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Monday, February 23, 2009
Don't be fooled by Alfa's "concept" moniker; the MiTo GTA that we'll be seeing at next week's Geneva Motor Show is the real thing and it will find its way into production. Set to rival Europe's hottest small cars like the 211HP MINI Cooper S JCW and the 197HP Renault Clio RS, the MiTo GTA is powered by Fiat's all-new, direct-injection, 1.75-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces a hefty 240-horsepower.
Justifying its GTA logo (Gran Turismo Alleggerito - light grand tourer ), Alfa's engineers have reduced the MiTo's weight by using carbon fiber on the tailgate spoiler, the roof and the mirror fairings and aluminum for the braking system, suspension and some parts of the chassis.
To enhance the MiTo's dynamic qualities, Alfa completely revised the operating parameters of the suspension, lowering it by about 20 mm and added a new "active suspension system" that stiffens the rear end by means of shock absorber control. The GTA also features a revised steering wheel system for a more direct and precise feeling as well as a new, lightweight braking system from Brembo.
The MiTo's looks have been beefed up with a functional bodykit that is said to improve the car's CX drag coefficient and increase downforce. Up front, the GTA gets a new bumper with two wide air intakes, a redesigned grille and a windscreen wiper deflector. From the side, the GTA stands out thanks to the 19-inch alloy wheels, blacked out side skirts and engine cooling air vents which bring to mind the 8C Competizione.
The sexiest part of the GTA in our opinion is its rear end that features a massive diffuser incorporating two large diameter exhaust pipes in the middle and a redesigned tailgate made from carbon fiber that incorporates an integral spoiler with a wing which is wider in the upper and side sections.
Inside, Alfa said that the MiTo GTA Concept gets a set of four sport seats with the 4-point seatbelts attached to the rear roll, dark leather trim and a new sport steering wheel.
