REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo
Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C side-by-side
While the Alfa MiTo was under development, speculation placed a number of different nameplates on the sport hatch. One of them was Junior, but new reports suggest that Alfa may in fact be preparing an additional model to carry the Junior name.
Although the MiTo was earmarked to hold down the lower end of the Alfa Romeo range with styling drawn from the 8C Competizione, in terms of body style, at least, the new Junior may in fact be closer to the halo supercar – more of a sports coupe than a sport hatch. The platform will allegedly be based on the MiTo's, sharing some of the same engine options while introducing a new hydraulic manual as well as a new dual-clutch gearbox to the range. Little else is known about the Junior, but expect similar styling to the MiTo with a lower roofline and sleeker profile.
Sister company Lancia may yet get its own version to revive the Fulvia name, and given parent company Fiat's new alliance with Chrysler, we'd hope the new small sportscar might make it over the Atlantic as part of Alfa Romeo's long-anticipated return to the North American market.
Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C
[Source: 4Car]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg "2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ebm14 5:03PM (1/22/2009)
I love this company & hope Chrysler doesn't hurt it or hurt itself in this venture.
The is an interesting story on: www.thecarnerds.com
Reply
MemphisNET 5:03PM (1/22/2009)
Regardless of if it's a Alfa or a Chrysler Corp spin off (Dodge Demon anyone?) -- bring it on!
Reply
Kumail 5:04PM (1/22/2009)
So if its smaller than the MiTo, that would mean that it would most likely only fit 2 people, meaning that there would be a roadster version...
Sounds good to me. :D
Reply
hoov23 5:32PM (1/22/2009)
Sounds like it could be a cool competitor for the Cobalt SS (or it's successor).
Reply
Jake B 5:41PM (1/22/2009)
I see it being more of a solstice/sky competitor than cobalt ss. If it were a 2+2 you could probably buy two cobalt SS for the same price by the time they bring it over here.
Rick 5:37PM (1/22/2009)
OK, now that it's sitting by the 8C, I can see the family resemblance. But they could have made it have a matching nose to the 8C. Using the 8C A and B pillar would just make it too long.
Reply
Todd 5:48PM (1/22/2009)
I doubt that this thing will be a sports car if it's based on the MiTo. It just won't happen, unless its like how the solstice/sky is based on the cobalt/ion.
Here's a hint for your marketing department.
Small RWD vehicle, closed or open = Sports Car.
Small FWD vehicle, closed or open = Sports COMPACT.
Using FWD and calling it a sports car is an oxymoron.
Reply
Torqued 7:04PM (1/22/2009)
Everyone seems to define 'sports car' differently. To me, it has to look sporty, handle well, and be fast. All of those criteria are subjective.
So what do you call an rx8? How about an STI?
jjpg2000 6:37PM (1/22/2009)
I'd take one over a 500 any day of the week.
Reply
Mike 6:42PM (1/22/2009)
Hopefully it's around $20,000. Don't really care if it's fwd.
Reply
P.V. 9:10PM (1/22/2009)
I hope Alfa brings this. Also, I love the side-by-side gallery of the Mi.To. and the 8C! The resemblance is amazing!
Reply
Jeff 10:20PM (1/22/2009)
Well, THIS one had better be called Furiosa.
Reply
Eek 11:48PM (1/22/2009)
I agree with you Jeff, call it the Furiosa. "Junior" doesn't exactly scream fun and sporty.
If Alpha does make this car, I'm even more excited for their return to the U.S.
Reply