Autoblog

Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, UK

As the official safety car of the World Superbike motorcycle racing series, it's a little odd that Alfa Romeo decided to publicize its Mito SBK by performing what appears to be a rather dangerous stunt. Odd... but awesome.

Officially known as the limited edition Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK, the four-wheeler was driven by professional stunt driver Paul Swift at the Silverstone Circuit in Britain. Joining Swift was Chris "The Stalker" Walker on his Kawasaki Ninja, the two-wheeler that normally sees duty in the British Superbike class.

Despite being an even two minutes long, the entire video really only consists of this single stunt. At least it's one really good stunt. See for yourself by watching the video down below.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"

Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch a stunt driver pop 2,500 water balloons with an Alfa Romeo Mito

Zach Bowman — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo test driver Terry Grant has picked up a few records in his day. The hot shoe has picked up a total of 19 world records during his time behind the wheel, and now he can add one more: Grant has taken to the Alfa Romeo Mito to become the man to pop the most water balloons using a vehicle. The Italian automaker crafted a massive version of its iconic logo from a staggering 2,500 balloons and then unleashed Grant on the finished product in a Mito Quadrifoglio Verde. Fortunately Alfa fans, the company trained more than a few lenses on the stunt for some excellent slow-motion action.

Pointless? Probably, but we're never ones to shun a video of an attractive European hatchback sliding around on a skid pad in slow motion. Of course, seeing all those water balloons makes us miss summer in a powerful way. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself, as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Watch a stunt driver pop 2,500 water balloons with an Alfa Romeo Mito

Watch a stunt driver pop 2,500 water balloons with an Alfa Romeo Mito originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exec confirms Alfa Romeo American comeback delayed

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Back in April, we told you about rumblings that Alfa Romeo's triumphant return to the U.S. was pushed from Fall 2012 to sometime in 2013. Back then, the issues were related to styling, but now it looks like the European debt crisis may have more to do with the delays.

Automotive News reports that Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester told a group of financial analysts at the Frankfurt Motor Show that Fiat was scaling back its global expansion plans, with several models coming later than expected. The new plan calls for the low volume 4C (above) to come mid-2013, followed by the redesigned MiTo later in 2013. The original plan to re-introduce the Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. also included plans for a mid-size SUV to be built at Chrysler's Toledo plant, but that vehicle has reportedly been canceled altogether.

Fiat's announcement comes one day after CEO Sergio Marchionne cited a dire outlook of the European debt crisis as a reason for the automaker to rethink some of its product launches. This isn't good news for anyone waiting patiently for the Alfa brand to head back to the U.S., but the bigger news could be that future Chrysler product could be delayed as well. After all, Fiat plans to merge its platforms and technology with future Chrysler models, and that can't happen quickly if launches are being delayed.

Exec confirms Alfa Romeo American comeback delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:01:00 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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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo testing GTA versions of 8C, MiTo for centenary launch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

You didn't think Alfa Romeo was done celebrating its centenary already, did you? The 100-year-old Italian automaker kicked off the festivities by launching the new Giulietta hatchback, then teamed up with three of Italy's hottest coachbuilders - Bertone, Pininfarina and Zagato - for a trio of mouthwatering concepts. But the party's just started, people.

Next up, if these spy shots and emerging reports are anything to go by, is the return of the GTA. Shorthand for Gran Turismo Allegerito (that's lightweight GT to us yanks), the nameplate has adorned some of the fastest Alfas to date, and is about to return on two highly anticipated sports models.

The most enticing is surely the 8C GTA: Based on the sumptuous 8C Competizione, the GTA version is tipped to gain a 50-horsepower boost from its 4.7-liter V8 to bring output up to 500, unburdened by 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of excess weight trimmed by the use of carbon fiber. Reported improvements to the six-speed sequential transmission and suspension upgrades surely won't hurt, either, with an expected 100-example production run. The 8C GTA was rumored way back in 2008, but was recently spied undergoing testing in its native Italy.

Joining its big brother, the baby MiTo GTA was previewed in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, but was subsequently put on the back burner. Which was a real shame, considering its 240-horse turbo four and sport-tuned chassis. But if the latest spy shots are any indication, it looks like the program has been put into high gear. 2010 is quickly shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Alfa's history, and if its return to North American shores comes to fruition as planned, we just might have reason to celebrate, too.

[Source: Unica-Strada]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo testing GTA versions of 8C, MiTo for centenary launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 14:32:00 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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2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition to be released in Japan

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST

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

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.

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Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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.

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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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REPORT: 180 HP Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce coming to AutoRAI

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:58:00 EST

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

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.

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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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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.

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Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo MiTo could be first true MINI-killer

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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.

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