We know the range-topping Alfa Mito GTA is coming to shake up the hot hatch market next year, but now we’ve got more detail on just how quick it’ll be. This racy 230bhp Alfa hatch is tipped for a 150 mph top speed and will be capable of reaching 60mph in under six-seconds.The Mito GTA, which is aimed squarely at the Mini Cooper S and Renault Clio Cup, will make its debut “during 2009”. It will be powered by a turbocharged engine of around 1.8 litres, but will be badged as a 1750, a capacity long associated with high-performance Alfa Romeos. Despite rumours, this will not be the first production application of the Multiair electronic inlet valve control system, which uses hydraulic pressure to open and close an engine’s inlet valves and allows greater timing variations than conventional engines. Multiair will be used first in a new variant of the 1.4 litre turbo four, producing 165 bhp instead of the present 155 bhp. This engine, offered from next year, will offer improved economy and efficiency as well as more power and torque.The Mito GTA will also get Fiat’s Q2 front differential in an effort to dial-out torque steer. The GTA’s expected to cost in the region of £17,000.
