Alfa Romeo going to the USA

Alfa Romeo is going back to the US for the first time in almost 20 yearsWith the dust now starting to settle on Chrysler’s move in to the hands of Fiat, more detail is starting to emerge on exactly what the US will get in the way of Fiat products.

We already know that the only Fiat making its way to the US is the Fiat 500, but it now looks as if a big chunk of the Alfa Romeo range will make the journey too.

Sergio Marchionne, Fiat’s boss and the new head of Chrysler, has been working on rationalising Chrysler’s management and working out the best way forward. As mentioned, only the Fiat 500 will be offered for sale in America (and probably built in Mexico), with Fiat platforms being used to build new Chryslers that will be designed and built in the States.

Fiat already has a presence at the top end of the market in the States with Ferrari and Maserati, but it now seems clear that they will be launching Alfa Romeo back in to the States for the first time in almost 20 years, to take on the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

How well that will work remains to be seen. Alfas do not have the best reputation for reliability, although they are glorious to look at and (usually) to drive. But the new Alfa Romeo MiTo is, so far, proving not only to be reliable but to be holding its value with the best, which might signal a shift in the build quality of Alfas as a whole.

Be interesting to see how the Americans take to Alfa Romeo. There will no doubt be a small section of petrol heads who can’t wait to get their hands on an Alfa Romeo, but there are probably enough younger, style-conscious buyers who will be tempted by the glory that is Alfa Romeo.

2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Review

A review of the new Alfa Romeo MiTo, Alfa’s first offering in the competitive Super Mini sector since the Alfasud.A new Alfa Romeo is always an event. We don’t feel as strongly about Alfas as the TG crew (you can be a real petrol-head without ever having owned an Alfa) but we certainly understand the sentiment.

Alfas havealways had a certain something. Many would call it soul, and that’s probably a good description. There is so much that brings joy to a car lover in an Alfa. Gorgeous lines; beautiful engines; wonderful detail touches, and of course a real sense of heritage.

But these sentiments are not enough to make most people buy a car, particularly at the moment with the world in financial turmoil, so Alfa Romeo needs to bring more to the party than soul and style.

The new MiTo has a good lineage – back to the Alfasud. The Alfasud was a joy to drive, but it fell apart before your eyes. That doesn’t look to be an issue with modern Alfas, but how does it stack up against its rivals?

Based on the underpinnings of the Fiat Grande Punto (which is not a bad start) its styling echoes the achingly beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (although we’re not trying to tell you that this pint-sized Alfa is in an way a supercar!), and there is no doubt that this is an Alfa through and through, despite its shared components (and its name, which was chosen by the winner of a German Car Magazine competition!).

Quality and Comfort

Sadly, quality has never been an Alfa strong point. To make matters worse, their dealer network is pretty poor, despite ongoing claims by Alfa that the problems are being sorted. Still, if the car is reliable, and the service intervals longs (18,000 miles for the MiTo) then they can get away with a less than glowing service network.

The MiTo does seem to be pretty well bolted together. The panel fit is good, and the plastics in the interior look and feel to be quality.

Good quality Alfa Romeo MiTo cabin

A whole raft of electronic gizmos control much of the Alfa’s ride and handling, from its DNA System, which can be selected as Normal, All-Weather or Dynamic (and does a very good job of setting the car up for the purpose you want), stability control, computerised brake-force distribution and an electronic diff. It all sounds great, and works well, but Italians and electrics….

But if it all keeps working, the Alfa Romeo MiTo is a nice place to be. Alfa thinks one of its big targets are down-sizers, and if that’s the case they will appreciate some of the thought that’s gone in to the interior.

Noise levels are very well controlled and the optional leather seats could easily grace a much more expensive car without looking out of place. The boot is a bit thin and high, and the seats don’t fold down fully, but you can get a reasonable amount of stuff in – just not easily. The front is a good place to be, but the back is cramped – nowhere near as roomy as others in this class – and headroom is at a premium.

But even the entry-level Turismo gets AirCon and the DNA System, and you get more toys as you go up the range to the Lusso and Veloce. There’s a good range of options including Bose, Climate and a Panoramic roof, plus a choice of 10 colours. You can make this Alfa very special – if you’re prepared to spend.

