We knew that Alfa Romeo was in the process of hotting up the cute little MiTo hatch, and now the official details and images have been released prior to the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The MiTo GTA has a noticeably revised (and falcon-like) front fascia, with reworked air intakes that nicely integrate the foglamps. Additionally, Alfa says that a lot of work has gone into lowering the car's center of gravity, including the addition of carbon fiber in the rear spoiler, roof, and mirror fairings.
Powering the GTA is a turbocharged and direct-injected version of Alfa's 1.7-liter four-banger, producing a healthy 240 horsepower. The suspension geometry has been heavily revised, the braking system heavily relies on aluminum, and the whole car has been lowered by 20 millimeters.
Click through the post to read Alfa's official press release and stay tuned for more details from the Geneva show in a few weeks.

*** A high performance concept of the new Alfa MiTo, the Alfa MiTo GTA, will be starring at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show in early March.
*** In line with the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the MiTo GTA Concept prioritises weight reduction, and the achievement of an optimum power-to-weight ratio.
*** Considerable work has gone into lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity; thus certain components such as the tailgate spoiler, roof and mirror fairings are in carbon-fibre; while aluminium is used extensively in the braking system, suspension, and some parts of the chassis.

*** Under the bonnet, an exciting new petrol engine, very much in keeping with the pre-requisites of downsizing, environmental awareness, and the offer of high power and efficiency in return for low weight and optimised packaging, powers the new GTA Concept.
*** Designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and exploiting the vast experience gained in the production of Twin Spark and Alfa V6 road and race engines, the compact new petrol engine employs advanced technical solutions including direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems to produce a remarkable 240bhp from just 1742cc.
*** Under-floor aerodynamics have been a particular concern, while the entire car has been lowered by some 20mm. Front suspension employs new geometry with aluminium leading arms, while the rear suspension has all-new bushings, and the comprehensively revised chassis boasts an ‘active’ suspension system, (advanced damper control), which counteracts the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end and maximising traction. The suspension also interacts with the braking system and steering to obtain the most efficient control of vehicle dynamics, while a ‘Sky-Hook’ function ensures an excellent level of passenger comfort under conditions of everyday use.