Alfa Romeo MiTo
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This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle. |
| Alfa Romeo MiTo | |
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| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
| Parent company | Fiat Group |
| Production | 2008 |
| Assembly | Turin, Italy[1] |
| Class | Supermini |
| Body style(s) | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Fiat/GM SCSS platform |
| Engine(s) | straight-4 |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in)[2] |
| Length | 4.06 m (159.8 in)[1] |
| Width | 1.72 m (67.7 in)[1] |
| Height | 1.44 m (56.7 in)[1] |
| Fuel capacity | 45 L (12 US gal/10 imp gal) |
| Related | Fiat Grande Punto Fiat Linea Opel Corsa D |
| Designer | Centro Stile Alfa Romeo |
The Alfa Romeo MiTo (known internally as the type 955) (formerly known also as Junior) is a 3-door sporty supermini expected to be introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo in July 2008.[3] The three-door hatchback will feature front-wheel drive and will be sold from approximately US$ 21,000 to compete with the MINI and the upcoming Audi A1. Designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Lachlan Hodgson, the design is believed to be inspired by the 8C Competizione. It is excpected for Alfa to keep with this design patern for more future models (like the 169).
The MiTo will be built on current Fiat Punto platform, also employed by the Opel Corsa. While Alfa Romeo haven't confirmed whether the MiTo will be part of their American relaunch, it is likely that it will at some time make its way over to the USA. Fiat Group has watched the success of the Mini and Smart ForTwo carefully, and has already confirmed the launch of the Fiat 500. Fiat Chief executive, Sergio Marchionne, has said that the MiTo could be the car that propels Alfa Romeo to bg success in the USA. However, as America still has some antipathy towards small cars it would be a gamble, risking the reputation Alfa Romeo has in America as a manufacturer of sports cars. If the MiTo is launched in the USA, only the higher powered versions will be available (155 BHP 1.4 JTB and 230 BHP 1.8 JTB, to be badged as the 'GTA'). Though the first examples wouldbe exported from Italy, US bound MiTos would be built at a factory in the Americas eventually, to get round the problem of the weak Dollar. Fiat is currently in talks with all of the Big Three American car manufacturers about securing a factory in the US. Failing that, Alfa's could be built in Fiat's Brazilian factories. Rumors have also been circling of a possible factory in Mexico.
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[edit] Naming
The "Junior" name was provisional. A European competition was launched where the public had the chance to name the car. The winner from each country could win an Alfa Romeo Spider or an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. The overall winner has their chosen name put to this car. The winner name is "Furiosa", which has scored well in Italy, France, UK and Germany, but not in Spain (12th out of 12)
On March 14 Alfa Romeo announced officially that the name would be MiTo, an abbreviation of Milano (Milan) and Torino (Turin), because it was designed in the first and is going to be built in the second; the name is also a play on Italian «mito», meaning «myth» or «legend» in English.
[edit] Features
The car has new "Alfa DNA" system which allows driver to choose between three different driving settings; Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather, this setting controls the behaviour of engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox.[1] The MiTo has also LED tail lights and 250-litre (8.8 cu ft) boot space.[4]
[edit] Engines[4]
The MiTo will feature low-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with MultiAir variable valve timing technology and a maximum output range from around 90 PS (66 kW) to 155 PS (114 kW). A GTA version will follow, equipped with about 230 PS (169 kW).
[edit] Petrol
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 JTB | I4 | 1,368 cc (83.5 cu in) | 114 kW (155 PS) @5500 rpm | 230 N·m (170 ft·lbf) @3000 rpm | n/a | n/a | 2008 |
[edit] Diesel
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h,s | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 JTD | I4 | 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) | 88 kW (120 PS) | n/a | n/a | n/a |
[edit] Pricing
The MiTo is to be marketed as a premium supermini, putting itself up against cars such as the New Mini, the Fiat Nuova 500, and the forthcoming Audi A1. The base model 95 BHP 1.3 diesel is likely be priced from around £11,500 in the UK. In Europe prices will start from around €14,000. This makes the MiTo more expensive than the 500, though cheaper than the Mini. It is likely to undercut the Audi A1. Equipment lists are expected to be generous, while Alfa Romeo will offer a wide range of customization options.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Alfa Mi.To: World Premiere. fiatgroupautomobilespress.com (14/03/2008). Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
- ^ Alfa Mito hatchback unveiled. autocar.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-03-15.
- ^ forbes.com. Fiat CEO says Q1 'in line with expectations'. Retrieved on 2008-02-19.
- ^ a b 17.03.08 The Alfa Mi.To in numbers. alfamitoblog.it. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
- Italiaspeed/Morgan Stanley Conference in a presentation by brand CEO Antonio Baravalle
- Autocar - Alfa Junior scooped
- Motor Authority 29 January 2007
- Left Lane News
- :: Alfa Naming ::
[edit] External links
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