CAR News

2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo

The sporty compact Alfa MiTo is the first model in the Alfa Romeo range to feature the all new ALFA TCT automatic transmission with dry twin clutch – now available in the UK.

Available with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp petrol engine and combined with a Start&Stop system, this Alfa Romeo MiTo offers outstanding performance (38.7 mpg over an urban cycle, 128 g/km of CO2 and 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph), a result that is superior to the same engine with a manual gearbox (the values of which are 38.2 mpg, 129 g/km and 0- 62 mph acceleration time of 8.4 seconds).

The Alfa MiTo 1.4 TB MultiAir with ALFA TCT is available in Lusso and Veloce trim levels, with prices starting from £16,745 OTR.

About ALFA TCT transmission
In detail, the operation of the ALFA TCT transmission is distinguished by maximum interaction with the vehicle’s systems. To achieve the best performance on the road depending on driving conditions and on the driver’s requests, the transmission interacts with the braking, engine control, Alfa D.N.A. vehicle dynamic control switch, Start&Stop, steering and vehicle stability control systems.

Thanks to the speed with which the parameters are processed, the transmission can, for instance, modify the speed of gear shift, manage the torque delivery, for instance on low grip roads, and it can operate completely automatically or as a manual sequential gearbox, and adopt a usage profile which focuses primarily on reducing fuel consumption.

Developed by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies, in conceptual terms the new ALFA TCT transmission consists of two gearboxes in parallel, each with its own clutch, which allows the selection and engagement of the subsequent gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous torque delivery and therefore traction.

The result is a driving comfort and sporty feeling far superior to those offered by conventional automatic transmissions (with torque converter), as proven by greater speed of gear shift, the possibility of selecting between manual or automatic mode, and a near-zero power loss during the gear change. In addition, the purchasing, servicing and running costs are low, while fuel consumption is reduced, thanks also to the implementation of the Start&Stop system, by up to 10% compared with a traditional automatic hydraulic transmission with torque converter.

Other notable features of the new ALFA TCT are its flexibility of application, thanks to the compact size of its components, and the fact that it is a dry twin clutch (the type of clutch that guarantees the highest degree of efficiency in terms of fuel consumption among all automatic transmissions).

If we compare dry clutches with oil bath (wet) clutches, we can safely say that the former dissipate energy only during the actual slipping phase of the gear change and on pick-up, whereas wet clutches, which always operate in an oil bath, introduce losses due to viscous friction such as those of conventional automatic transmissions, even when they are not in operation. They also require forced cooling with oil, and therefore continuous energy expenditure to drive the dedicated oil pump (absent in the case of dry clutches).

A ‘wet’ automatic transmission also requires approximately 4.8 liters more gearbox oil than the dry version, again for reasons of clutch cooling (in this way, weight is added and losses due to splashing increase). When all these effects are added together, a dry transmission is found to be approximately 6% more efficient than the corresponding wet one in terms of consumption.

TECH SPEC

1.4 TB MultiAir 135 bhp ALFA TCT
No. of cylinders, arrangement 4 in line
Bore x stroke (mm) 72×84
Displacement (cc) 1368
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max. power output bhp (kW – EC) at rpm 135 (99) 5250
Peak torque Nm (kgm – EC) at rpm 230 (23.4) 1750
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (12V)
Battery: Capacity (Ah)/Generator (A) 63/450
TRANSMISSION
Drive Front
Number of gears 6+1R
TYRES
Standard version 195/55 R16
STEERING SYSTEM
Turning Circle kerb-to-kerb (m) 11.25
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson independent, front traverse trailing arms; shock absorbers with rebound springs; anti-roll bar
Rear Torsion beam with C cross-section and high torsional stiffness; slotted bushings with variable stiffness for attaching beam to bodyshell; high-stiffness helical springs; contractive vertical shock absorbers
BRAKES
Front (mm) Ventilated 281 x 26 D, 57mm floating calliper
Rear Solid 251 x 10 D, 38 mm floating calliper
WEIGHTS
Fuel tank (lit.) 45
Kerb weight DIN (kg) 1170
PERFORMANCE
Top speed (mph) 129
Acceleration (driver + 30 kg) 0-62 (s) 8.2
FUEL CONSUMPTION – EMISSIONS*
Urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 38.7 (7.3)
Extra-urban cycle mpg (l/100km) 62.8 (4.5)
Combined cycle mpg (l/100km) 51.4 (5.5)
Exhaust emissions – CO2 (g/km) 128
Emissions Standard EU V
Start & Stop Standard

2011 Marangoni Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove

The Italian Motorshow, to be held in Bologna from 4 to 12 December, will represent the opportunity for Marangoni Tyre, manufacturer of strictly Italian-made tyres, to present its new demo car for 2011. Marangoni thus continues the tradition established for several years now that sees it involved in the development of innovative and original projects, such as the Fiat 5.0.0., the Alfa MiTo M430 and the Nissan 370 Z-HYDRO, cars that have received significant acclaim and created new expectations and curiosity in the tuning sector and motor car industry in general.

