Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Boasts 240-HP

We covered the MiTo when it was launched last summer, and now that the new GTA version (Alfa-speak for light and quick)

has officially surfaced we want to get one of our writers back in the driver's seat.

Cute, perky and just plain fun, the MiTo is Alfa's entry-level hatchback. The GTA takes the stylish little people mover to new heights, however, with design elements that remain fully influenced by the brand's gorgeous 8C Competizione, at least up front, now augmented with a new deeper front valance, wider fender flares, beefier multi-spoke wheels and body-side mouldings, tastefully finished in matte black.

The little tike is reportedly pretty sporting under the hood too, with a 240-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharger, direct-injection and variable valve-timing-enhanced four-cylinder that should make Mini Cooper JCW owners tremble and fear. The suspension has been dropped by 0.79 inches, while “active” components have been added along with variable steering geometry to make it manage curves effortlessly.

That

suspension features aluminum upgrades to reduce pounds, part of a weight loss program that also includes the use of carbon fibre for the mirror housings, tailgate spoiler and the roof.

Alfa has fitted sports seats inside, with four-point seatbelts attached to the rear roll bar no less, while matte black interior surfaces have been integrated to limit glare.

It would be difficult to believe Fiat, Alfa's parent company, would allow the MiTo to hit North American shores without this wonderful little GTA model following close behind, but stranger things have happened. Keep your fingers crossed Alfistis, as this revered three-letter acronym might just show up at a Chrysler... ahem... Alfa dealer near you soon.