Alfa Romeo famous name Cloverleaf name comes from the Targa Florio Race back in the 1920s when a four-leaf clover was presented to a driver at the start as a good luck token. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf upholds this tradition, with a brilliant 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo engine which manages to deliver 170bhp.The MiTo Cloverleaf will achieve 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. Alfa Romeo’s smooth stop-start system helps boost fuel economy to 47mpg an amazing figure for such a hot hatch. On back roads select the Dynamic mode from Alfa Romeo DNA adaptive damper system, and the suspension and steering stiffen up to improve the MiTo performance. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf is set apart by the alloys and Cloverleaf badges. The MiTos styling looks good all round but the rear styling must be the best. The front will divides opinions: you might love the way the face takes cues from Alfa’s 8C Competizione; and others won’t. Inside the driving position is good and standard equipment is very generous and the interior console has metal-finish to it which helps to add to the sporty feel and looks of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf.
Alfa Romeo have also announced that a MiTo cabriolet will be available in either late 2010 or early 2011.The MiTo Cabriolet will be one of the first cars to be designed by Alfa Romeo’s new in-house styling team at the company’s headquarters in Milan. Others include the 8C Competizione and the three-door MiTo. Details about the New Alfa Romeo MiTo Cabriolet are still Scarce but expect Alfa styling and a driver’s car. What’s more, Alfa has conducted exhaustive reliability tests to ensure poor build quality associated with the firm’s older cars is laid to rest. Alfa Romeo will be making full use of its new active suspension system. Alfa Romeo DNA System uses two springs on each wheel which are electronically controlled to improve the ride and handling. Alfa Romeo insiders claim that it delivers a class-leading blend of grip, comfort and cornering agility. The MiTo Cabriolet will need to combine performance and good looks well, as it will be up against the MINI Convertible, Audi A3 Cabriolet and the forthcoming VW Golf Cabriolet.
Just released is the new Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo Special Edition which comes with 1,610-worth of extras. The MiTo Turismo Sport comes with a choice of three colours – Alfa Romeo Metalic Red, Biancospino white and Solid Black. You also get a choice of two engines, a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol or 95bhp or a 1.3-litre diesel. In addition to the standard equipment found on the Alfa Romeo MiTo such as air conditioning, MP3 Compatible stereo and seven airbags you also get 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, fog lights, leather steering wheel and Alfa Romeo Blue & Me technology which connects your mobile phone to the car allowing you to play music and make phone calls without having to remove your hands from the steering wheel.
Finally the lid has been lifted on Alfa Romeo’s latest concept hot hatch. The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA will take the Alfa Romeo stand at the Geneva motor show it features aggressive but sporty styling, weight has been reduced and the Alfa MiTo GTA suspension has been stiffened to handle the 240 BHp. For any Alfa Romeo to earn the right to wear the GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) badge it must have exceptional credentials and the MiTo GTA does not fail to impress. “Alleggerito” in Italian means reduced weight, and the Italian firm has addressed the weight issue. With the introduction of carbon fiber to the roof door mirror’s and rear spoiler and parts of the chassis, suspension and braking system are composed of aluminum to help lower the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA center of gravity. The 240 BHp produced from the 1.8 litre Turbocharged engine with direct injection, dual variable valve timing and advanced electronic management systems. The 1.8 litre Turbocharged engine has been designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies who built the Twin Spark and Alfa V-6 road and race engines. For the MiTo GTA the front suspension has been replaced by way of new suspension geometry and new stiffened rear suspension helps improve handling and it also helps the MiTo GTA cope with the 235BHp produced by the 1.8 litre Turbocharged Engine. The Alfa Romeo MiTo’s Ride height has been lowered by 20mm and the chassis also gets Alfa Romeo “active” suspension system. The Alfa system counteracts Steering forces by Adapting the suspension mid corner. The system also actively firms up when accelerating and braking. Even though the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA is still a concept let’s hope that the Italian Firm decide to launch the Alfa MiTo GTA soon.
