Geneva unveil for Alfa MiTo GTA

Alfa Romeo will unveil the eagerly anticipated go-faster version of the stylish, pint-sized MiTo at the imminent Geneva motor show, and its raw stats suggest the Renaultsport Clio 197 and Volkswagen Golf GTI are in for a bit of shock.

The Mito GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) follows in the wake of the 156 and 147 models that formerly wore the illustrious suffix and promises performance that could well see it claiming the hot-hatch crown from the existing luminaries.

Incidentally, Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian, and the Mito GTA Concept is said to warrant the description as it has shed unnecessary pounds in the quest for a sprightly power-to-weight ratio.

There's no shortage of power either, as the concept's shapely snout conceals a 1742cc four-cylinder turbo engine that ekes out 180kW -- well in excess of the VW Golf GTI's 147kW, as well as the Mini Cooper S JCW's 155kW.

The GTA's blown four-pot was designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and features direct injection, dual variable valve timing and what's billed as "state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems".

Alfa Romeo says it also invested considerable work into lowering the car's centre of gravity, and this was partly achieved by fabricating the tailgate spoiler, roof and mirror fairings from carbonfibre.

Other weight savings were reaped via the extensive use of aluminium in the braking system, suspension, and parts of the chassis. The front suspension employs new geometry with aluminium leading arms, while the rear suspension has all-new bushings.

Under-floor aerodynamics are said to have been a particular concern, and the GTA rides 20mm lower than the bogger MiTo.

The revamped chassis also features an 'active' suspension system, (advanced damper control), which counteracts the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end and maximising traction, according to Alfa.

Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo is trumpeting a five-star Euro NCAP rating for the garden-variety MiTo, which goes on sale locally in mid-2009.

The compact hatchback notched up a score of 36 points out of a maximum 37 in the Euro NCAP adult safety ratings, and a judgement of "Good" -- with a score of 3.35 (finishing top of its segment and second overall) -- in the new tests that Euro NCAP has introduced to assess the ability of the front seats to prevent whiplash.

Also debuting at the Geneva motor show from the Fiat Group is the Maserati GranTurismo S automatic, which is said to meld the comfort and convenience of the six-speed ZF auto with the robust performance of the coupe flagship.

As per the existing GranTurismo S (which uses Maserati's MC-Shift robotised manual gearbox), the new automatic version is powered by a 323kW 4.7 litre V8 that pumps out 490Nm of torque.

Maserati says the transmission has not only been developed to handle the power of the new engine, but has also been provided with features designed to match the driving requirements of this new model. For example, kickdown in manual mode has been eliminated to more accurately mimic the characteristics of driving a manual car.

Australian and New Zealand pricing and specifications for the new GranTurismo S Automatic will be announced when it goes on sale in local markets in early 2010.

The GranTurismo has been a vital car for the trident brand as it's proven to be the fastest selling Maserati of all time, propelling the marque to new sales records in all major markets, including Australia and New Zealand.