On the Road

This is where you would expect a small Alfa, with the lineage of the Alfasud, to excel, and it really doesn’t disappoint too much.

The electronic stuff works very well, on the whole. The DNA System in particular wakes the car up with a big shot of Red Bull if you select Dynamic. It’s one of the best systems we’ve come across, particularly in a car at this price.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo has great driving dynamics

The DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) should be good but Alfa hasn’t quite got it right (has anyone?). Its aim is to control the steering and mitigate the effects of torque-steer. But it feels too vague. Too much interference. The car feels too light at the nose, and its hard to know where you’re pointing.

But the brakes are very good (remarkably good) and the MiTo is a very well balanced car. It feels like it has a low centre of gravity, and its clever suspension (aided by all the gizmos) flatters your driving and almost eliminates body roll. A good set-up.

Power and performance vary across the range, from a fairly pedestrian performance in the diesels to a pretty good charge (0-60 in 8 seconds and 135mph) in the 1.4 petrol turbo. But they are all, on balance, good to drive. But the steering does take some getting used to, if you ever do.

Running Costs

You will pay more for a MiTo than a lot of its competition. But as long as the reliability is good, it should hold its value well. There is a lot of equipment in even the standard spec, but if you start to load the MiTo with big chunks from the options list you will never see your money back (although it will make it easier to sell!).

Even the 1.4 Turbo MiTo does 43mpg

And as a good alternative to something like a Fiat 500 (which is a bit too cutesy) and the Mini (which is just too common now) the MiTo could well end up being a very desirable car both new and used, so values should stay high (not something you get very often with an Alfa).

Pick of the bunch is the 1.4 Petrol Turbo, which will still give you 43.5mpg and emissions of 155g/km (the non-turbo version only manages a couple of mpg better, so as long as you’re not too heavy footed all the time you won’t see much difference in fuel costs).

There’s a 1.25 Diesel option and a 1.6 JTD, both of which are more economical than the petrol versions if you’re looking for out and out economy.

Verdict

In many ways, this is Alfa Romeo’s best car for a very long time. It is pretty well bolted together, very stylish and has more kudos than most cars in this sector.

The performance and handling across the range are good (very good in the 1.4 Turbo), and the standard equipment, even on the Turismo, is enough to keep most drivers happy.

The only caveats are the steering and the long-term reliability. There is so much dependence on the electronics to make the MiTo what its is, that if they start to be temperamental then the MiTo is in trouble. But let’s give it the benefit of the doubt. They work very well and make the MiTo a very strong contender.

I’m sure with time you would get used to the steering. It just has very little feel, and feels ‘dis-connected’. But it’s a fairly minor gripe overall.

On balance, this is potentially one of the best cars in its sector. If you love cars, and can ignore a few foibles, then you won’t be disappointed by the MiTo. In fact, you’ll relish it. But if you’re looking for staid and predictable, look elsewhere.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept 2009 – more details

The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept - a great looking carA few days ago we brought you a bit of meat to add to the bones of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept, which is the Hot version of the hugely successful MiTo range. Well now Alfa Romeo has given us even more meat, and some extra images, to tease and tantalise.

Based on the standard MiTo, the GTA is a lowered and sorted version sporting the legendary GTA badge (Gran Turismo Alleggerito), which means a powerful and light (as in Superleggera) version.

The engine in the MiTo GTA is just 1749cc, but Alfa has managed to squeeze 240bhp out of it, with a combination of variable valve timing, direct injection and some pretty powerful turbos, coupled with a fair but of electronic wizardry. Alfa is claiming that this will give the GTA not only great performance, but low emissions and good mpg.

Helping on the economy front is the weight reduction on the MiTo GTA, including carbon fibre for the spoiler, mirror housings and roof, and extensive use of aluminium throughout the GTA’s body and components. No word from Alfa on exactly what the weight reduction is, but is should be significant.

Alfa are making big play of the underfloor aerodynamic achievements on the MiTo GTA,. together with new suspension geometry, and a 20mm lowering, which should offer great handling. The standard Alfa Romeo MiTo has great handling (and some pretty clever electronics) to keep it in shape, and Alfa are promising that the GTA will be even better without sacrificing ride comfort. Neat trick if they pull it off.

