2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept

Alfa Romeo revealed today the official details on the MiTo GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) Concept that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The word “Alleggerito” in GTA translates into “lightened”, and Alfa went down to even the small details on this one. Carbon fiber was used for the tailgate spoiler, the roof and the side mirrors. Some steel bits in the braking system, suspension and parts of the chassis were replaced with aluminum. All this dieting gives the car what Alfa claims is a power to weight ratio in-line with its sports cars.

The MiTo GTA is powered by a 1.75-liter turbo engine that delivers 240 hp. Alfa says that the by using technology such as direct gasoline injection, dual VVT (variable valve timing), turbocharging, and a revolutionary management system, the engine performs like one almost twice its size (3.0-liters).

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept, a high performance concept of the new Alfa Romeo MiTo, makes its debut at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. Designed using the experience gained with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider, the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept shares with the exclusive "supercar" the philosophy based on achieving the greatest driving pleasure, resulting from exceptional agility produced by a power-to-weight ratio worthy of a racing car.

 

In line with the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the Alfa Romeo 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 Alfa Romeo MiTo 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.