For Alfa Romeo's MiTo GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) concept, Alfa engineers were charged with shedding as many pounds as they could from the already lightweight economy car (for those not in the know, 'alleggerito' means reduced weight in Italiano). As such, carbon fiber makes up the tailgate spoiler, roof and exterior mirror housings. Numerous suspension components, brakes and chassis parts were replaced by aluminum units in an effort to further lighten the car.
Fiat Powertrain Technologies was tapped for the all-new 1.8L turbo engine making around 240-hp featuring direct-injection, dual variable valve timing and an advanced ECU system to keep everything running in one piece. A "Skyhook"-like adaptive suspension similar to systems employed on Ferraris and Maseratis has also been installed to better lay down the power more efficiently. The GTA sits 20-mm lower than a stock MiTo and stiffens appropriately under hard cornering and braking maneuvers.
...
>>next page