Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition to be released in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/2010-alfa-romeo-mito-imola-edition-to-be-released-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/2010-alfa-romeo-mito-imola-edition-to-be-released-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/2010-alfa-romeo-mito-imola-edition-to-be-released-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition - click above image for high-res gallery

We were saddened to learn that Alfa Romeo is under the impression that their cute yet handsome MiTo is too small for American consumption. But this feels like a slap in the face. Japan is getting 150 special Imola Edition MiTos, and man are they great looking. Painted in Imola Yellow, the cars also get 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers and chromed mirror caps to set them apart from regular MiTos. Inside features fancy Pelle Frau leather, Imola Yellow accents and a little plaque. The Imola Edition MiTos should hit the land of the rising sun in November of this year. There's precious little left to say, other than do want. Or is that unfair?


Gallery: 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition


[Source: leblogauto.com]

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition to be released in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition2010AlfaRomeoMitoImolaEditionAlfa RomeoAlfa Romeo MiToAlfa Romeo MiTo Imola EditionAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoMitoImolaEditionImola YellowImolaYellowMiToMiTo Imola EditionMitoImolaEditionTue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/alfa-romeo-mito-too-small-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/alfa-romeo-mito-too-small-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/alfa-romeo-mito-too-small-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Small cars have historically struggled in the land of the free, home of the brave. Typically regarded as an afterthought by Detroit, our current domestic crop (Focus, Aveo, Caliber) needs more fertilizer. Imported "penalty boxes" fair somewhat better, but for every Honda Fit there's a Daihatsu Charade. Long story short, profit margins are slim and Americans are big people with big families that drive big distances. However, BMW's new Mini made serious and surprising inroads by giving small car buyers lots of content and high style (and a high price tag). BMW's sold 1.5 million of them, and given the Mini's success, it seems like a no brainer that Alfa Romeo (maybe via Chrysler) would bring the sexy little MiTo to our shores. Italian styling, sporty handling and high MPGs seem like a winning combo. Sadly, no -- maybe.

According to Alfa Romeo CEO Sergio Cravero, the MiTo is, "probably too small for today's U.S. market." In case you're wondering, the MiTo is the size of a Honda Fit. He goes on to say that, "A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year. That is not enough to make it a viable business case." Worrying about business cases in the U.S. is definitely a new paradigm for Alfa. But we're not going to fret too much, as Alfa Romeos will be making their way to American dealerships sometime in 2011. The first of which will probably be the Milano, a five-door mid-sized hatchback that we'll see at the Geneva Motor Show. Still, regarding the apparent no-show of the MiTo, we're a little bummed.


Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlfaAlfa RomeoAlfa Romeo MiToAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoChryslerMiToSergio CraveroSergioCraveroMon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-alfa-mito-gta-merely-postponed-not-canceled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-alfa-mito-gta-merely-postponed-not-canceled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-alfa-mito-gta-merely-postponed-not-canceled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following earlier reports that Alfa Romeo had axed plans to produce the MiTo GTA, the Italian automaker has reportedly clarified that the project has not been canceled completely, just postponed.

The MiTo GTA was unveiled in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Alfa said the car would be produced and on the market before the end of the year. Packing a 240hp 1.8-liter turbo four, the GTA was set to revive the company's performance badge with a package priced to undercut the Mini JCW. When harsh economic conditions hit - and Fiat started snapping up assets left and right - the hot hatch program reportedly took a hit. According to sources within the company, though, the automaker is still keen on getting it done... eventually. Certainly, that won't happen before the end of the year.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa mitoalfa mito gtaalfa romeoalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo mito gtaAlfaMitoAlfaMitoGtaAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoMitoGtagtamitomito gtaMitoGtaFri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-alfa-romeo-cancels-mito-gta-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-alfa-romeo-cancels-mito-gta-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/20/report-alfa-romeo-cancels-mito-gta-hot-hatch/#commentsFiled under: ,


Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh, Alfa. We had such high hopes for you. The stoic Italian marque, it seemed, had wandered too far from its roots as a performance-oriented automaker anchored by decades of racing dominance. Heart-pumping roadsters gave way to mushy econo-boxes. And then came the 8C Competizione, whose dynamics may not be as inspiring as its looks (how could it?), but it signaled what we hoped was a new dawn for the resurgent automaker, even if it remained entirely out of reach for the common man.

