Motor Authority - blog Tag: Mi.To

Alfa Romeo hasn't officially announced the MiTo GTA for production yet, but already reports of its demise are making the rounds at enthusiast and news portals. The latest reports indicate the hot-hatch GTA could still see production, but it nothing is certain yet.

The news comes from an unnamed Alfa Romeo spokesman, according to Autocar, and though nothing solid is known yet, there is a definite desire within Alfa to see the car built.

The car has been strongly hinted at for production despite only seeing public display as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show. All the way back in June of 2008, Alfa CEO Luca de Meo confirmed the car was... Alfa Romeo hasn't officially announced the MiTo GTA for production yet, but already reports of its demise are making the rounds at enthusiast and news portals. The latest reports indicate the hot-hatch GTA could still see production, but it nothing is certain yet. The news comes from an unnamed Alfa Romeo spokesman, according to Autocar, and though nothing solid is known yet, there is a definite desire within Alfa to see the car built. The car has been strongly hinted at for production despite only seeing public display as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show. All the way back in June of 2008, Alfa CEO Luca de Meo confirmed the car was coming and that it would be powered by a 1.75L turbo four good for 240hp. Since then more details, including an official video of the car, have come to light. Upgrades to the standard MiTo include under-floor aerodynamics enhancements, a revised front suspension with new geometry with aluminum leading arms, and all new bushings for the rear suspension. Alfa Romeo engineers also planned an active suspension management system with advanced damper control. The car had been pegged for a mid-2009 debut, but now it's looking like it will be 2010 at the earliest if it does eventually see production. Until then, check out the video below to see the hot little Euro-hatch in action.Afla Romeo MiTo GTAOfficial release video for Alfa Romeo's new MiTo GTA Read More

Alfa Romeo's new MiTo is hardly a performance powerhouse, with the current range-topping model in the lineup boasting a diminutive 1.4L turbo engine until the performance-focused GTA arrives. But for some hot hatch fans, even the GTA’s 240hp (179kW) and hardened suspension won't be enough.

That’s where tuning firm’s like Italy’s Lester step in. Lester is remedying the situation with a number of upgrades for the stylish hatch, with a focus on both performance and handling upgrades, as well as some aerodynamic mods.

Lester is offering engine tuning for the GTA’s 1.75L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine,... Alfa Romeo's new MiTo is hardly a performance powerhouse, with the current range-topping model in the lineup boasting a diminutive 1.4L turbo engine until the performance-focused GTA arrives. But for some hot hatch fans, even the GTA’s 240hp (179kW) and hardened suspension won't be enough. That’s where tuning firm’s like Italy’s Lester step in. Lester is remedying the situation with a number of upgrades for the stylish hatch, with a focus on both performance and handling upgrades, as well as some aerodynamic mods. Lester is offering engine tuning for the GTA’s 1.75L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which boosts output by 31hp (23kW). Additionally, a new height-adjustable coil-over suspension with adjustable dampers is also available, along with sport springs that can lower the car significantly. This results in improved handling and greater acceleration for the performance hatch. Accompanying the handling upgrades is a new look for the MiTo GTA brought about by an aerodynamic enhancement kit. The front of the car gets a facelift thanks to the spoiler corners on the left and right, as well as a bonnet mounted scoop. At the rear is a subtle wing spoiler and a pair of oversized exhaust tailpipes. The final touch is a set of 18in multi-spoke alloy wheels. Interestingly, Lester has installed a custom subwoofer housing measuring up to 320mm in the rear of the car.Afla Romeo MiTo GTALester Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Read More

Fans of Italian styling are anxiously awaiting Fiat and Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. now that the alliance deal between the Italian auto giant and Chrysler has been signed. One of Alfa Romeo’s upcoming models is particularly important as it will form the basis of a new Chrysler sedan planned for U.S. production. The car is the 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano and it's scheduled to make its debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Late last year at the Bologna Motor Show, Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that the car was in the works, and that it would arrive in the fourth quarter of 2009. Previous spy photos show that it is... Fans of Italian styling are anxiously awaiting Fiat and Alfa Romeo's return to the U.S. now that the alliance deal between the Italian auto giant and Chrysler has been signed. One of Alfa Romeo’s upcoming models is particularly important as it will form the basis of a new Chrysler sedan planned for U.S. production. The car is the 2010 Alfa Romeo Milano and it's scheduled to make its debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show. Late last year at the Bologna Motor Show, Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo confirmed that the car was in the works, and that it would arrive in the fourth quarter of 2009. Previous spy photos show that it is progressing well toward that deadline, though camouflage does hide the details of its form. The five-door layout and sharing of the new 8C-inspired design theme are evident, however. It is expected to share Fiat’s C-Evo platform with the Lancia Delta and Alfa Romeo Bravo, contrary to earlier reports of the car getting an all-new platform. The same core engine range is expected, including a smallish 120hp (90kW) four-cylinder and ranging up to a 3.2L V6 good for 265hp (198kW). It will also share much of the same running gear. Sometime after the car's debut, a GTA model, like the MiTo's recently unveiled version, is also expected. The new Alfa will come despite a planned halt in production to bring stock in line with demand. By splitting the existing 147 line into the MiTo and Milano, it allows the company to retain existing customers of the range while targeting new ones at both ends of the spectrum. The smaller and more efficient MiTo can play toward the younger and more urban crowds, while the Milano should scale well with the more affluent and suburban lifestyles. Adding to the Milano's more upscale direction is the inclusion of the four-wheel drive Q4 system, though the Q2 front-wheel drive will remain standard.2010 Alfa Romeo 149 renderingAlfa Romeo Milano spy shots Read More

Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo first confirmed details about the upcoming GTA variant of the ultra-stylish MiTo hatch as far back as June 2008, revealing the car would arrive in the middle of this year packing a brand new 1.75L four-cylinder petrol engine turbocharged to the tune of 240hp (179kW). Today Alfa released an official video detailing the new car, and giving us a taste of the little car's throaty howl.

