new auto cars 2012: 2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo

2013 Alfa Romeo MiTo

2013, Alfa Romeo, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Cars 7:58 PM

The Alfa Romeo MiTo is a three door sporty supermini officially introduced on June 19, 2008, at Castello Sforzesco in Milan, with an international introduction at the British Motor Show in 2008. The car was available in all Alfa's major markets in stages from July. The three-door hatchback is front-wheel drive and will be sold to compete with the MINI and the newer Audi A1. Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, the design is believed to be inspired by the 8C Competition. The MiTo is built on Fiat Small platform used on Fiat Grande Punto, also employed by the Vauxhall Corsa D.

The new car was provisionally named the "Junior". In 2007, a European competition was launched in which the public had a chance to name the car. The winner from each country could win an Alfa Romeo Spider or an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. The winning name was "Furiosa", which scored well in Italy, France, UK and Germany but not in Spain.

The GTA, the sportiest version of the MiTo was unveiled in March 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a prototype. This version has 1.75 litre turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing both inlet and exhaust. The choice of engine size is very significant - the 1750 DOHC inline 4 engine was the largest engine available in Alfa Romeos for many years, and therefore an association certain to be prized by Alfisti. Therefore, this particular displacement is certain to guarantee sales among enthusiasts. The maximum power is 240 PS. The MiTo GTA has top speed of 250 kilometers per hour and acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5 seconds. The weight of the GTA has been reduced by using carbon-fiber for the tailgate spoiler as well as roof and mirror fairings. Aluminum is also used to reduce the weight. The suspension is lowered by 20 millimeters and the car has active suspension.

In 2010 Alfa Romeo announced it would produce a limited 100 car series of Mitos to be distributed to Maserati dealerships in Europe. Maserati version MiTos feature same 125 kW (170 PS) engine as the Quadrifoglio Verde, and exclusive paint Blu Oceano. Aluminum kick plates and a badge on the HVAC controls on the car bear words "Alfa Romeo for Maserati". The cars are to be used as courtesy cars for Maserati service customers, very much like "for Ferrari Dealers" versions of the Fiat 500 and Abarth 500.

At launch the MiTo will feature low-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Also, a power limited 79 PS naturally aspirated engine variant is produced to meet the new Italian legislation for young people. MiTo got new electro-hydraulic valve control system Multiair engines from September 2009. MultiAir engines will increase power and torque, as well as a considerable reduction in consumption levels and CO2 emissions, of particulates and NOx. This new engine is available with 105 PS,135 PS and 170 PS power ratings. All multiair versions have start-stop system as standard. In October 2009 was unveiled a dual fuel MiTo version, this version can run with LPG or petrol, with this engine MiTo has range of 1,200 kilometres. The LPG version is made in collaboration with Landi Renzo. In Summer 2010 came available Dual Dry Clutch Transmission called Alfa TCT. From model year 2011 the start-stop system came as standard to all versions. In the Frankurt Motor Show 2011 was introduced two new engines for MiTo the 0.9 L TwinAir straight-2 and new low emission 85 PS version of 1.3 JTD diesel engine.