Geneva Motor Show
14/02/2011
The Alfa Romeo stand would not have been complete without the MiTo model. The occasion saw the presentation of the MY 2011 MiTo, available for purchase across all the major European countries from April. New exterior colours and new interior fabrics, brand-new options and further improved driving comfort and feel are features of the range. The exclusive “Quadrifoglio Verde” version will also be revitalised. To allow the public to appreciate the sporty and elegant spirit of the “sportiest mini ever”, the Geneva motor show is displaying a powerful “Quadrifoglio Verde” equipped with a 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 170 HP (awarded Best New Engine of the Year by an international panel of experts) plus new Sabelt sport seats with carbon fibre backrests, along with a sophisticated version equipped with the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo 135 HP engine combined with the innovative “Alfa TCT” twin-clutch automatic transmission and Start&Stop. For the first time ever, this version is available in the new “metallic bronze” exterior colour combined with new Tecnosilk two-tone (bronze and black) interior upholstery: two highly appealing features that emphasise the model’s elegant spirit.
The spotlights will also naturally be on the Giulietta, a genuine blend of performance, comfort and safety. It is no coincidence that the car is captivating European customers and the international press, which have awarded it 16 prizes to date. Outstanding performance levels come courtesy of the engines, all turbo and Euro 5. A DNA system with electronic Q2 is fitted as standard to all models to adapt the car's personality to its driver's needs and to variable road conditions. The car’s superb performance is amply demonstrated by the 235 HP 1750 Tbi engine – the engine with the highest maximum torque in the world (340 Nm at just 1,900 rpm) and by the 105 HP 1.6 JTDM, also with the highest torque values in its class (320 Nm at just 1,750 rpm). In terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, excellent results have been obtained by the new “Alfa TCT” automatic twin dry clutch transmission combined with the revolutionary 1.4 MultiAir Turbopetrol 170 HP engine (“Best New Engine 2010”). This drivetrain takes the Giulietta’s CO2 emissions to a record value (for comparable engines) of just 121 g/km. The Giulietta also ensures low running costs, especially in the diesel versions, plus the longest service intervals in the class. In addition to the superb accommodation it offers in terms of driving comfort and roominess, the Giulietta is also the safest hatchback saloon on the road, according to Euro NCAP. Credit for this lies with “Compact” architecture and a host of active and passive, standard safety systems. These include brand new solutions like the pre-fill braking system that reduces stopping distances under emergency braking conditions.
The multi award-winning new Alfa Romeo will be present at Geneva in two versions: a 235 HP Quadrifoglio Verde 1750 TBi in Competition Red and a 170 HP Distinctive 1.4 MultiAir Turbopetrol “Alfa TCT" in Antracite Grey with Start&Stop as standard. Both of the cars on show feature a long list of equipment. The infotainment setup on board is worthy of special mention, starting with “Blue&Me–TomTom”, the latest development of the Blue&Me system. Visitors can also admire the “RadioNav” satellite navigation system that constitutes the new generation of entertainment and satellite navigation developed by Magneti Marelli for Alfa Romeo. The system incorporates a satellite navigation system, radio with two tuners, including one dedicated to traffic information reception, CD and MP3 player and European maps on an SD card for rapid data access and route calculation times. The 6.5 inch colour display is high definition.
The stand features a series of illuminated niches housing accessories from the Alfa Romeo Store. Visitors will also be able to find out about the products on offer from FGA Capital, the finance company specialising in the automotive sector. (FGA Capital is a joint venture between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole.) FGA Capital’s mission is to support sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high added value services targeting the dealership network, private customers and companies.
MiTo MY
14/02/2011
The new MiTo appears in a brand-new “metallic bronze” metal flake shade combined with a two-tone interior and special trim for the dashboard insert and door panels. A new high-tech fabric has been added for the seats, consisting of a smooth, compact elastic mesh with a fine and shiny appearance like silk. The look is emphasised by electro-welded graphics with double two-tone bronze and black inserts, “breaked line” titanium decoration, surround seams and stylish dashboard trim colour. The result is a greater emphasis on the elegant spirit of the model. The car on display at the Motor Show features this stylish colour scheme combined with the appealing 135 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine and “Alfa TCT” transmission for excellent performance (7.1 l/100 km in the urban cycle; emissions of only 126 g/km of CO2; and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds). These specifications are even better than those for the same engine with manual transmission (where the figures are 7.4 l/100 km, 129 g/km and 8.4 seconds respectively).
The second car on display presents the "dynamic" spirit of the Alfa Romeo MiTo to the general public. The Swiss venue is hosting the “Quadrifoglio Verde”, a legendary name that over the years has identified some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest products. This exclusive version is packed with new features. A new front surround under the badge broadens the lower part of the front, emphasising the impression of a car with a vice-like grip on the road. Highlights of this original version also include top-quality new “Quadrifoglio Verde” logos in Alcantara® combined with a brand new, wear resistant fabric. The totally black interior looks particularly determined and sporty and the detailing of the crafted two-tone stitching (white and green) on the seats, steering wheel and handbrake gaiter and lever only serve to underscore the spirit of this outfit.
There are also a number of new options: 18” alloy wheels with special treatment and sporty Sabelt seats with a wraparound backrest in carbon fibre made using innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology for greater great mechanical strength and reduced size and weight. Last but not least, the MiTo MY 2011 sees the debut of a USB and AUX-in socket that allows you to connect your MP3 player directly to the Blue&Me system.
The Quadrifoglio version is fitted with he 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo, the most powerful engine in the range, voted the “best new engine of the year 2010” by an international panel. Alfa Romeo has also equipped the car with innovative solutions to accentuate its tried and tested attributes. These include “Dynamic Suspension”, a system that actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers. A blend of experience gained on the racetrack, this system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety.
In short, the Alfa Romeo MiTo MY 2011 enjoys a revitalised, high-tech image while retaining its position as a sporty compact capable of winning over customers who care for details and maximum driving comfort. It is no coincidence that the high-performance models in the 2011 range feature brand new variable response shock absorbers with by-pass valves for improved comfort over rough roads without compromising the vehicle's dynamic control and driving satisfaction – features unrivalled by any other car in the class.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo MY 2011 range includes two turbo diesel engines (the 95 HP 1.3 JTDM-2 and the 120 HP 1.6 JTDM, both with service intervals of 35,000 km) and four petrol engines. In addition to the 78 HP 1.4, customers can choose from three MultiAir engines: a 105 HP 1.4, a 135 HP Turbopetrol (with manual gearbox or “Alfa TCT” automatic transmission), and a 170 HP turbo petrol.
Alfa Romeo 4C
02/03/2011
Performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety: this is the essence of the Alfa Romeo 4C.
These values are evident in the brand-new model world-premiered at the Geneva Motor Show and due to go on sale in 2012, when it is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.
The car is a classic mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions that emphasise the car's compact attributes while also accentuating its agility.
The Alfa Romeo 4C incorporates technologies derived from current Alfa Romeo models: a 200 HP 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and Alfa D.N.A. for dynamic control of the car.
The new concept car shares with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider its rear-wheel drive and its design philosophy of combining maximum driving pleasure with Alfa Romeo’s legendary road holding.
The 4C Concept pursues this goal by weight containment achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre, which also performs a structural function to guarantee exceptional agility and a weight/power ratio better than 4 kg/HP.
The chassis supports a body constructed completely from carbon fibre, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively. The final result is an impressive reduction in weight to less than 850 kg, as well as an optimised centre of gravity, giving the added advantage of increased agility and better handling on the most challenging roads.
The 4C Concept reflects the Brand's sporting traditions with a design that returns to Alfa’s origins, when agility and weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing car, and combines these glorious traditions with practical Alfa Romeo technology for every day driving.
The Alfa Romeo 4C is unashamedly Alfa to the core, a supercar that delivers unique driving sensations on fast country roads, and even more so on the track, where speed and cornering ability really count.
MiTo MY 2011
29/03/2011
New exterior colours and brand-new interior fabrics. All the engines are Euro 5 compliant and with Start&Stop as standard. New options and innovative technology for maximum comfort and driving satisfaction. These, in brief, are the new features of the Alfa Romeo MiTo 2011 range.
In detail, the new range now offers two turbodiesels (95 HP 1.3 JTDM-2 and 120 HP 1.6 JTDM) and four petrol engines: 78 HP 1.4, 1.4 MultiAir in three power levels - 105 HP aspirated, 135 HP Turbo petrol coupled with manual gearbox or Alfa TCT gearbox, and 170 HP Turbo petrol. The car comes in a choice of four equipment versions (Progression, Distinctive, Super and Quadrifoglio Verde). An exclusive Sport Pack is also available on Distinctive versions.
In this way everyone can find the best MiTo for their tastes and needs. The options also include: three different seat trims plus upholstery in top-quality “Pelle Frau” in three different colours; three interior environment colours with a “Sprint” dashboard on the Progression; and two interior environment colours with a “Competizione” dashboard on the Distinctive. Seven different alloy wheels are also available (16”, 17’’ and 18”), as well as 11 different body shades that reflect every facet of the new Alfa Romeo's sporty nature. These are combined with a multitude of tail-light and headlight frame colours and finishes: chrome plated, satin, glossy or matte, in titanium grey or body coloured.
To emphasise the model’s innate elegance, the 2011 range is introducing the new "metal bronze" metal-flake colour (aluminium and mica together) and a two-tone interior produced with brand new material for the dashboard insert and door panels. A new high-tech fabric has been added for the seats, consisting of a smooth, compact mesh that is as fine and glossy as silk.
In short, the Alfa Romeo MiTo MY 2011 has a revamped high-tech image while retaining its position as a sporty compact car capable of winning over customers who care for details and maximum driving comfort.
It is no coincidence that the versions in the 2011 range that are powered by high-performance engines (135 HP and 170 HP 1.4 Multiair Turbopetrol and 120 HP 1.6 JTDM-2) feature brand new variable response shock absorbers with by-pass valves to improve comfort over rough road surfaces without compromising the car’s dynamic control and driving satisfaction – unrivalled by any other car in the class.
In the field of infotainment, the MiTo MY 2011 also offers a new USB and AUX-in socket allowing you to connect your MP3 player directly to the Blue&Me system. As an option, customers can also order a “Blue&Me-TomTom” portable navigation device fully integrated in the dashboard. This incorporates “IQ route” technology, to find the best route on the basis of the date and time of travel, calculated through a database that contains traffic information on a statistical basis. Thanks to the TomTom Home web application customised for Alfa Romeo, further features will also become available. These include the on-line updating of maps and "MapShare”, the large internet community with over 5 million registered users sharing information on maps in real time.