The MiTo GTA is not that far away from production, despite the ‘Concept’ tag, so if you’re about to buy a MINI JCW or a Renaultsport Megane, I would wait and see, if I were you!

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA – some proper details

I know, we do keep moaning about car makers playing tease in the run-up to a car launch. And Alfa has been playing the game recently on the MiTo GTA, releasing a couple of pointless shots of the upcoming MiTo GTA (another Geneva launch). So pointless were they that we didn’t bother with them, but now we have a proper image it’s definitely worth a show.

The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA is Alfa’s answer to the Mini Cooper JCW – a top of the range, extra powerful car sporting a legendary badge. And it does look like its will be a corker.

The standard trim MiTos are exceptionally good cars, as we noted in our recent review, and this looks set to carry forward the mantle to the proper performance end. Offering a not insignificant 240bhp, its performance should be exceptional, and thanks to a very clever diff, extremely usable.

Carrying over even more styling cues from the achingly beautiful 8C Competizione, the new GTA certainly scores on the looks front. And with prices undercutting the Mini JCW, and residuals on the MiTo range better or equal to those of the Mini, Alfa Romeo could find that the MiTo, and the GTA in particular, flies out of the showrooms.

Alfa Romeo MiTo to get MultiAir

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo gets MultiAir technology from SeptemberWe seriously rate the Alfa Romeo Mito, and were very impressed when we did a Review of the Alfa Romeo Mito a few months ago. As far as we’re concerned it offers one of the most appealing packages in its class, and it is huge fun to drive. Our one reservation was the build quality, but there seem to have been no reports of problems in this area, and the residuals for the Alfa Romeo MiTo are about the best in class.

So it’s good to see that Alfa Romeo are pushing things on with the MiTo (but we’re still waiting for the MiTo GTA!) and have announced that they are to fit MultiAir technology to the MiTo’s 1.4 litre petrol engine from September.

MultiAir is a Fiat patented technology that inproves performance and torque whilst reducing emissions and improving economy. Very hard to argue against something that gives more for less. MultiAir works by improving combustion and engine management, and in the MiTo it will improve power by 10% and torque by 15%, and at the same time reduce CO2 emissions by 10% and improve economy by the same margin.

The MultiAir 1.4 litre will be able in three flavours – 105bhp, 125bhp and 170bhp – with the most powerful version available only on a new model, the Quadrifoglio Verde MiTo – literally ‘Green Four-Leaf Clover – which Alfa Aficionados may remember as the emblem on Alfa’s Racing Logo.

Now if Alfa could just get the MiTo GTA out and about we’d be happy bunnies

Alfa Romeo Milano – spy photo

The new Alfa Romeo Milano - snapped on a mobile 'phone and posted on FacebookWe don’t make a habit of running every spy shot that crosses our desks, as frankly half of them don’t tell you a thing. But now and again – just like the photo of the new Grand Bentley

the other day – you really do get to see what the car is like ahead of the crowd.

And that’s the case with this picture of the new Alfa Romeo Milano, which has surfaced on the Interweb (on Facebook – I wonder if it was taken by the wife of the head of MI6?!) and lets you see just what the new Alfa Romeo Milano will look like.

Obviously taken on a ‘phone, the quality isn’t great, but there’s more than enough detail to see what the car will offer. Taking design cues from the Alfa Romeo 8C (which did the Goodwood Hillclimb at the weekend), the Milano is more than a little reminiscent of the cracking Alfa super mini – the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The Alfa Milano seems a little lower and wider than the Alfa 147 it is designed to replace, and it’s based on Fiat’s C-Evo platform. That same platform will underpin a number of new Chrysler models, including the new Chrysler Sebring.

When it launches, the Alfa Milano is expected to come with Alfa’s range of MultiAir engines, AMT dual-clutch transmission and have a four wheel drive option.

