The 2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA
Alfa Romeo is to debut a high-performance version of its new MiTo hatchback, the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA in March at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The base Alfa Romeo MiTo, with its 8C Competizione styling is powered by a 1.4-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with ‘overboost’ feature that produces a maximum of 153 bhp and 169 lb ft of torque. However, the MiTo GTA will be powered by a 1.8-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing and direct injection that produces a maximum of 230 bhp and 169 lb ft of torque, which according to Luca De Meo, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, makes the MiTo GTA will be the fastest car in its class! And it’s not hard to see why, only the 211 bhp Mini Cooper S JCW come close in terms of power, while the 197 bhp Renault Clio RS and the 192 bhp Opel Corsa OPC are a long way off!
In the MiTo GTA, power will be transferred to the front wheels via Alfa Romeo’s Q2 electronic limited-slip differential system that provides better traction and improved handling. The 230 bhp MiTo GTA should be able to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under 6 ½ seconds and is expected to make its way to the show room floors in Europe by the end of 2009. And given the Fiat group’s new partnership with Chrysler, the MiTo GTA may be coming to North America!
Tags: Alfa MiTo, Alfa MiTo GTA, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, Geneva Motor Show, hot hatches, new cars, performance cars, turbo cars