Following our article on the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept where we questioned the legitimacy of a photograph of the car that has been circulating around the net, we were contacted by one of our most trusted inside sources. To cut the chase, our man proved to us beyond any doubt that this photograph is indeed official. Furthermore, he gave us all the initial details on Alfa's scorching hit minicar that's destined to debut at next month's Geneva Show... And even though we couldn't obtain any more photos, coincidentally, one of our readers from Valencia, Spain, managed to capture the MiTo GTA on the road right after a nearby photo shoot-out.
Unfortunately, the photos were shot from a very long distance, so very few details of the car are clearly visible. What we could manage to see is the blacked out rooftop, the side air-vents, the dark alloy wheels and the large openings on the front bumper.
But if you just can't wait until the beginning of next week to see the official image gallery, here's what we learned from our source. The new MiTo GTA will feature a working bodykit that improves the car's CX drag coefficient. In details, the front end is characterized by the wide air intakes, the new styling of the classic Alfa grille, the badge that has been positioned on the bonnet and the new bumper. As for what we saw as a hood scoop, turns out it's a windscreen wiper deflector...
From the side, the GTA will be distinguished by the dark-finished 19-inch forged aluminum rims, the 8C Competizione-inspired air-vents and the aerodynamic miniskirts. As for the car's rear end, the restyled bumper has an air extractor to increase aerodynamic downforce while at the center it incorporates a large diameter twin exhaust pipe. Furthermore, the tailgate has been completely redesigned, using carbon fiber technology and incorporating an integral spoiler with a wing which is wider in the upper and side sections.
Inside, we were told that the GTA will get a blacked out trim while a red stitching runs all the way round the car. Unique features will include new air vents, specially designed for the MiTo GTA Concept and embellished with aluminum inserts, an ergonomically designed sports steering wheel and instruments with new graphics (the speedometer has an end of scale of 300 Km/h).
And what about under the hood? The MiTo GTA Concept sport's a new 1.75-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing an output of 240-horsepower. Developed by the engineers of FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the four-pot unit uses various technical solutions, including direct gasoline injection, dual VVT, the turbocharger and, according to Alfa, a "revolutionary management system".
Even though no acceleration figures have been released, Alfa claims that the MiTo GTA's 1.75L Turbo will offer performances comparable with those of an engine of 3.0-liters, while consumption is maintained at levels typical of a 4-cylinder engine of average capacity.
Though we do know that the MiTo GTA Concept will retain the front-wheel drive layout of the standard versions, we weren't able to find out with what type of transmission it will be equipped.
To enhance the MiTo's handling qualities, Alfa Romeo's engineers performed various upgrades on the chassis. Among other things, they completely revised the operating parameters of the suspension, lowering it by about 20 mm and upgraded the steering system for a more direct and precise feeling. Alfa Romeo also developed a new "active suspension system" with Magneti Marelli and a high-performance braking system with Brembo.
Gracias 'R' for the photos!