The 2011 version sees the return to an Italian car – the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde. The concept that inspired this year’s design is mobility in the modern world: move around in style whilst caring for the environment, with the special “M-Power iGreen” tyres developed for this vehicle in the 235/35R19 size. Move around busy cities or pedestrian areas with the ecological Segway i2 self-balancing electric vehicle – which fits into the car’s boot – in the version made especially for Marangoni by H.T. Human Technology, whilst also being able to move around the web with the dashboard-integrated iPad, the tablet computer with always-on internet connection.

The result is the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni.

Once again the preparation of the car was managed by the TRC Italia style centre, under the guidance of Simone Neri.

Following the red tyres on the MiTo M430, representing Italian passion, and the blue tyres symbolising water and the innovative oxyhydrogen system fitted on the Z-HYDRO, trendy acid green was chosen this time, in clear contrast with the matte charcoal grey paintwork on the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni.

Marangoni has thus developed special tyres for this new show car, based on the Marangoni M-Power, the new ultra high performance product that the Italian manufacturer will soon start marketing.

The Marangoni M-Power range is the result of considerable investments in technology and research that have allowed the company to develop a product with a sporting soul, extremely high performance and progressive handling, designed to ensure maximum driving pleasure and the highest level of safety. In this experimental coloured version, M-Power becomes M-Power iGreen, which uses compounds with high silica content and other innovative materials, minimises rolling resistance and consequently fuel consumption.

For lovers of car tuning and extreme customisation, special fluorescent pigments have been added to the Marangoni “M-Power iGreen” compound so as to create an effect of natural light in the dark.

Completing a design whose soul, as always, is Made in Italy, are the car’s interiors, provided by the very-Italian clothing brand Conte of Florence, created in the same green colour as the M-Power iGreen tyres and that give the car a modern, sporting yet at the same time refined feel.

Events
The car will make its worldwide debut at the upcoming Motor Show in Bologna, Italy, from 4 to 12 December 2010. Throughout 2011 the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni will also be shown at the main European exhibitions and events, over 10 in total.

Interior
Sporting, elegance, love of golf. These are the values underlying the partnership with Conte of Florence for the creation of the interiors on Giulietta G430 iMove by Marangoni.

This Florence-based fashion label, founded over fifty years ago by the entrepreneur Romano Boretti, is a leader in the prestigious sportswear segment and for more than twenty years has been one of the reference brands on greens around the world, thanks to an instantly recognisable style and the champions who wear the “C” with the lily on the greens of all five continents.

In designing the interior, as well as using quality materials such as leather, Alcantara and carbon, Conte of Florence applied quilting as the leitmotiv to evoke the golfing tradition of Scotland. Moreover, the large embroidered brand recalls the Tour Line logo, word with pride by the brand’s sponsored players in official competitions.

The grey and green also reflect one of the themes of the 2010-11 Autumn-Winter collection available at more than 80 single-brand stores and around 800 multi-brand stores in Italy and abroad. www.conteofflorence.com

Body and design
It won’t be hard to deduce the origin of the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni design, in as the name itself reveals the source of inspiration. The front bumper has two wide air grills, with the air flow directed to the uprated braking system. As regards the rear, the original diffuser has been removed and replaced with a new carbon component, featuring evident air extractors, again in F430 style. Racy skirting completes the vehicle’s body kit, perfectly unifying the two axles. The spoiler on the rear window has been raised slightly to give an even more aggressive look.

The bodywork has been completely repainted charcoal grey using a special very fine textured paint, and finished with a 100% matte clear coat.

Power kit
Engine power now reaches 286 HP, a good 51 HP more than the original version, with powerful delivery even at low revs. The power kit also includes a new bearing-mounted rotary turbine, downpipe complete with metal catalyst, complete Ragazzon stainless steel exhaust with wide diameter pipes. Air intake has been modified using a special carbon air box.

Other features
The Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni has been lowered by around 4 cm using KW threaded strut housings that allow height adjustment and calibration of the shock absorbers in extension and compression. The already powerful standard braking system has been replaced with innovative Tarox B360 10-pot calipers and composite disks, with 330×26 diameter brake rotors, for absolute yet at the same time variable braking power. The acid green Marangoni M-Power iGreen tyres, in the 235/35R19 Y size, developed by adding special fluorescent pigments to the compound, are fitted on Barracuda Karizzma 8.5×19 wheels. The result is a captivating green-black combination that makes the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni even sportier.

All the components designed for the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni will be marketed in 2011 by Florence-based TRC Italia.

Segway
The boot on the Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni houses a Segway i2 customised in the same colours as the car by Human Technology Italy. This revolutionary and ecological vehicle is patented and marketed by Segway Inc., a US company founded in 1999 with the aim of developing innovative transport solutions, based on “dynamic stabilization” technology to combine high efficiency with zero emissions. The transporter also features LeanSteer technology, an engineering breakthrough that makes the Segway i2 even more intuitive and appealing, with all aspects of movement controlled by the direction the rider moves his or her body. The Segway i2 reaches a top speed of 20 km/h and with a single charge the lithium-ion batteries can guarantee a travel range of 38 km.

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 colors –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.

Alfa Romeo released the first detail and image for the 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon and Sedan.

Both the Alfa Romeo 159 and the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon will get a number of improvements, including four new equipment packages which are very similar to those which are also available on the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchbacks. The names of the four packages available for the 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 are the TI Plus Pack, the Comfort Plus Pack, the Sport Pack and the Comfort Pack. Other improvements include new upholstery and trim options.