Alfa Mito goes high-tech

Alfa Romeo's funky Mito three-door hatch will become a technology leader later this year when it becomes available not only with the company's new TCT twin-clutch gearbox, but also with a new 1.4-litre MultiAir engine incorporating Stop&Start technology. Both the new induction engine technology and the TCT were officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show earlier today.

The new, ultra-efficient engine (pictured) develops 99kW and, in TCT form, takes the Mito from zero to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds. At the same time it emits just 129g/km of CO2 and returns a highway fuel figure of 4.5L/100km -- Alfa doesn't give us a combined average consumption figure.

Alfa Romeo says that with the MultiAir engine, "fuel consumption is improved by 10 per cent, power by 10 per cent, torque by 15 per cent, carbon dioxide is cut by 10 per cent, particulates by 40 per cent and NOx is slashed by 60 per cent."

Describing the innermost complexities of MultiAir would be a daunting task. Suffice it to say it is a sort of development of variable-lift valve-control systems, where the intake valve is able to vary the amount of air flowing into the combustion chamber according to operating conditions, independently of the throttle opening. This means the airflow is always optimal, positively affecting emissions, power and general drivability.

Further impact is made on emissions and consumption via Stop&Start, which simply stops the engine "when the control strategy permits" as the car comes to a halt, typically in heavy traffic situations. Alfa Romeo says the system reduces "fuel consumption and emissions up to 10 per cent for an urban route and 3.5 per cent over an NEDC type approval cycle."

In manual-transmission form, the system restarts the engine when the brake pedal is released, or a gear is engaged. "If the engine is turned off by mistake (stalls), when setting off from a traffic light, it can be restarted by simply pressing the clutch."
Much like recent development by Volkswagen on its DSG family of transmissions, Alfa Romeo's new six-speed TCT gearbox adopts dry clutch operation to save bulk and weight. It's also claimed to interact with "more systems than any other gearbox of its type on the market," listening-in to the steering, brake and accelerator, as well as the Stop&Start, system, the anti-lock brakes and the inclinometer that forms part of the hill-holder system.

Alfa Romeo says the TCT gearbox will be priced comparably to a regular auto transmission when it arrives in this country. More details, including specification and pricing, will be announced when the MultiAir Mito arrives in Australia in the third quarter of 2010.

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