will out power its strongest European rivals like the 197Hp Renault Clio RS, the 192Hp Opel Corsa OPC even the 211Hp MINI Cooper John Cooper Works.

According to a colleague of ours that attended the presentation, the Italian automaker's execs said that the MiTo GTA will be equipped with a turbocharged 1,750 cc (1.7-liter) turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine developing around 230Hp. -Continued

Power will be transferred to the front wheels with Alfa’s Q2 electronic system that simulates the effects of a limited-slip differential by making full use of the braking and stability control systems, promising to offer better traction and improved handling. Although Alfa’s execs didn’t reveal any more details, the 230Hp MiTo GTA should be able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in the low 6 second region. The MiTo GTA is expected to make its market debut in Europe towards the end of 2009.

Video: Alfa Romeo MiTo Sport Hatch

The MiTo is Alfa's first car to be built after the breathtaking 8C Competizione, which by the way, inspired the Italian carmaker’s designers to the point that the subcomact sport hatch looks like a mini version of the supercar. With dimensions of just 4.06 meters long, 1.44 meters high and 1.72 meters wide, the MiTo’s most prominent rival will be the MINI Cooper. You can either click here to see our MiTo gallery that consists of 45 high-resolution images along with the specs or follow the jump and check out the video that includes driving footage as well as exterior and interior studio shots. -Continued

Alfa Mi.To: 45 High Resolution Images & Details, Includes 49MPG Version

Say hello to the car that wants to dethrone BMW’s MINI from the premium subcompact segment, Alfa Romeo’s highly anticipated, Mi.To. After a series of pre-releases, the Italian carmaker unleashed today all info and pictures of its new “baby” model whose name is inspired by the cities where it was designed (Milan) and will be built (Turin).

Due to be launch in all the major markets in stages from July (unfortunately, the U.S. is not among them) the Mi.To is essentially a Fiat Grande Punto wrapped in an 8C Competizione inspired costume. Judging by the pictures, the end result is mouthwatering to say the least. Hopefully, Alfa Romeo’s engineers will have performed some magic to the mediocre in terms of driving dynamics, Grande Punto platform.

Available exclusively as a three-door hatchback, the 4-meter long Mi.To will be offered at launch with two petrol engines, a puny 78Hp 1.4-liter and a 155Hp turbocharged 1.4-liter and one turbodiesel, the 120Hp 1.6 JTDM. All engines are paired with a 6 speed manual gearboxes. -Continued

Starting off with the entry-level 78Hp 1.4, according to Alfa, this particular version was created to satisfy a new Italian law introduced for those who have recently passed their driving test that limits the specific power over tare ratio for drivers who have recently passed their driving test to 67Hp per ton. This law was originally intended to enter into force in July 2008, but this has now been postponed to January 2009.

The Mi.To 1.4 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 12.3 sec and on to a top speed of 165 km/h or 102mph. Its average consumption is 5.9 lt /100km or 40 mpg (US). We hope for Alfa’s sake and tradition, that this version will stay put in Italy.

Next up is the turbocharged 1.4-liter Mi.To which can go from standstill to 100 km/h in a satisfying 8.0 sec while its top speed is 215 km/h or 134mph. According to Alfa, it features an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt /100km or 36.2 mpg.

Finally, the diesel-powered Mi.To 1.6 JTDM goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.9 sec and on to a top speed of 198 km/h or 123 mph while its avg fuel consumption is amazingly low at 4.8 lt / 100 km or 49 mpg. Not bad at all for a drop dead georgous car that'd make your neighboor's Prius want to hide out of shame...

Alfa Romeo Mi.To Brochure

Just in case in you still haven’t had enough of all the information, pictures and videos concerning Alfa Romeo’s MINI adversary, here’s the full brochure of the Mi.To. Although we can’t make out the writings, the pictures reveal that Alfa Romeo will offer buyers plenty of ways to personalize the Mi.To hatchback. Check out the brochure after the jump.
























Via: Autoblog.it