The Alfa Romeo Milano is expected to show before the end of the year and be in showrooms in early 2010. And it’s nice to see Alfa Romeo reverting to names instead of numbers to denote its model range.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider at Goodwood – Alfa Romeo Goodwood News

Alfa Romeo are running the Alfa 8C Spider up the Hillclimb at GoodwoodThere are a number of notable anniversaries to celebrate at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, including Mini’s 50th, the 100th of Bugatti, Audi and Morgan and Frank Williams’ 40th in F1. But Alfa Romeo aren’t going to be left out even if their anniversary doesn’t end in a ’0′. They’re celebrating their 99th birthday by coming to Goodwood with the first Alfa Romeo 8C Spider to be seen in the UK, together with a bunch of classic cars to titillate visitors.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is the convertible version of the limited run Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and features a 4.7 litre V8 producing 450bhp. In truth the coupe version looked a lot better than it drove but, being an Alfa, its looks redeemed it. And the 8C Spider is a cracking looking car. But we’ll be able to see just what it’s made of as Alfa are taking the 8C up the Hillclimb over the weekend.

Alfa 6C 300 CM will be at Goodwood

Also on offer from Alfa Romeo are a 1924 P2 Gran Premio which won the first World Championship in 1925 driven by Gastone Brilli-Peri; the 8C 2300 tipo Le Mans which was purchased by Sir Henry Birkin in 1931; the 6C 3000 CM driven to second place by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1953 Mille Miglia and the 33 TT 12 which brought the 1975 World Manufacturer’s title to Alfa Romeo.

Alfa will have both the Competizione and Spider Version of the 8C on its Goodwood stand, together with a selection of current models.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009 starts tomorrow (3rd July) and runs until Sunday.

Alfa Romeo MiTo – the Americans won’t get it

Alfa Romeo boss Sergio Cravero says the MiTo won't be going to the USSo the Americans won’t get the Alfa Romeo MiTo. At least not yet.

We reported recently that Alfa Romeo is to make a comeback in the US after a 20 year absence. Which of course makes perfect sense now that Fiat are calling the shots at Chrysler. But it appears that Alfa Romeo will be concentrating on bigger offerings – such as the Alfa Romeo Milano – rather than homologating it successful MINI bashing Alfa MiTo. According to Alfa boss, America is not ready for the MiTo. He thinks that the volumes possible – less than 20k – would make the cost of the operation too much to justify.

Which does seem odd logic to us. Surely MINI has shown that Americans – at least a chunk of them – have sophisticated enough tastes in cars to relish a small, well-equipped car like the MiTo. Apart from BMW’s success with MINI, the motoring press and the testers of the Ford Fiesta are quickly realising that around town it’s hard to beat a super-mini.

We can certainly understand Alfa wanting to play safe with its relaunch in to the US. But there’s playing safe and being blind. To say that the MiTo won’t sell enough in the US is, we feel, denigrating the aspirations of a new generation of car buyers in the US, and selling Alfa short in to the bargain.

Maybe he’s just testing the water. I think he’ll find he may have to re-visit the decision if Americans we’ve spoken to are anything to go by.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA – the end?

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA - are Alfa going to make it?Have been promised the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA for what seems an age. Shown only as a concept, we have been treated not just to the car in the flesh, but a set of pictures of the Alfa MiTo GTA and even an Alfa MiTo GTA video. But reports about the hot MiTo’s demise are now flying round the Interweb.

But are Alfa really going to can the MiTo GTA? Hard to say, but for us it seems highly unlikely. The MiTo has been a roaring success for Alfa Romeo. We share the view (as you can see in our Alfa Romeo MiTo Review) that this little Alfa is a commercial match for the best of the competition. Sure, it has its faults – a shortage of room in the back and odd steering – but the foibles are minuscule compared to Alfas of the past, and for the keen driver – and those who prefer not to run with the crowd – the MiTo is a brilliant choice.

Cheap too, at least where it matters – depreciation. The Alfa MiTo’s residuals are as strong as anything in its class, which makes it a great deal on lease or contract hire. So with so much going for it, why on earth would Alfa shy away from producing a halo version? iMotor are reporting Alfa as saying that the MiTo GTA has been canned because of the economic climate. But we’d argue that the economic woes around make it an even better prospect. People are looking to trade down, and if you have to trade down then a proper Alfa that has blistering performance – at a sensible price – is a great option.

