Alfa Romeo has confirmed the much-heralded GTA version of its ‘mini’ MiTo will pack a mighty punch – 240bhp in a sporty-looking set-up that’s been significantly massaged to optimise the power-to-weight ratio.
According to information released today, the MiTo GTA due to be presented next week at the Geneva show in ‘concept’ form, will boast a 1.8 litre engine with direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management. The new petrol engine has been developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, and Alfa says it exploits the experience gained in the production of Twin Spark and Alfa V6 road and race engines.
Its claimed output of 240bhp should be enough to put the frighteners on the Mini John Cooper Works, especially with a predicted price advantage of £2000 when the production MiTo GTA hits showrooms later this year.
The GTA’s signature acronym stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerito - or lightweight grand tourer – and Alfa’s new pocket rocket boasts a number of weight-saving initiatives. These include the use of carbon fibre roof and tailgate spoilers, as well as mirror housings, but perhaps more significantly aluminium has been used extensively in the braking system, suspension and parts of the chassis.
The entire car has been lowered 20mm, while new front suspension geometry employs aluminium leading arms and the rear suspension has all-new bushings. The chassis also features an active suspension system designed to counteract the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end to maximise traction.
There are no performance claims as yet, but could Alfa’s new MiTo GTA be the car to finally kick the Mini Cooper off its performance pedestal? Who knows, but it looks as though it’s going to be fun finding out!