Alfa MiTo GTA Concept Officially Revealed

So many concepts come to us as an inspiration, they tease us, leave us wanting more and then don't ever make it to production because the automaker's bean counters say it won't pay off.

Depending on your tastes, and on what Alfa decides to do with this concept, this may be one of those cars. The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept will be making its debut at the Geneva auto show next week.

One may have their gripes about Alfa Romeo, but the Italian automaker doesn't slap labels such as the GTA on its models lightly. The GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito - that last word meaning "lightened") signature carries with it a lot of history and so Alfa Romeo has seen fit to power this car with a 1.8 liter engine.

What? Only a 1.8 liter? Yes, but one that comes with lots of peperoncino.

Engineered by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and making use of know-how from Twin Spark and the Alfa V6 engine designs, this cuddly little 1.8 liter churns out a remarkable 240 hp. That figure is achieved with an advanced combination of turbocharging, direct injection, dual variable valve timing and an electronic engine management system.

The MiTo GTA also loses weight by way of carbon fiber body panels such as the roof and mirror fairing and the rear spoiler. Aluminum is used in the suspension, chassis and brakes, all contributing to a vastly improved power-to-weight ratio.

Handling is also bettered by a new superior suspension system that lowers the car by 20 mm and works with the brakes and steering to create the most efficient driving dynamic. The new chassis features advanced damper control as an active suspension, which balances the load transfers during acceleration, tightening the suspension at the back to improve traction.

This high performance concept version of the MiTo sounds impressive. Now, you can hope that Alfa Romeo actually produces the car and confirms that impression with performance on the road.

Press Release

A high performance concept of the new Alfa MiTo, the Alfa MiTo GTA, will be starring at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show in early March.

In line with the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the MiTo GTA Concept prioritises weight reduction, and the achievement of an optimum power-to-weight ratio.

Considerable work has gone into lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity; thus certain components such as the tailgate spoiler, roof and mirror fairings are in carbon-fibre; while aluminium is used extensively in the braking system, suspension, and some parts of the chassis.

Under the bonnet, an exciting new petrol engine, very much in keeping with the pre-requisites of downsizing, environmental awareness, and the offer of high power and efficiency in return for low weight and optimised packaging, powers the new GTA Concept.

Designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and exploiting the vast experience gained in the production of Twin Spark and Alfa V6 road and race engines, the compact new petrol engine employs advanced technical solutions including direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems to produce a remarkable 240bhp from just 1742cc.

Under-floor aerodynamics have been a particular concern, while the entire car has been lowered by some 20mm. Front suspension employs new geometry with aluminium leading arms, while the rear suspension has all-new bushings, and the comprehensively revised chassis boasts an ‘active’ suspension system, (advanced damper control), which counteracts the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end and maximising traction. The suspension also interacts with the braking system and steering to obtain the most efficient control of vehicle dynamics, while a ‘Sky-Hook’ function ensures an excellent level of passenger comfort under conditions of everyday use.