And it’s not as if the work isn’t already done. The MiTo range is in full flow, and the concept – which looks production-ready to us – is getting rave reviews at the prospect. A hot Alfa MiTo, with 240bhp and a price undercutting the MINI JCW by 10% and on a par with the Fiat 500 Abarth would be a winner.

We’d still put money on the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA happening. Sooner, rather than later.

Alfa Romeo 159 – upgrades for 2010

Alfa Romeo has updated the 159 for 201 with new trim levels and two new enginesAlfa Romeo has announced a chunk of revisions for the Alfa Romeo 159, including new engines and trim levels.

The Alfa 159 is arguably the best looking compact executive saloon on the market. We know, it doesn’t sell as well as the German competition, but it is a fine looking car and has a great deal of ‘Alfa-ness’ about it.

But Alfa has decided a few tweaks are needed, so it’s throwing a couple of new engines at the 159 and having a play with the trim options.

The new engine options are the 1750iTBi Petrol engine and the 2.0 litre JTDm diesel. The 1750i Turbo manages to deliver 200bhp and a decent wodge of torque- 236lb/ft from only 1400rpm – but still manages to emit just 189g/km of CO2 and does the 0-60 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds. And that torque makes the Alfa 1250 very flexible, which should translate in to less gear changing in normal driving- hence the more than decent economy for a car with this performance of 35mpg.

The 2.0 litre JTDm gets 170 horses and has more torque than the 1750i – 270lb/ft – which gives this diesel Alfa a 0-60mph time of 8.6 seconds and economy of 52.3 mpg. CO2 emissions come in at 142g/km.

Apart from dumping in the two new engines (which will also turn up in the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spyder later this year) Alfa has had a play with the trim levels, which are now Turismo, Turismo Sport, Elegante, Lusso and TI. The Turismo Sport and the Elegante are the new levels here. The Turismo Sport gets 17″ alloys, Blue&Me, sporty upholstery, sports dials and sports steering wheel (good thing they called it the ‘Sport’, then). The Elegante gets a ‘Visibility Pack’, rear parking sensors and special upholstery.

The tweaks to the 159 range – particularly the new engines – should help sales. The 159 deserves to sell better than it does.

Alfa Romeo 8C GTA rendered

Alfa Romeo are planning a hard-core version of the 8C - the Alfa Romeo 8C GTAThe Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is a beautiful car. But then Alfa Romeo usually make nothing less than a beautiful car. Their cars may have problems in other directions (although nothing like they have had in the past), but they are often achingly beautiful. And the Alfa 8C is. Achingly beautiful, that is. As is its convertible sibling, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, which was at Goodwood recently.

But it’s been on the cards for a while that Alfa Romeo will produce and all carbon version of the 8C. And the likely début for that car – The Alfa Romeo 8C GTA – is likely to be 2010, the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo.

The carbon fibre Alfa 8C GTA should shed at least 250lbs over the normal 8C. That will give the GTA a distinct edge in performance. But it’s also likely that some severe ECU tweaking will go on to yield more horses and more torque. You can also expect to see some serious suspension fettling to add to the mix.

Which is all probably a good thing, as the Alfa 8C’s Achilles Heel seems to be its ride and handling. It’s one car we haven’t driven, so we can’t comment first-hand, but it seems to be the general consensus. Still, it looks so good you could forgive it almost anything.

So a sharper, better handling and more powerful Alfa 8C GTA should be a treat. And the rendering-happy boys over at Auto Express have had a play with Photoshop and come up with a rendering of how they think the Alfa 8C GTA will look. Hopefully, they’re wrong! It looks like it’s driven in to a tub of whitewash, with its odd white nose. It looks tacky. Still, it’s just speculation.

The Alfa Romeo 8C GTA should make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show next year, and you can expect just 100 GTAs to be built at a price of at least £200,000.

I’m sure it will look better than this when it arrives.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde at Frankfurt

Alfa will be bringing the 170bhp Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to FrankfurtThe Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde – Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf in the UK – will debut at Frankfurt.Well, it’s not quite the MiTo GTA, but it’s at least getting closer.

Alfa Romeo has revealed that they’ll be bringing the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde (MiTo four leaf clover) to the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, featuring a 170bhp Multiair engine as we reported back in June (goodness, we’re ahead of the game sometimes!).