Then Alfa followed up with the MiTo GTA, a positively drool-inducing hot hatch that debuted in concept form a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show. Packing a 230-hp turbo four in an aggressive carbon fiber shell, the MiTo GTA looked nothing less than menacing. It was just a show car at the time, but Alfa said it would go into production by the end of the year. Well, according to emerging reports, that may not happen any time soon, if ever. Due to the financial crisis, Alfa has reportedly put the MiTo GTA on an indefinite hold. Does that mean it's been killed? Well, not necessarily, but we wouldn't recommend holding your breath. We'd save that for a hot lap behind the wheel... which may never come.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA


[Source: iMotor]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa gtaalfa mitoalfa mito gtaalfa romeoalfa romeo gtaalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo mito gtaAlfaGtaAlfaMitoAlfaMitoGtaAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoGtaAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoMitoGtagtamitomito gtaMitoGtaMon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/stopgap-gta-novitec-takes-a-stab-at-the-alfa-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/stopgap-gta-novitec-takes-a-stab-at-the-alfa-mito/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/stopgap-gta-novitec-takes-a-stab-at-the-alfa-mito/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Novitec Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Alfa Romeo's spritely MiTo hatch may have been styled to look like the flagship 8C Competizione, but the performance gap between them is big enough to fit another entire model line. The MiTo GTA, previewed in concept form at this year's Geneva show, promises to close the distance some, but until it arrives, Novitec has come up with an answer of its own, and here it is.

The heart of any good mod job lies under the hood, and Novitec has plenty of options in store. For the gas-burning 1.4-liter turbo four, Novitec offers an auxiliary control module that can be installed in just five minutes and which adds an extra 31 horsepower to bring total output up to a respectable 186 and 0-60 time down to 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds faster than stock.

For diesel models, Novitec also offers a module to boost power by about 20 horsepower on either the 1.3 or 1.6-liter JTD engines. Of course, the Dutch tuning house hasn't stopped there, offering a choice of sport springs to drop the height by 40mm or a fully adjustable coil-over set-up. A full aerodynamic package, stainless exhaust and 18" wheels coated in Pirelli rubber round out the package, which you can check out in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Novitec Alfa Romeo MiTo


[Source: Novitec]

Continue reading Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo

Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa mitoalfa romeoalfa romeo mitoAlfaMitoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoMiTonovitecnovitec alfanovitec alfa mitonovitec alfa romeonovitec alfa romeo mitonovitec mitonovitec rossoNovitecAlfaNovitecAlfaMitoNovitecAlfaRomeoNovitecAlfaRomeoMitoNovitecMitoNovitecRossoTue, 02 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: 180 HP Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce coming to AutoRAI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/180-hp-alfa-romeo-mito-veloce-coming-to-autorai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/180-hp-alfa-romeo-mito-veloce-coming-to-autorai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/180-hp-alfa-romeo-mito-veloce-coming-to-autorai/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce - Click above for a gallery

At next month's AutoRAI tuning show (April 1st through 11th), Alfa Romeo will trot out yet another racy MiTo concept to show off the hatch's tuning potential. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce is packing the stock turbocharged 1.4-liter, but output has been increased to around 180 hp through some yet-to-be disclosed tweaks and the 0-62 mph time has dropped to 7.5 seconds. Koni shocks have been fitted at all four corners along with a custom set of wheels, and the exterior gets tarted up with a new carbon fiber front diffuser and graphics package. It's not quite as extreme as the MiTo GTA we saw in Geneva, but its further proof that the lil' hatch has plenty of potential if it ever makes it to U.S. shores.


Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce teased


[Source: Autoblog.nl]

REPORT: 180 HP Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce coming to AutoRAI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo mito veloceAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoVeloceautoraimitoveloceFri, 20 Mar 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Members Only: Alfa Romeo MiTo RIAR edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/members-only-alfa-romeo-mito-riar-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/members-only-alfa-romeo-mito-riar-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/15/members-only-alfa-romeo-mito-riar-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the RIAR edition Alfa MiTo in high resolution

Isn't it nice when automakers can give something back to their most loyal fans? Like Volkswagen, for example, which shows up every year to its enthusiast gathering in Wörthersee, Austria with a new surprise (like the Golf GTI W12 650 concept). Well Volkswagen may have snagged Alfa Romeo's CEO, but Alfa is taking something back from Volkswagen in launching the MiTo RIAR edition.

