2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA - Auto Shows

Even before Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne started talking to Chrysler about a possible alliance, he spoke of his goal of reintroducing Alfa Romeo to the U.S. Alfa's most recent offering is the subcompact MiTo, based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform also shared with GM's Opel Corsa. But all three models are very different in character. While the Grande Punto is styled with clear, crisp lines in the classic Italian design tradition, the Corsa tries to look cute and friendly. The premium MiTo, on the other hand, comes across as decidedly retro, with strong visual ties to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar.

We have driven just about every car built on this platform, including the 153-hp Grande Punto Abarth and the 189-hp Opel Corsa OPC. The Fiat is reasonably quick, and the Corsa is one of the fastest cars in its category. But the Corsa’s performance will easily be dwarfed by the MiTo GTA, Alfa's biggest news at the 2009 Geneva auto show. It is being shown in concept form, but a production version is a done deal and should appear by early 2010.

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