The ‘Quadrifoglio’ bit refers back to Alfa’s racing history, and was the emblem used on those cars and was most recently seen on special editions of the Alf GT and 147.

But the biggest news, apart from the extras and the paint job, is the clever Multiair system that Alfa is busy introducing. The Multiair system cleverly reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also manages to increase torque and performance. It does this by improving combustion and engine management and achieves improvements of around 10% in economy and power and 15% on emissions. Average mpg is around 58.

In the MiTo Quadrifoglio this translates in to a 1.4 litre that delivers 170bhp and scoots to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. The Quadrifoglio gets 17″ satin titanium-finished wheels just like the Alfa 8C, upgraded chassis and the next-generation, six-speed C635 gearbox.

A great package, and the MiTo is a great car. It will also make a very refreshing alternative to the somewhat clinical MINI Copper S.

Alfa Romeo MiTo (Cloverleaf) Quadrifoglio – Frankfurt catchup

The Alfa MiTo Cloverleaf unveiled at FrankfurAlfa Romeo has unveiled the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde at Frankfurt – the Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf in the UK.We’re still not completely convinced that Alfa has given up on the idea of the MiTo GTA, but the launch at Frankfurt of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio probably signals that this is as hot as the MiTo is going to get. But we live in hope.

The MiTo Cloverleaf gets a hot version of the Fiat 1.4 Multair engine, producing 170bhp and mated to a new six-speed ‘box specially designed to deliver swift gear changes. For some reason Alfa hasn’t released performance figures for the Quadrifoglio, but it should be pretty competitive. Fuel economy is distinctly reasonable at an average 49mpg.

The MiTo Cloverleaf gets Dynamic Suspension, which offers constantly controlled electronic shock absorbers to manage the MiTo’s dynamics. The Dynamic Suspension offers choice of three modes – Normal, All Weather and Dynamic to suit mood and conditions. And if it’s half as good as that on the normal MiTo’s it’s one of the best systems around.

A fine effort from Alfa, and if this is as hot as the MiTo is going to get we can live with it. All the bumph in the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde Press Release.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde Press Release

Alfa will be bringing the 170bhp Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to Frankfurt. Press release below.MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, world premiereAvailable following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo’s sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.

Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.

This engine’s best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo’s success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.

This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.

On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17″ satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.

It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.

Dynamic Suspension

Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world’s most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.

So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car’s movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in “All Weather”, the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.

The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.

Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What’s more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.

The new six-speed C635 gearbox

The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.

As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.

Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.

Alfa Romeo MiTo (Cloverleaf) Quadrifoglio – Frankfurt Press Release

The Alfa MiTo Cloverleaf unveiled at Frankfurt. Press Release below.Available following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo’s sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.

Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.

This engine’s best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo’s success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.

This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.

On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17″ satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.

It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.

Dynamic Suspension

Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world’s most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.

So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car’s movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in “All Weather”, the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.

The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.

Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What’s more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.

The new six-speed C635 gearbox

The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.

As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.

Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1st Press Release

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Press Release below.ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA: WORLD PREVIEWThe new Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be presented to the world at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 2010). Sales of the new model will start in spring and be gradually extended to all the major markets. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is expected to give new impetus to the brand in one of Europe’s most important segments.

In its Centenary year, the name is both a tribute to an automobile heritage and to Alfa Romeo itself. The Giulietta is a car that, in the 1950s, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, fulfilling their dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo, and making its high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.

Now, the Alfa Romeo Style Centre has produced a new Giulietta, a sporting car capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes, and providing comfort on everyday roads.

A new platform for enhancing road-holding and agility in total comfort and safety

The new Alfa Romeo is a compact car created to appeal to customers who are looking for class-leading dynamic performance, together with those who are looking for a distinctive style and a high level of comfort.

The Giulietta has an all-new platform, designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety. Its excellent dynamic performance and great comfort are the result of refined technical solutions implemented in the suspension, a next-generation steering system, a rigid yet light structure made of aluminium and high-strength steel, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.

