Alfa Romeo readying mid-level MiTo Veloce

[SVT666]

Alfa Romeo readying mid-level MiTo Veloce

Alfa Romeo recently unveiled its high-performance MiTo GTA at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, but it appears as though the MiTo range will soon grow by at least one more model. To fill the gap between the standard MiTo and the hottest GTA model, Alfa Romeo will reportedly introduce a new Veloce model.

Although the Veloce won?t offer the all out performance of the GTA, the mid-grade hatch promises better all-around performance than the base car. Underhood, the Veloce model will use a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, cranking out 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. That added grunt should be enough to get the stylish hatch from 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds with a top speed lifted to 133 mph.

To ensure the Veloce stops and handles better than the base car, Alfa will equip the new model with upgraded brakes and suspension, as well as larger 18-inch wheels. An aggressive body kit will also be in the mix.

Despite its minor performance upgrades ? compared to the GTA ? model, the Veloce will reportedly use plastic and carbon fiber for pieces like the rear hatch, roof and spoiler to keep weight down and the car?s center of gravity low.

The new MiTo Veloce model could surface as early as next month, will sales likely starting in the latter half of this year.

[Raza]

A friend of mine is in the business (I don't know how he got in, but I believe he works for Chrysler), and he recently got to drive a MiTo and 500. 

"Glorious" was the word he used to describe it.  He currently drives a Honda Fit, so that's his frame of reference.

[Payman]

Fuck a duck. I want one.

[sandertheshark]

Fuck a duck. I want one.

picture saved for future use.

[sandertheshark]

And I kinda want an Alfa MiTo GTA.

[SVT666]

And I kinda want an Alfa MiTo GTA.

I neeeeeeeed a MiTo GTA...though a Veloce would be nice too.

[2o6]

I neeeeeeeed a MiTo GTA...though a Veloce would be nice too.

159 and Brera > Owl-looking MiTo.

[SVT666]

159 and Brera > Owl-looking MiTo.

I do hope you're kidding...though I know you're not.  How could these possibly be hotter then the MiTo?  You're nuts.

[Submariner]

picture saved for future use.

Are you sure you want to save that picture on your computer? 

[sandertheshark]

Are you sure you want to save that picture on your computer? 

Good point.  I'll bury it in the bottom of my photobucket.

[Eye of the Tiger]

What a piece of shit.

[sandertheshark]

159 and Brera > Owl-looking MiTo.

The 159 is fine, but the Brera is half-weird/half-hideous.

[2o6]

The 159 is fine, but the Brera is half-weird/half-hideous.

Brera's are excellent, especially in Cabrio/Spyder form.

[MX793]

The Brera concept was fantastic looking.  The actual car is kind of... meh.  I do like the 159, though.

[Raza]

Brera's are excellent, especially in Cabrio/Spyder form.

Holy shit!

I agree with 2o6 on how a car looks?  I need to see a doctor.

[SVT666]

Holy shit!

I agree with 2o6 on how a car looks?  I need to see a doctor.

Look at it from any other angle, in any other colour, and an unmolested stock model (that one pictured is a tuner version) and it's not so hot anymore...and then you have to live with that interior.

[2o6]

Look at it from any other angle, in any other colour, and an unmolested stock model (that one pictured is a tuner version) and it's not so hot anymore...and then you have to live with that interior.

That interior is awesome, and I STILL like it.


The MiTo looks wrong from a lot of angles as well, and many people agree with me.

[Raza]

The top picture is not flattering, that's true, but the second one isn't so bad.

What's wrong with the interior?

[SVT666]

What's wrong with the interior?

Everything.

[Raza]

I do hope you're kidding...though I know you're not.  How could these possibly be hotter then the MiTo?  You're nuts.

I mean, I like them all, but the 159 is clearly the best looking car there. 

[TBR]

The 159 is simply beautiful. The Mito is attractive, but it isn't in the same league as the 159.

Pure beauty:


And the interior is just as good:

[nickdrinkwater]

The Brera looks better in the metal than in photos (and the coupe nicer than the cabrio, top down or up).

[sportyaccordy]

I still think they should throw that 3.2L V6 or even the good old 2.0 twin spark 4 in there for shits and giggles. That will put it a class above the rest like the VR6 did for the MKIII GTI

[Raza]

The 159 is simply beautiful. The Mito is attractive, but it isn't in the same league as the 159.

Pure beauty:


And the interior is just as good:

Watching the opening sequence of Quantum of Solace, I noticed how much better the 159 looks than the Aston DBS.

[SVT666]

Watching the opening sequence of Quantum of Solace, I noticed how much better the 159 looks than the Aston DBS.

It's official.  You're nuts.

[Raza]

It's official.  You're nuts.

I never liked the DBS.  It looks like a V8 Vantage that has been vandalized. 

[TBR]

I never liked the DBS.  It looks like a V8 Vantage that has been vandalized. 

I concur, the DB9 was a supremely elegant car, then they tried to make it look sporty. To my eyes it just didn't work.

[2o6]

I still think they should throw that 3.2L V6 or even the good old 2.0 twin spark 4 in there for shits and giggles. That will put it a class above the rest like the VR6 did for the MKIII GTI

The MiTo is a B-segment car based on the Grande Punto (Which in turn is developed with the Opel Corsa)/


The 3.2L wouldn't fit.