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Cars > Alfa Romeo > 2009 Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept

 By Ketan Patel View Comments

Image Copyright: Alfa-Romeo

2009 Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept

The MiTo GTA Concept will star at next month’s Geneva motor show boasting not only a more aggressive appearance but also a performance upgrade which prioritises weight reduction rather than brute power.

This is in line with its trademark GTA signature which stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerito – with the final word meaning reduced weight in Italian.

The Mito GTA Concept takes the swoopy little MiTo and cranks up the speed and style. Weight reduction was a priority with a carbon fiber rear hatch, roof, and mirrors with aluminum used throughout. The car is lowered, with high performance tires and upgraded brakes and more aggressive styling all around. Power comes from a direct injection 1.7 liter four cylinder pounding out 240 HP, for those keeping track that's a ridiculous 137 HP per liter.

ALFA MiTo GTA CONCEPT TO STAR AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

A high performance concept of the new Alfa MiTo, the Alfa MiTo GTA, will be starring at this year's Geneva International Motor Show in early March.

In line with the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the 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 new 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. The suspension also interacts with the braking system and steering to obtain the most efficient control of vehicle dynamics, while a ‘Sky-Hook' function ensures an excellent level of passenger comfort under conditions of everyday use.

 

2009 Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept

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