Alfa DNA, a system which customises the behaviour of the car according to different driving styles and road conditions, can adapt the new Alfa Romeo to the needs of each individual driver to enhance driving pleasure and comfort. The new Alfa Giulietta platform was designed to integrate and enhance all onboard systems. Three set-ups (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) are available and can be selected using the Alfa DNA. This system – standard across the entire range of the new model – modifies the operating parameters of the engine, the steering system, and the Q2 electronic differential, in addition to fine-tuning the stability control system (VDC) behaviours.

Italian style sportiness and comfort

Combining sportiness and elegance, the Alfa Giulietta is the result of Alfa Romeo’s new direction in style and technology – an approach that started with the 8C Competizione supercar and which recalls the brand’s glorious past while projecting its traditional values of technology and passion into the future.

The front end features a brand-new interpretation of the classic Alfa grille, set into the front bumper and suspended between the two air intakes. The entire car develops from here to combine a lively personality with an elegant form. The front headlamps implement LED technology and a Daytime Running Lights (DRL) function for maximum active safety.

The profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is rich in personality and confers the appearance of an agile, solid vehicle. This is above all the result of the coupé shaped side windows, which highlight its dynamic and streamlined shape, and of the concealed rear door handles. Side ribbing adds to the car’s slender look, while the taut lines closing in on the rear end accentuate the wedge shape of the body.

The strong style of the rear end consolidates the impression of a muscular car, firmly gripped to the road. Like the headlamps, the rear light clusters implement LED technology, to the advantage of preventive safety, in addition to good looks.

The interior design is taut and light: featuring a horizontally developed dashboard with aluminium accents, and rocker controls which explicitly recall the 8C Competizione. Painstaking attention to detail and the high quality of the materials used are the most advanced expression of Italian style.

Finally, the dimensions of the new car give a compact, dynamic shape combined with excellent interior space and a capacious boot (350 litres): the car is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metre high and 1.80 metres wide with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres.

Innovative engines for exciting, environmentally-friendly driving

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta achieves top level performance and offers next-generation technology in terms of technical solutions, performance and environmental friendliness. Four Turbo engines will be available at launch, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a standard Start&Stop system for reducing consumption and emissions: two petrol engines (1.4TB – 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir – 170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM – 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM – 170 HP, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines). Finally, the range is completed with the lively 1750 TBi version producing 235 HP with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.

Safety and dynamic behaviour at the top of the segment

Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed to obtain the maximum Euro NCAP crash safety rating in order to offer total protection to driver and passengers. Furthermore, suspension, steering and braking systems are designed to be perfectly balanced even during extreme manoeuvres.

Finally, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is fitted with the most sophisticated electronic systems for dynamic control as standard: VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), DST (Dynamic Steering Torque), Q2 electronic differential and Alfa DNA selector. All these systems guarantee driving safety, dynamism and performance in the best Alfa Romeo tradition.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta / Milano / 147 / 148 Revealed. UPDATED

The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Probably.The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta - or the Milano or the 147 or the 148 – has been revealed. It will be produced as a five door only and launch at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010.Update: It looks like since we wrote this article this morning Alfa Romeo has made their mind up and decided this will be the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. We’ve also added a couple of pictures at the bottom. Oh, and we thought we might as well throw in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Press Release for good measure.

I know, a heap of names in the title, but that’s not because we don’t know what the new Alfa 147 is going to be called (although we don’t), it’s because Alfa Romeo don’t have a clue either. Although they did, as you can see from the name on the numberplate in the picture. But they don’t any more.

The new Alfa 147 was destined to be called the Milano. But Alfa has fallen out with its workforce over the name because the Milano is due to be launched as Alfa wind down their presence in Milan (Milano). Alfa’s workers are up in arms that the use of the Milano name is a final insult to them as all Alfa production is now going to be in Turin. So Alfa are thinking again. Rumour is the new 147 will be called Giulietta. But Alfa will have to decide by the time of the Geneva Motor Show in Spring 2010 as that’s the official launch.

So the Alfa Romeo whatever is a five door, Golf-attacking car from Alfa using Fiat’s new C-Evo platform that will find plenty of use across not just the Fiat range but that of Chrysler too. It’s a bit bigger all round than the outgoing 147 and when it arrives in 2010 it will get a choice of two pertrol and two diesel engines. The petrols will be a 1.4 litre and a 1.4 litre Multiar with 120bhp and 170bhp respectively and the diesels will be a 1.6 litre and a 2.0 litre with 105bhp and 170bhp.