Made to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo, an international Alfa owners club with over 1,000 members, the RIAR edition MiTo takes on a decidedly sinister and low-key appearance. It's painted black, with black satin finish details instead of chrome and 17-inch anthracite-finish 8C-style rims hiding red brake calipers. Buyers can choose between black or burgundy leather, but the RIAR edition comes packed with all the options inside and out. Under the hood is a 170-hp version of the turbocharged four, and in honor of RIAR's 46th year of brand loyalty, Alfa will only offer 46 individually-numbered and personalized examples exclusively to RIAR members. This special edition proves that membership has its privileges; we wonder what they'll cook up for the club's 50th.

Gallery: Alfa MiTo RIAR edition


[Source: RIAR]

Continue reading Members Only: Alfa Romeo MiTo RIAR edition

Members Only: Alfa Romeo MiTo RIAR edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa mitoalfa mito riaralfa romeoAlfaMitoAlfaMitoRiarAlfaRomeomitoregistro italiano alfa romeoRegistroItalianoAlfaRomeoregistryriarThu, 15 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa MiTo GTA confirmed with 230hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/alfa-mito-gta-confirmed-with-230hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/alfa-mito-gta-confirmed-with-230hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/alfa-mito-gta-confirmed-with-230hp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Following earlier speculation, reports now confirm that Alfa Romeo will produce a high-performance version of its new MiTo hatchback that will wear the vaunted GTA badge. The nameplate was historically used on top-of-the-line performance-oriented Alfas, and will make a comeback with the range-topping MiTo.

Pictured above is a rendering of what the GTA could look like. Power will come from the company's 1750cc 230hp turbo four, with variable valve timing and direct injection. Little else is known at this point, but with 230hp, the MiTo GTA promises to leave the less powerful turbocharged 175hp MINI Cooper S behind in its tracks.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Mi.To

[Source: 4Car]

Alfa MiTo GTA confirmed with 230hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa mi.toalfa mi.to gtaalfa mitoalfa mito gtaalfa romeo mi.toalfa romeo mi.to gtaalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo mito gtaAlfaMi.toAlfaMi.toGtaAlfaMitoAlfaMitoGtaAlfaRomeoMi.toAlfaRomeoMi.toGtaAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoMitoGtami.tomitoTue, 24 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo MiTo could be first true MINI-killer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/rendered-speculation-alfa-romeo-mito-could-be-first-true-mini-k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/rendered-speculation-alfa-romeo-mito-could-be-first-true-mini-k/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/rendered-speculation-alfa-romeo-mito-could-be-first-true-mini-k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Mini is so 2006. VW's new Polo has yet to launch. Neither of those cars matter once you set eyes on the forthcoming hotness from Alfa Romeo. Alfa is coming back to the U.S. market, and while everyone's been ga-ga about the 8C Competizione, supercars just don't support the type of sales volume that Alfa is looking for. Dubbed the MiTo, Alfa's B-car might be the starter kit for the more aspirational supercars that the brand has to offer, but it's no less kickass when taken on its own. Alfa's styling will be new and fresh in the U.S., the brand having been absent from North American shores since the 1990s. There's a little retro in the nose as seen in these renderings from Winding Road, but it's not anywhere near the total homage to the 1960s that the Mini is.

What's underneath the sheetmetal that's alternately voluptuous and crisply creased is a versatile chassis developed before GM took their wad of cash home from Fiat. The MiTo actually shares its platform with the Opel Corsa and the Fiat Grande Punto, both of which have left favorable impressions with reviewers. Power units could run the gamut from a fire breathing turbocharged 1.4-liter gas unit to a 1.9-liter diesel, and a 2.0-liter that kicks out 280 horsepower is also a possibility if a Delta version comes to fruition. As excited as this news makes us, it's going to be a long wait until 2010.

[Source: Winding Road]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo MiTo could be first true MINI-killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa romeoalfa romeo mitoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoMitoamericancorsafiatmitonorth americaNorthAmericaopelpuntoromeousMon, 03 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST