I always had a lot of fun with water balloons as a child but I never thought that putting cars and water balloons together as an adult could be so much fun.

Alfa Romeo recently handed 10-time Guinness World Record holder Terry Grant the keys to their top of the range MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. Grant ended up annihilating over 2,500 water filled balloons that shaped out the Alfa Romeo logo.

It’s a brilliant 1 minute and 37 second video that will probably become the highlight of your day.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

Beginning with the Guiletta, Alfa Romeo will be debuting a new double-clutch TCT transmission for the 1.4L turbocharged MultiAir gasoline and 2.0L turbocharged diesel engines on the Guiletta. The new transmission is said to boost fuel economy to 45.2 mpg US for the gas engine and 52.3 mpg US for the diesel. Performance was also kept in mind as the new transmission still maintains the performance of the previous models not equipped with the dual-clutch system (0-60 in 7.7 seconds for the 1.4L MultiAir and 7.9 seconds for the diesel).

Alfa Romeo’s MiTo city car update includes a new 900cc turbocharged two-cylinder engine that first made an appearance in the Fiat 500 and won Ward’s “International Engine of the Year 2011” award. The new two-banger makes 85hp and depending on the trim level can produce as little as 81 lb-ft of torque to as much as 107 lb-ft.

Pricing and available should be released at the world debut in Frankfurt.

- By: Chris Chin

2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo announced that the new revised MiTo hatchback range will go on sale next month at its European dealer network.

“The MiTo sports compact range has been streamlined from 17 versions to nine, with both Turismo and Lusso trim levels being replaced with the Sprint; entry level versions are now known as Progression, and Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions replace Veloce and Cloverleaf,” Alfa Romeo said in a statement.

Prices for the 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo have been reduced across the range, and now start at £12,250 OTR for the entry level 78-hp 1.4 8v Progression, to £17,955 OTR for the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170-hp Quadrifoglio Verde.

The Distinctive (formerly Veloce) and Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) both come with additional equipment, including cruise control, sports pedals and rear parking sensors.

The 2011 Alfa MiTo will also get new colors including Metal Bronze and in Progression and Sprint versions, it can also be chosen with new Sprint Bronze upholstery.

2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo:

- By: Omar Rana

Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo Sport

The Alfa Romeo MiTo will make it to the stateside in 2013 and we’re pretty excited about that. To keep us on our feet and excited for Alfa’s return to the U.S., the company is teasing us with another special-edition model for the UK.

Known as the Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo Sport, the special-edition model adds some more design, upgraded performance and engineering technology. The MiTo Turismo Sport will be available in a choice of three colors including Solid Black, Biancospino White or the new Alfa Metallic Red. The model also features AC, special-edition 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, cruise control, Blue&Me connect technology, fog lamps and a leather steering wheel.

Prices start at £12,895 ($20,104 USD)or £199 ($310 USD) a month with a £1,000 ($1,559 USD) deposit.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo Sport:

ALFA MITO TURISMO SPORT JOINS THE RANKS FROM £199 A MONTH OTR

Alfa Romeo UK is welcoming a new special edition version of the sporty compact Alfa MiTo to its showrooms this month. Brimming with additional content and available from just £199 a month with a £1,000 deposit, the Alfa MiTo has never been so enticingly accessible.

The new Alfa MiTo Turismo Sport combines head-turning design, dynamic performance and engineering technology with an additional £1,610 worth of optional equipment ““ all from just £12,895 OTR.

To add to an already attractive package, customers can also take advantage of Alfa’s latest finance deal that delivers the MiTo Turismo Sport 1.4 16V 95bhp from just £199 a month with only a £1,000 deposit required.

The new sporting edition will be available in a choice of three visually arresting colours ““Solid Black (as standard), Biancospino White or the new Alfa Metallic Red.

There is further choice to be had when it comes to engine power for the MiTo Turismo Sport.

The sprightly 1.4 16V 95bhp petrol version available from £12,895 OTR is joined by the acclaimed 1.3 JTDM-2 95bhp MultiJet turbodiesel, which is available from £14,410 (£219 a month with a £1000 deposit).

While the 95bhp 16V petrol engine provides a fun and engaging drive, the advanced second generation MultiJet turbodiesel engine -JTDM-2 -perfectly complements the Alfa MiTo philosophy of low emissions (112g/km of CO2) and fuel consumption (65.7mpg on the combined cycle) without compromising performance and driver satisfaction (0-62mph in 11.6 seconds).

On top of the already impressive standard equipment found in the MiTo Turismo; such as air conditioning and state-of-the-art Alfa D.N.A technology, the Alfa MiTo Turismo Sport special edition includes 16″ alloy wheels, rear spoiler, cruise control, Blue & Me™ technology, fog lights and a leather steering wheel incorporating audio and phone controls.

To find out more about the new MiTo Turismo Sport or to test drive any new Alfa Romeo model, customers should visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has ambitious plans for Alfa Romeo’s return to the United States, a move that has been in the works since 2000, when General Motors and Fiat signed a joint venture that eventually fell apart. Marchionne says the wants to transform Alfa into a “full-line premium” automaker. The brand will make its full return to the United States in 2012. Fiat eventually wants North America to account for 85,000 units of Alfa’s 500,000 global sales by 2014. Last year, the brand sold 103,000 vehicles globally?

So what’s in the works for Alfa Romeo in the United States?

First and foremost, the Alfa Romeo MiTo will make it to the U.S. in 2013 – however, Alfa is currently working on a five-door variant of the three-door hatchback. Only the five-door will be imported to North America. The new Alfa Romeo Giulietta will come to North America when it is upgraded in 2014.

Alfa also plan on bringing the Giulia mid-size sedan and station wagon to the United States in late 2012. The North American version of the Giulia will be powered by Chrysler’ new Pentastar V6 and a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder from Fiat with MultiAir technology making 190-hp.

Also in the works is a convertible for 2013, a compact SUV for 2012 (based on Fiat’s Compact Wide platform) and a mid-size SUV for 2014. The mid-size SUV will be built by Chrysler and will be exported to Europe as well.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

We’re slowly getting more information on Fiat Group’s role here in the United States as Sergio Marchionne reveals his 5-year business plan for the Italian automaker today in Turin, Italy. Following the Fiat 500 later this year, Marchionne says that Fiat’s Alfa Romeo brand will come to the stateside by 2012.

Leading the charge will be three new models, a midsize SUV, a sedan and a station wagon (both called the Giulia). The Alfa Romeo Giulia will replace the current 159 sedan. The SUV will be based on a Chrysler product – either the Dodge Journey or the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A year after that (in 2013), Alfa Romeo will add the 5-door MiTo hatchback and a new Spider, a small convertible. Both of those will be followed by the new Giulietta hatchback and larger SUV in 2014.

We’re looking forward to Alfa’s return.

Click through for Fiat’s official chart.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: KickingTires

If you’re a Maserati customer, you probably expect a Maserati as a courtesy vehicle while your luxury car is getting serviced – well, Fiat doesn’t think so. Alfa Romeo will provide Maserati with a total of 100 customized MiTos as the new courtesy car for the trident brand’s customers.

The special-edition Alfa Romeo MiTo is finished in exclusive Maserati Blue Oceano paint powered by a peppy 170-hp 1.4L MultiAir Turboenzina engine – the most powerful unit in the MiTo range.

Just so other MiTo driver’s on the road know that you actually own a Maserati, the special-edition MiTo will carry a “Limited Edition” plaque on the air conditioning unit and a kick plate that says “Alfa Romeo for Maserati.”

We’d much rather have a Maserati GranTurismo Convertible as our courtesy car.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati:

Press Release:

Maserati and Alfa Romeo: two icons of Italy’s world-famous automotive industry representing sportiness, technology and elegance.

26/01/2010 – Modena - Maserati and Alfa Romeo: two icons of Italy’s world-famous automotive industry representing sportiness, technology and elegance.

One hundred Alfa Romeo MiTos produced exclusively for the Maserati service network will soon be seen on roads all over Europe. Maserati has chosen the Alfa Romeo MiTo as the new courtesy car for its customers, connoisseurs of Italian style with a keen eye for originality.

The special-purpose cars will be styled in the exclusive Maserati Blu Oceano (deep Blue), and fitted with a sparky 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina engine (170 hp) – the most powerful engine in the MiTo range.

The cars will not only be distinguished by their unique color, but also by two other exclusive features: the “Limited Edition” plaque on the air conditioning unit, and the kick plate made from specially treated aluminum, bearing the words Alfa Romeo for Maserati.

The 100 cars will also have a series of high-end details, supplied as standard: Pelle Frau upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel complete with radio and telephone controls, a radio navigator covering the whole of Europe, and a hands-free Blue&Me system including USB port and bi-xenon headlights.

The MiTo for Maserati also has a racing temperament. The 18′ alloy wheels, rear spoiler, rear bumper and aluminum pedals are all fitted as standard. All the cars will come with Dynamic Suspension, the advanced electronic shock absorber control system that actively varies the set-up to reflect the road conditions and driving style, to guarantee rapid cornering and excellent handling.

Through this partnership with Alfa Romeo, Maserati’s European network will be able to offer customers a special car that reflects its own philosophy, where each choice is the product of the utmost attention and care paid to every detail.

- By: Kap Shah

At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Fiat will be flaunting its new 105-hp and 135-hp MutliAir engine technology. However, for us, it’ll be the new the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi that will get all the attention.

The engine is mated to the next-generation C635 6-speed gearbox, which helps the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde go from 0 to 62 mph in just over 7 seconds. Estimated fuel-economy comes in at 4.8 l/100 km (or 49 mpg in U.S. terms).

There numerous visual changes made to set the Quadrifoglio Verde apart from other MiTos. Check them out in the high-res photo gallery after the jump.

Follow through for the high-res photo gallery and the press release.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde:

Press Release:

MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, world premiere

Available following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo’s sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.

Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.

This engine’s best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo’s success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.

This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.

On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17″ satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.

It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.

Dynamic Suspension

Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world’s most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.

So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car’s movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in “All Weather”, the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.

The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.

Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What’s more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.

The new six-speed C635 gearbox

The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.

As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.

Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.

- By: Kap Shah

Earlier this year, Chrysler”s bankruptcy documents revealed that the Fiat/Chrysler alliance would give Chrysler four vehicle platforms, two engines and two transmission families from the Italian automaker. The documents specifically said that the models will be the Fiat 500, Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Milano.

However, according to Alfa Romeo’s CEO Sergio Cravero, the MiTo may be to small for today’s U.S. market, reports Automotive News.

“A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year,” Cravero said. “That is not enough to make it a viable business case.”

Cravero said that the situation could change if demand in the U.S. shifts to smaller vehicles.

A spokesman said that Alfa plans to return to the U.S. in the second half of 2011 with the Milano, a five-door mid-sized hatchback.

Alfa Romeo MiTo

- By: Stephen Calogera

It was reported earlier this week that Fiat had decided to put the MiTo GTA on hold and was considering canceling the project altogether. According to AutoCar, Alfa Romeo is now playing down reports on the MiTo GTA being cancelled and says that no decision has been made about the model’s future.

An Alfa spokesman said that the car has always been a concept and has yet to be given the green light for production.

“There are question marks about the project but there is an unashamed keenness to get the green light,” the spokesman told AutoCar.

However, even if Alfa does confirm the MiTo GTA for production, the car is unlikely to hit showrooms until late next year. Originally, the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA was scheduled to go on sale before the end of this year. Power comes from a 1.75L turbo-charged 4-cylinder pumping out an outstanding 240-hp.

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar

Alfa Romeo announced today the availability of its new 1.4 turbo gasoline MultiAir engine choices for the Alfa Romeo MiTo. When compared to a traditional gasoline engine with the same displacement, the new MultiAir engines offers 10 percent more power, 15 percent more torque and 10 percent less CO2.

MultiAir 1.4 16v turbocharged engines are available in 3 different power levels including 105-hp, 135-hp and 170 HP. All are mated to 5 or 6-seed manual gearboxes.

Yes Fiat, we still want the Alfa Romeo MiTo on the stateside.

Click through for the press release for more details.

Alfa Romeo MiTo:

Press Release:

“MultiAir” is launched on the Alfa Romeo MiTo

Just a year after the celebrations for the Centenary and as ever a synonym of refined technologies and high performance engines, Alfa Romeo announces the marketing from September of the Alfa Romeo MiTo with 1.4 Turbo petrol MultiAir engines, the revolutionary technology developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The range of a winning model is therefore even broader, for a model which, since its launch to date, has seen 60,000 orders and is sold in 34 Countries throughout the world in 5 different continents.

The new engines are an important “breaking point” from the current petrol engine scenario, just as was the case for the diesel Common Rail technology which saw its debut on the Alfa Romeo 156 in 1997. Just think that, compared to a traditional petrol engine with the same displacement, MultiAir engines ensure an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), as well as a considerable reduction in consumption levels (up to 10%) and CO2 emissions (up to 10%), of particulates (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%).

The heart of the MultiAir is the new electro-hydraulic valve control system which makes it possible to reduce consumption levels (thanks to direct air control via the engine suction valves, without the use of the throttle) and polluting emissions (thanks to the combustion control). What’s more, an emblem of the concept of “downsizing”, the Multiair is a versatile technology, easily applied to all petrol engines, with a future potential development on diesel engines, too.

The head of this revolutionary family is the MultiAir 1.400 16v turbocharged and aspirated engine which on the Alfa Romeo MiTo model will be available with 3 different power levels (105 HP, 135 HP and 170 HP) and combined with 5 or 6 gear manual gearboxes. While the first two are offered on all versions of the MiTo range, the third will be exclusively available on the special version called “Quadrifoglio Verde” (Green Four-leaved Clover), debutting after the launch.

Made in Termoli (CB) at the FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies factory, the new MultiAir engines were designed from the onset of their development to enhance further the Alfa DNA selector, the device which makes it possible to adapt the personality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo to the requirements of the driver and the different road conditions. What’s more, for the first time on the “most sporty compact car ever”, the Start&Stop system will debut – combined with the MultiAir engines. This system controls the temporary turning off of the engine and its subsequent restarting (for example when stopped at a set of traffic lights), keeping all the car’s other devices intended for the passengers’ comfort in operation.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

While you wait for Alfa Romeo to produce the MiTo GTA, Novitec has something to keep your hatchback fantasies satisfied. The tuner of everything Fiat, is offering engine upgrades for the two diesel MiTo models and the gasoline powered 1.4L TB model.

Known as the Novitec Powerjet 2 upgrade, the modifications allow the 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine to produce a total of 186-hp allowing for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.4 seconds. The 1.3 JTD diesel models gets 110-hp while the 1.6 JTD model gets an additional 24-hp.

Novitec is also offering an aerodynamic bodykit, 18-inch NOVITEC N8 multi-spoke wheels and a height-adjustable coil-over suspension upgrade.

We’re going to go ahead and wait for the 240-hp MiTo GTA to get all excited.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Novitec Powerjet 2 Alfa Romeo MiTo:

Press Release:

More Power, Great Design And a Sporty Heart: NOVITEC Tunes the Alfa Romeo MiTo

More power, great design and a sporty heart: NOVITEC presents the exclusive tuning program for the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Engine tuning for the two Diesel models and the gasoline-powered 1.4 TB model is complemented by a strikingly styled aerodynamic-enhancement package. The latter comes with a general operating certificate, eliminating the need for individual technical inspections. Also available from NOVITEC are 18-inch wheels and a height-adjustable coil-over suspension.

NOVITEC POWERJET 2 is the name of the recipe that increases power output of the MiTo with 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine by 31 hp / 23 kW. Peak torque grows by 30 Nm. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit can be installed in less than five minutes. The tuned MiTo produces 186 hp / 137 kW and is even more agile: With a sprint time of 7.4 seconds from rest to 100 km/h the tuned 1.4 TB bests its production counterpart by about 0.7 seconds.

Sophisticated NOVITEC power tuning is also available for the two turbodiesel models. The easy-to-install NOVITEC POWERRAIL 5 module boosts power output of the 1.3 JTD model from standard 90 hp / 66 kW to 110 hp / 81 kW. The same auxiliary control module when installed in the MiTo 1.6 JTD produces an additional 24 hp / 17.7 kW. The tuning module also markedly increases peak torque by some 50 Nm.

NOVITEC adds further sporty highlights with an aerodynamic-enhancement kit for the smallest Alfa Romeo model. The body kit comes with a general operating certificate which eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming individual technical inspections.

The front of the MiTo receives a striking facelift with spoiler corners left and right plus a centrally mounted cup spoiler.

NOVITEC rocker panels give the compact car an even lower, sleeker side appearance. The rear of the MiTo is refined with the NOVITEC roof spoiler and diffuser for the rear apron.

The rear component is also designed to surround the NOVITEC sport rear muffler. The stainless-steel exhausts were developed for maximum power yield and a more exciting exhaust note. They can be combined with one, two or four tailpipes.

The sporty new look also includes NOVITEC N8 multi-spoke wheels. The 7.5Jx18 wheels are available painted silver or matte black. Pirelli high-performance tires in size 215/35 R 18 were selected as the optimal tire choice.

NOVITEC sport springs lower the ride height of the MiTo by some 40 millimeters. As an alternative, NOVITEC offers a stainless-steel coil-over suspension with adjustable ride height and adjustable dampers. It gives the Alfa Romeo a firmer ride and a ride-height lowering between 35 and 65 millimeters.

- By: Omar Rana

Chrysler’s bankruptcy documents reveal that the Fiat/Chrysler alliance would give Chrysler four vehicle platforms, two engines and two transmission families from the Italian automaker. The documents said that specific vehicles would include the Fiat 500, Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Milano 940.

The affidavit of Tom LaSorda, Chrysler’s vice chairman and president, said that access to Fiat’s technology and platforms is a critical part of the partnership between the two automakers. ”Fiat would give Chrysler access to its 3.0-liter diesel engine and 1.4-liter gas engine technology, critical pieces for Chrysler to meet the new fuel economy standards,” LaSorda said.

“Chrysler and Fiat have identified four vehicle platforms and two engine and transmission families that can be used in the alliance,” said LaSorda. “Among those platforms are Fiat’s highly successful C-EVO platform, which Fiat and Chrysler have agreed to manufacture at one of Chrysler’s U.S. plants, and Fiat’s small car F500 and Fiat’s hatchback.”

LaSorda said that the shared technology and platforms will bring huge cost savings to Chrysler. He said that without Fiat, it would cost Chrysler nearly $8 billion to $10 billion to built four new platforms, two engines and two transmission families. Time wise, LaSorda said it would take Chrysler four to five years to achieve these goals.

By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

The new Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce Concept has made its debut at AutoRAI and our friends at autoblog.nl have all the live photos from the show.

The MiTo Veloce Concept is a study of a high-performance MiTo that would fit between the base model and the upcoming 240-hp GTA model. Power comes from a 1.4L turbo-charged unit making 180-hp allowing for a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Alfa Romeo has also added a sportier suspension, body kit and alloy wheels.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce:

- By: The Daily Auto Edtior

Source: autoblog.nl

A bunch of Alfa Romeo MiTo Cabriolet renderings have popped up online showing what the drop-top version of the hottest Italian hatchback could look like.

It was reported in June of last year that Alfa Romeo is working on a soft-top convertible version of the MiTo due for launch in 18 months. According to that we should see the convertible MiTo right before 2009 ends. The MiTo convertible is expected to get the same engine lineup as its hatchback sibling.

Of course, a MiTo GTA Cabriolet should scare the shoes off of the Mini Cooper S. But we’ll let that remain a dream for now.

Photo Renderings: Alfa Romeo MiTo Cabriolet:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: InfoMotori (via autoblog.it)

Alfa Romeo is working on another high-performance MiTo version which it will unveil at the AutoRAI car show in Amsterdam in April. The new Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce concept hints at a future model that will fit between the base MiTo and the upcoming 240-hp MiTo GTA.

Power comes from a modified version of the 1.4L turbocharged engine that produces 180-hp. That allows the MiTo Veloce to go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds.

Along with a power increase, Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce gets a sportier body kit, a sportier suspension and new alloy wheels.

Make the jump for more pictures.

Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: autoblog.nl

So you remember how there was speculation on the name of the Alfa Romeo MiTo before its official launch. Some thought Alfa will revive the Junior badge for the new compact hatch. Well, according to 4Car, Alfa Romeo will be using the Junior badge for the long-rumored small sports coupe which will be based on the underpinning of the MiTo.

The Alfa Romeo Junior is expected to launch by 2011 with engine options ranging from a 105-hp 1.4L to a 130-hp turbocharged 1.4L. Both engine choices will be mated to a new automated-manual gearbox – a double-clutch DSG will also be unveiled later in 2011.

It has already been confirmed that Alfa Romeo will launch a GTA versions of the MiTo at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

So this has us thinking that the MiTo, MiTo GTA and the Junior would be a great addition to the Chrysler/Fiat partnership.

Alfa Romeo MiTo:

Source: 4Car

Alfa Romeo will be coming to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a high-performance version of its hottest hatch – the MiTo. According to AutoCar, Alfa Romeo will unveil the new MiTo GTA in Geneva with sales to begin in Europe later this year.

Power is expected to come from a 1.8L turbocharged engine that will produce a total of 240-hp. It will be based on the same underpinnings as the Fiat Punto Abarth. The MiTo GTA will be much more aggressive looking than the standard model with wide wheel arches, defined lines and maybe even a contrasting color scheme.

An Alfa source says that the MiTo GTA will get many lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum. The source said that Alfa Romeo plans on continuing its weight saving strategy on all of its future vehicles.

The hot new Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA will take on the MINI John Cooper Works with 31 more horsepower.

Alfa Romeo MiTo:

Source: AutoCar