Also planned is a Cloverleaf model (Quadrifoglio Verde) which will offer a 1.7 litre turbo with around 230bhp aimed at the Golf GTI and the like.

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Alfa Romeo has released a teaser / promo video for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (below)Alfa Romeo have release a teaser / promo video for the Alfa 147 replacement – the Alfa Romeo Giulietta – which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.After all the messing around trying to decide what to call the Alfa 147 replacement, Alfa Romeo finally decided it was to be the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Having made that decision – and released a few photos of the Giulietta last month – Alfa has decided to ramp up the interest in their new baby ahead of the debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

So we get a teaser promo video. To be fair, we do get to see much of what is on offer in the Giulietta, admittedly in quick-cut shots with precious little of the Giulietta as a whole on view. But you do at least get a decent taste of what the Giulietta is about

The Giulietta will get a choice of four turbocharged engines at launch – a couple of 1.4 litre petrols (including a MultiAir) with 120bhp and 170bhp, and a couple of diesels, a 1.6 litre with 105bhp and a 2.0 litre with 170bhp. Also in the mix – although not at launch – will be the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf (Quadrifoglio Verde) with a more than respectable 230bhp.

If the Giulietta carries on where the Alfa Romeo MiTo left off we’re going to see a car from Alfa that will take the fight to the best cars in its sector.

Alfa Romeo Pininfarina Concept at Geneva Motor Show

The Pininfarina, Alfa Romeo based ConceptPininfarina are to showcase a Concept at the Geneva Motor Show based on an Alfa Romeo to celebrate the anniversary of the two companies.The promise of upcoming goodies at the Geneva Motor Show are starting to come thick and fast as we get closer to the show (starts 2nd March). The latest news is a concept from Pininfarina based on Alfa Romeo oily bits. Which sounds great.

This year is the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo and the 80th of Pinifarina, so it’s a well-timed Concept to showcase what both companies are about. Neither Alfa nor Pininfarina has let slip exactly what Alfa oily bits underpin this Pininfarina Concept, but we’re rather hoping it’s going to be the Alfa Romeo 8C as the donor. But rumour is that all the concepts (three in total) will be based on the 159. Oh, well.

The concept picture – which is just a sketch and all we’ve managed to come up with – shows a typically sexy Alfa-inspired two seat Roadster. A proper, modern Alfa Spider. Just like all that’s best from Italy it has some glorious curves and oodles of style. We just hope the reality lives up to the promise.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Maserati – the courtesy car

The Alfa Romeo MiTo Maserati - the Maserati courtesy carAlfa Romeo have created a Limited Edition MiTo – the Alfa Romeo MiTo Maserati – to be used as courtesy cars by the Maserati dealer network in Europe.As you’ll know if you read here regularly, we like the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Sure, it has its faults (what car doesn’t) but it’s very stylish, remarkably well put together (certainly for an Alfa), fun to drive and holds its value well (which is a real first for Alfa Romeo). But it’s not necesarily the sort of car that would register on the radar of the average Maserati owner. Until now.

Alfa has revealed the Alfa Romeo MiTo Maserati, which on the face of it sounds like they’ve done the same thing with the MiTo as Fiat did with the 500 to create the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari. But unlike the Tributo Ferrari, the MiTo Maserati is being built not to sell but to be used as a courtesy car at Maserati dealerships throughout Europe (Ferrari actually use Abarth 500s as courtesy cars).

Alfa are making 100 MiTo Maseratis for the Maserati dealer network, all in a fetching shade of blue – Blu Oceano. All will feature the 1.4 litre turbo with 170bhp and get a Limited Edition plaque on the dash and kick plates emblazoned with “Alfa Romeo for Maserati”.

Not surprisingly, the MiTo Maserati is well specced, with 18″ alloys, Dynamic suspension and exterior Sports Pack. Luxury goodies include dual zone Climate, Pelle Frau upholstery, Europe-wide SatNav and hands-free Blue&Me.

This may be a courtesy car special for Maserati, but I wouldn’t bet against it becoming a Limited Edition MiTo for sale if there’s a demand.