Alfa Romeo released the first details about the concept version of the car at the Geneva Motor Show. In line with the legendary GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the MiTo GTA... Alfa Romeo CEO Luca de Meo first confirmed details about the upcoming GTA variant of the ultra-stylish MiTo hatch as far back as June 2008, revealing the car would arrive in the middle of this year packing a brand new 1.75L four-cylinder petrol engine turbocharged to the tune of 240hp (179kW). Today Alfa released an official video detailing the new car, and giving us a taste of the little car's throaty howl. Alfa Romeo released the first details about the concept version of the car at the Geneva Motor Show. In line with the legendary GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the MiTo GTA Concept prioritises weight reduction, and the achievement of an optimum power-to-weight ratio. Considerable work has gone into lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity, with certain components such as the tailgate spoiler, roof, and mirror fairings all finished in lightweight carbon-fiber. To save additional weight, aluminum is used extensively in the braking system, suspension, and some parts of the chassis. Under the hood is a newly developed four-cylinder petrol engine. Designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the compact engine features direct injection, dual variable valve timing, turbocharging and advanced electronic management to produce an impressive 240hp (179kW) from its 1.75L of displacement. Other upgrades to the standard MiTo include under-floor aerodynamics enhancements, a revised front suspension with new geometry with aluminum leading arms, and all new bushings for the rear suspension. Alfa Romeo engineers have also added an active suspension management system with advanced damper control as well as the Sky-Hook comfort adjustment. A full selection of driver aids and safety devices, including multiple airbags, ABS, ESP, and EBD are standard, as are anti-slip control and steering-angle-sensitive torque limitation to reduce the tendency for torque steer. Alfa Romeo is yet to announce a release date for the hot hatch but expect it to appear in European showrooms by the middle of the year.Alfa Romeo Mi.To Official debutAfla Romeo MiTo GTAOfficial release video for Alfa Romeo's new MiTo GTA Read More

The Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (RIAR) is a 1,000-member-strong organization of Alfa Romeo fans and collectors. Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the RIAR has released a special-edition Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatchback.

Styled in a monotone gunmetal grey that lends an air of stealth to the typically cheery and bright-faced little hatch, the RIAR Limited Edition definitely leaves a unique mark on the Mi.To. Key elements of the custom edition include a 15hp (11kW) upgrade to 170hp (127kW), wheels identical to those found on the Alfa Romeo Competizione 8C and a choice of either black or burgundy leather throughout the interior.

... The Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo (RIAR) is a 1,000-member-strong organization of Alfa Romeo fans and collectors. Celebrating its 46th anniversary this year, the RIAR has released a special-edition Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatchback. Styled in a monotone gunmetal grey that lends an air of stealth to the typically cheery and bright-faced little hatch, the RIAR Limited Edition definitely leaves a unique mark on the Mi.To. Key elements of the custom edition include a 15hp (11kW) upgrade to 170hp (127kW), wheels identical to those found on the Alfa Romeo Competizione 8C and a choice of either black or burgundy leather throughout the interior. Additional upgrades include a rear spoiler, new rear bumper and diffuser, interior emblems and sport seats, a carbon-fiber-look dashboard and a custom steering wheel. Only 46 of the cars will be available, one for each year of the RIAR's existence, and each will be numbered and documented as such. The car starts at an official retail price of €20,000.Alfa Romeo Mi.To RIAR Limited Edition Read More

One of the tuners at this year’s Essen Motor Show will be Italy’s TRC-Marangoni, which has modified the still-new Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatchback using the Ferrari F430 as its inspiration. Working with the Mi.To’s 1.4L T-Jet engine, Marangoni has boosted power up to 220hp (164kW) – 65hp (48kW) more than the standard model.

Elements borrowed from Ferrari’s F430 supercar include a similarly designed twin air-intake front bumper and an integrated carbon-fiber rear diffuser. The M430 also picks up a few unique features such as the Lamborghini-style lifting doors, a suspension lowering kit, and quad exhaust pipes.

... One of the tuners at this year’s Essen Motor Show will be Italy’s TRC-Marangoni, which has modified the still-new Alfa Romeo Mi.To hatchback using the Ferrari F430 as its inspiration. Working with the Mi.To’s 1.4L T-Jet engine, Marangoni has boosted power up to 220hp (164kW) – 65hp (48kW) more than the standard model. Elements borrowed from Ferrari’s F430 supercar include a similarly designed twin air-intake front bumper and an integrated carbon-fiber rear diffuser. The M430 also picks up a few unique features such as the Lamborghini-style lifting doors, a suspension lowering kit, and quad exhaust pipes. Marangoni is a specialist when it comes to performance tires and as such the M430 has been fitted with a set of custom red rubber, low profile tires wrapped around 18in alloy wheels. Alfa Romeo is also working on its own high-performance version of the Mi.To hatch, which is expected to debut next year wearing the company’s famous GTA badge. The new model will feature a unique 1.75L four-cylinder petrol engine turbocharged to the tune of 230hp (172kW). The engine will feature direct injection and variable valve timing technology and is set to be one of the most powerful mills in its class. Via: Autoblog.itMarangoni M430 Alfa Romeo Mi.To Read More