Ralph Bossino

As the owner of an Alfa Romeo myself, albeit a 1.6L 147, you realise the true beauty of their cars and the indescribable feeling of magic you get when driving one. Now they have gone one step further, officially debuting the MiTo GTA at the Geneva Auto Show.

The priorities of the Alfa engineers were reducing the overall weight of the car and extracting large amounts of power out of a small engine, achieving an excellent power-to-weight ratio.

The weight was dealt with by the use of ultra light carbon fiber pieces, including the roof, the mirrors and the tailgate spoiler as well as the use of aluminium for the braking system, suspension and parts of the chassis.

The MiTo GTA sports a 1.75L turbocharged 4 cyliner engine, pumping out a huge 240hp (performance figures comparable with a 3L), all while consumption is maintained at moderate levels of a typical 4 cyliner engine. No performance figures have been released as of yet but judging from the lightweight build and the power they should be very promising. Alfa have also designed the engine to work with the Alfa D.N.A system, which allows the driver to select from different driving modes, modifying the operating parameters therefore enhancing driving pleasure and safety.

In order to put the power down the MiTo GTA comes with ultralight forged 19″ aluminium rims, designed to increase airflow to the brakes, guaranteeing maximum efficiency.

Alfa have also worked hard with the aerodynamics of the car, reducing the drag coefficient to increase maximum speed and reduce fuel consumption, increasing downforce to ensure stability at high speeds and efficient airflow management to keep the engine cool. They have even gone to the extent of fitting a windscreen wiper deflector, further improving aerodynamics (can be seen below).

The MiTo GTA concept sports an agressive body kit, with the large front vents, through to the 8C styled fender vents to the aggressive rear diffuser with intergrated exhausts.

And the theme continued in the interior

Overall I think it is a great looking Alfa packed with a punch. It may very well take top spot in the ‘Hot Hatch’ battle.