Autoblog

REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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

REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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

Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA concept

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept

There are pie-in-the-sky concept cars and then there are coming-to-a-showroom-near-you concept cars. The Alfa MiTo GTA is the latter, and from what we've seen that's a good thing, especially as Fiat's new partnership with Chrysler may herald Alfa Romeo's return to North America at long last. Although Alfa is billing the MiTo GTA unveiled here at the Geneva Motor Show as a concept, company spokesmen say it should hit production later this year. And when it does, the 230-hp turbo four - displayed separately on Alfa's show stand - should stay, but we'd expect the racing buckets with rear-anchored harnesses to give way to four seats. The jury's still out on the carbon-fiber body panels and tarmac-chomping front air dam and rear diffuser, but so far we like what we see. The folks at Renaultsport and John Cooper Works have cause to feel otherwise, but we'll let you make up your own mind after viewing the photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa MiTo GTA

Alfa's finally pulled the covers off the MiTo GTA, releasing a full set of specifications and a few new images of the hottest of hot hatches just ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show late next week. While the standard-grade MiTo is definitely a looker, the Italian automaker has added a major dose of sportiness by way of a 90-horsepower injection, handily passing the MINI John Cooper Works edition along the way. To go along with the added zip, Alfa's engineers have reduced the weight of the car through the use of carbon fiber for the roof, tailgate spoiler and mirror housings, along with aluminum replacements for many chassis and suspension parts.

The engine displaces just 1.8 liters, but an impressive 240 horsepower is extracted via turbocharging, direct-injection and variable valve-timing. Underneath the slinky skin are chassis modifications that lower the ride height by 20 millimeters, along with an "active suspension" and variable steering geometry that makes up the Alfa D.N.A. system, allowing the driver to tailor the car's feel to their specific preferences. Inside, unique anatomical seats with four-point seatbelts attached to the rear roll bar keep the driver secured and matte black surfaces are meant to limit distractions while racing around the track. There's plenty of additional details in the press release after the break, and be sure to check out our coverage next week from Geneva for live shots.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king

Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alfa Romeo teases MiTo GTA ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above to view the Alfa MiTo GTA engine teaser sketches

Alfa Romeo has been pretty tight-lipped about the MiTo GTA in the lead-up to its unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but in addition to a couple of engine sketches, it's finally released a full-on teaser of the new hot hatch. The styling continues to draw inspiration from the 8C Competizione, incorporating a few more elements of the supercar into the three-door's front fascia, and the revised stance and upgraded wheels give it a considerably more sporting appearance.

With around 240 hp coming from the 1.8-liter turbocharged four, the MiTo GTA promises to offer a compelling alternative to the MINI Cooper JCW at a competitive price and with Alfa's trademark Italian flair. Stay tuned as Swiss time is running out before the doors open at the Geneva Palexpo next month.

Gallery: Alfa MiTo GTA teasers

[Source: Alfa MiTo Blog, Alfa Blog]

Alfa Romeo teases MiTo GTA ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watch out, John Cooper: Alfa MiTo GTA to bow in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the Alfa MiTo

The Alfa MiTo will finally get the punch to match its 8C Competizione styling when Alfa Romeo unveils the highly anticipated MiTo GTA at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. And the guys over at MINI's John Cooper Works had better pay attention.

According to emerging reports, the MiTo GTA will offer more power for less cash, deriving 240 horsepower - 31 more than the JCW and 90 more than the current strongest MiTo - from its 1.8-liter turbocharged four, with a sticker price some £2000 less than the JCW. The MiTo GTA will also retain Alfa's trick Q2 electronic differential to get the power down to the ground, while benefiting from more aggressive styling touches including sharpened lines, blistered wheel arches to house the bigger rims and possible some two-tone color options for a racier look. Sources also suggest Alfa could cut weight down by using aluminum and carbon fiber body panels. The deal is further sweetened by the prospect, given the Fiat group's new partnership with Chrysler, that the MiTo GTA could make it Stateside, so stay tuned. In the meantime you can check out the galleries below from our first drive of the MiTo in Italy.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

Gallery: Alfa MiTo - Centro Internazionale Guida Sicura

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Watch out, John Cooper: Alfa MiTo GTA to bow in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New details on Audi S1 emerge

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Image removed at owner's request.

Auto Express got the inside dope on the upcoming Audi S1, and the the compact hatch has its sights set on the MINI Cooper JCW, Fiat 500 Abarth SS, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA and Volvo C30. Based on the new Audi A1, the S1 will feature a cranked up version of VW/Audi's Twincharger 1.4L TSI four tweaked to produce 200 hp and 221 ft-lb of torque. Power might be down compared to the S1's competitors, but expect the three-door to hold its own with a rear-biased quattro setup, a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox and a lowered and stiffened suspension that might feature Audi's magnetic dampers. AE is projecting a 0-60 time of around six seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The car should look as good as it moves, with styling that apes the metroproject quattro we saw in Tokyo last year. Expect an aggressive bodykit, 19-inch alloys, roof spoiler, and chrome accents. Inside, you'll find a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and aluminum pedals, along with a version of Audi's mobile electronic device. The dash-mounted Audi iPhone-alternative can actually control some of the car's systems remotely, but we wouldn't be surprised if the system doesn't make it to production for at least another two years. The baby S3 won't be is cheap, so expect the S1 to start at almost double the A1's £13,000 starting price when sales begin abroad next year.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S1 rendering

[Source: Auto Express]

New details on Audi S1 emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Alfa MiTo GTA confirmed with 230hp

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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

Rendered Speculation: Alfa MiTo GTA

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Rendered Speculation

When Alfa Romeo revealed the engine line-up for the new MiTo hatchback, at the top of the list sat a turbocharged 1.8-liter four producing 230 horsepower. The notion of the punchy turbo sitting in the sumptuous little package set of a rash of speculation that the range-topper would warrant the application of Alfa's stoic GTA badge. Those rumors have now been rendered by Projetto955 into the image you see above, portraying what an Alfa MiTo GTA might look like. It's boiling over with go-fast features including jumbo wheels housed in bulging arches and connected by contoured side sills, with a big black lip spoiler jutting out the front and fender vents fore and aft to provide extra cooling for the added goin' and stoppin' power. While it has yet to be confirmed that the top of the range MiTo will indeed be a GTA, if it does, it's likely to look something like this.

[Source: Projetto955 via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa MiTo GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments