Autoblog

Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car

Noah Joseph — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, UK, Design/Style

Make no mistake about it, ladies and gentlemen: the era of the Art Car has returned, and it's returned in a big way. Not only has BMW been showcasing its own extensive collection with a special online gallery, Force India has commissioned the first Formula One art car. Need more proof? Tesla had its roadster worked over, Citroën gave its Survolt concept a new paintjob and numerous other automakers have gotten in on the action just in recent months.

The latest, however, is an Alfa Romeo. The Italian automaker commissioned acclaimed artist Louise Dear to apply her talents to the MiTo to celebrate the launch of its new, more economical 1.3 JDTM-2 engine. The finished product, dubbed "Because I can" was apparently inspired by Dear's 17-year-old daughter, and it incorporates classic Alfa iconography like the company's logo and the Cloverleaf emblem that adorned the marque's racing cars of old. Check out the decidedly flowery result in the high-res image gallery above, along with more details of the partnership in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car

Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London

Noah Joseph — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Alfa Romeo, UK

Man vs MiTo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pitting a car against a runner along busy city streets is something you'd expect to see on an episode of Top Gear. This time, however, it's Alfa Romeo that challenged athletes to a four-mile race through downtown London.

The contest pits Ivan Thomas, a 400-meter championship sprinter, against a 285-horsepower Alfa MiTo 1.3 JTDM driven by hurdle runner Andy Turner and navigated by long jumper Chris Tomlinson.

The race has already taken place, but Alfa hasn't announced the winner yet. It'll tease the results in a series of films while asking the British public to guess the outcome.

Those who guess correctly will be entered into a contest to win an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. Follow the jump for the details in the full press release and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London

Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo streamlines the MiTo range with new engines, trim

Noah Joseph — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, UK

2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ordering a new Alfa Romeo is a daunting task. Or at least, so we've come to understand. In the UK alone, the MiTo hatchback was available in no fewer than 17 different versions. Which you might expect of, say, a pickup truck with a choice of cabin sizes, bed lengths and drivetrain configurations. But the MiTo is the MiTo: it's a three-door hatchback with front-wheel drive. That's that.

So to make things a little easier, Alfa has streamlined the MiTo's catalog down to nine versions as part of a refreshed range. The entry level model has been rebranded as the Progression, the Turismo and Lusso trim levels have both been replaced by the Sprint, the Veloce by the Distinctive and the Cloverleaf by the Quadrifoglio Verde.

The engine range has likewise been revised, the new 78-horsepower 1.4 and 105-hp MultiAir 1.4 replacing the 95-hp engine and a new 1.3-liter JTDM-2 diesel eligible for emissions exemptions under overseas regulations. The top-of-the-line QV carries over the same 170-hp MultiAir 1.4, while the bronze metallic paint pictured above is new. Read more about the revised range in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo

Continue reading Alfa Romeo streamlines the MiTo range with new engines, trim

Alfa Romeo streamlines the MiTo range with new engines, trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa MiTo Touring Sport is more equal, less special than others

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, UK

Alfa Romeo MiTo Touring Sport - Click above for high-res images

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." George Orwell may have thought he was writing about the pitfalls of communism, but though he may not have known it, his words were eerily prophetic in the context of the auto industry. Take, for example, the latest special edition from Alfa Romeo.

Created specifically for the UK market, the MiTo Turismo Sport is another example of a special edition that's hardly any more special than the model it's based on. In fact, all it seems to do is limit selection - to three colors (black, white or red) and two engine options (gasoline or diesel, each producing a paltry 95 horsepower). What's "special" about it is that it bundles several popular options - alloys, cruise control, Blue&Me infotainment system, etc - into one package that sells at a value. So it's special, as long as you would have ordered yours within those parameters anyway, or don't mind limiting your choices.

All special editions are special, but some are more special than others. This particular example, then, is more the former than the latter. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Touring Sport

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa MiTo Touring Sport is more equal, less special than others

Alfa MiTo Touring Sport is more equal, less special than others originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian police hope to attract stares with Alfa MiTo cruiser

Noah Joseph — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Police/Emergency, Australia

NSW Police-spec Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for high-res image gallery

If your aim in choosing a new car is to get noticed, there's no shortage of attention-grabbing wheels to pick from, but few cars get noticed as quickly as a police cruiser. Sure, the flashing lights and blaring sirens might help, but not as much as the looming threat of being ticketed. Still, Australia's New South Wales police department seems to think it needs some help getting noticed.

That's precisely why Sydney-area law enforcement has taken delivery of an Alfa Romeo MiTo. Noticeably bereft of emergency lighting, the MiTo will be used for community outreach and safety awareness programs. Whether the wee Alfa will prove more effective in its assignment than a Hummer H3 or Holden Commodore remains to be seen, but it might help the authorities catch up with the next F1 champion who tries spinning donuts on city streets.

Gallery: Australian Police Alfa Romeo MiTo

[Source: Car Advice via eurocarblog]

Australian police hope to attract stares with Alfa MiTo cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa MiTo Kit-One from Magneti Marelli Elaborazione isn't the GTA

Noah Joseph — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Kit-One by Magneti Marelli Elaborazione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Upon reading his own obituary, Mark Twain once famously quipped, "The report of my death was an exaggeration." Turns out, with apologies to the famous poet, that the same could be said of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA. The project may or may not be dead, but what we can tell you for certain is the spy shots that surfaced a couple of weeks ago were not of the GTA.

What we were actually looking at is a tuning kit by Magneti Marelli. Those who recognize the name may know it as Fiat's electronics division and a major OEM supplier, which produces everything from ECUs to headlights. It worked with Ford and Microsoft on the development of the Sync and Blue&Me in-car computer systems, and developed the Kinetic Energy Recovery System for Ferrari. In fact, the company's scope reaches so far that they claim their parts are in just about every new car on the road today, wherever it's made. Now the company is launching its own tuning division called Magneti Marelli Elaborazioni. The MiTo spied - as astute commenter "adpb" pointed out - was actually their first product, called the Kit-One.

The modification package is comprised of stiffer springs than lower the car by 30 millimeters, the "Parco Chiuso" dual-exit exhaust system with bypass valve, 305mm Brembo disc brakes, a competition ECU good for an extra 31 horsepower, 18-inch matte black wheels and a rather divisive body kit made by Carrozzeria Castagna Milano (who you might remember for their Aznom Corvette and various Fiat 500s) of which only 200 sets will be made. Each item can be ordered separately, and the division has also got packages in the works for the Fiat 500 and Grande Punto. And with their new facility going up in Auburn Hills, Michigan, we wouldn't be entirely surprised to see them modifying Chryslers, Dodges and Jeeps in the near future. In the meantime you can check out the MiTo with the Kit-One in the gallery below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Kit-One by Magneti Marelli Elaborazione

[Source: Magnetti Marelli Elaborazioni]

Alfa MiTo Kit-One from Magneti Marelli Elaborazione isn't the GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

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

If you're dropping off a six-figure Italian exotic at the dealership for service, you expect to be loaned something special in return, right? That's why Fiat supplied Ferrari with a run of special-edition 500s for use in their European service network. (Heck, they even produced some for public consumption.) Now its classy kid sister is following suite with a special loaner car of its own.

Produced in a limited run of 100 units, these specially-prepared Alfa Romeo MiTos will be dispatched to Maserati dealers across Europe. Each is distinguished from the average MiTo by its Maserati Blu Oceano paint, special plaque on the center console and "Alfa Romeo for Maserati" sill plate. The special edition Alfa also comes equipped with top-of-the-range 170-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler, along with an interior decked out in sumptuous Pelle Frau leather and all the electronic bells and whistles on offer.

After Maserati gave Alfa the 8C Competizione, it's nice that Alfa - now under the same leadership as Maserati - can give a little something back. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network

Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Giulia coming to America sans MiTo, Milano?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Following the confirmation of Chrysler's tie-in with the Fiat group, images began swirling around our imaginations of the imminent arrival of Alfa Romeo models current and future. That may, according to reports emerging from Italy, prove a little premature. (It happens to lots of guys, we hear). Because while the itty-bitty Fiat 500 is anticipated to hit Chrysler dealers in the near future, the venture may leave the smaller Alfas behind.

A new Alfa Romeo flagship sedan to succeed the discontinued 166 is reportedly planned for North American production, and the Giulia sedan expected to replace the current 159 around 2012 is expected to be on offer Stateside as well. But if the latest reports prove accurate, the current MiTo and its upcoming five-door counterpart, the Milano, could be left back in the Old Country when the Italian family sails for America.

[Source: Motorionline via eurocarblog]

Alfa Giulia coming to America sans MiTo, Milano? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde packs Fiat's lucky charm

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - Click above for high-res image gallery

We usually close our posts by inviting you to check out our images, but this time we're starting here: Go into the gallery and have a look at the little green clover logo adorning the front fender of the new Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. You'll notice that the classic Alfa performance badge has received a slightly modern update, courtesy of some techy carbon fiber-style weave. Hardly the most important thing we've seen here in Frankfurt, but it tells a deeper story. Because while the MiTo QV draws its distinction from the company's deep racing history, it's the forward-thinking technology that sets it apart.

As we reported previously, Alfa is using the MiTo QV to introduce its latest development from Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The MultiAir engine uses advanced electronics and hydraulic actuators to regulate the amount of air being mixed with the gasoline inside the engine's four combustion chambers to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. And while the 170 horsepower on offer in the Quadrifoglio Verde may fall short of the 240-horsepower GTA in the pipeline, it is here right now, and best of all, the technology is coming to America as part of Fiat's partnership with Chrysler... with or without Alfa's lucky four-leaf clover.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde packs Fiat's lucky charm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde MultiAir - Click above for high-res image gallery

The four-leaf clover means different things to different people. It's a national icon for the Irish, and a good luck charm to Sunday strollers. But to Alfa Romeo fanatics, it's the emblem of the very best Italy has to offer.

The icon has been used on various high-performance Alfas throughout the company's history, and most recently appeared on special editions of the Spider, GT and 147. Now Alfa's brought it back again for this special MiTo. The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde showcases the Italian automaker's latest MultiAir engine - a 1.4-liter, 170hp version in this case - which replaces the throttle plane with electronically-controlled electrohydraulic actuators to optimizes airflow in each cylinder's combustion chamber. Coupled with a new six-speed gearbox, the Quadrifoglio is capable of accelerating to 60 in seven seconds while returning nearly 50 miles to the gallon on the autostrada.

And to set it apart from ordinary MiTos, the Quadrifoglio Verde also features 17-inch wheels, mirror housings and more in dark satin, with a black interior and white instruments, and of course the requisite four-leaf clover emblems. Check it out in the gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt

Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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.

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Alfa MiTo Veloce debuts at AutoRAI Amsterdam

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo Veloce - Click above to view in high resolution

The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month certainly looked the business, but unfortunately, it's only a concept car -- for now. Alfa says they'll have it on the market soon, but in the meantime the Italian automaker unveiled another hot version of the premium sport hatch at the AutoRAI show in Amsterdam, Holland.

Although some details and teaser shots surfaced before the show kicked off, the Fiat group didn't release any new information on its latest sporty MiTo, so all we have to go on are reports circulating the interwebs. This is what we know: it's called the Veloce, and slots in between the current 155hp 1.4-liter turbo of the fully-spec'ed standard MiTo and the 240hp GTA with a 180 horsepower turbo four. It's also packing beefier brakes, a revised suspension, and an upgraded body kit including a front splitter, rear wing and side skits, plus big powder-coated white rims with matching white mirror caps and detailing. Sport seats and aluminum pedals round out the package on the inside, but until Alfa gets some official info out there, that's all we got.

Gallery: Alfa MiTo Veloce at AutoRAI 2009

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Alfa MiTo Veloce debuts at AutoRAI Amsterdam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

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]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Members Only: Alfa Romeo MiTo RIAR edition

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

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.

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North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, First Drives, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Alfa MiTo

It's Saturday night and I'm out on the town. My friend - like half of the guys in the room - is eyeing the pretty blond across the bar, but at least he knows he doesn't have to worry about competition from my corner. Because there's a smolderingly hot redhead sitting across the room, and she's stolen all of my attention. Objectively I'd have to admit the blond is the better choice, but there's just something about those fiery crimson locks that make short order of blocking out everything else. It's something that - while I've never been officially part of the club myself - I suspect I share with Alfa Romeo owners around the world.

For decades Alfa Romeo has been coasting by on its image and heritage. Buying an Alfa has long been an irrational choice, motivated by the subjective longing for that indefinable x-factor despite their many objective dynamic flaws. With the new Alfa MiTo, however, that era draws to a close. The MiTo demands no excuses and, drenched though it is with that charm that only ~~redheads~~ Alfas do best, the MiTo doesn't ask that you ignore its flaws because countless manhours have gone into making sure they've been eliminated.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

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North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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