1.8 L, 240 hp, "best power-to-weight ratio in its category". We may have a contender, here. I'm looking forward to a Mini Cooper S JCW/Fiat 500 Abarth/Alfa MiTo GTA comparison!

I just can't warm up to how the nose looks though.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/g...alfa-mito-gta/

 

Aw man, I think it's gorgeous! I've always wanted to drive an Alfa, just cuz I've heard so much about them, good and bad. If Alfa comes back to the US, I'll go test drive one, but it'd take a lot to sway me from my beloved MINIs...

 

i'd buy one

 

That is a cool car. And with that much power it must be really fun to drive.

 

I have had 4 different Afla's over the last 30 years. If they make it to the US I will have a MiTo or a Spider.

 

I'll take a 159. I think it's a gorgeous example of a sport sedan.. sat in one at Goodwood and basically fell in love (like I did with my Mini!).

http://www.alfa159.com/

Either it, or the Citroen C5. The Europeans really know how to crank out desirable cars.

 

Looking forward to the Italian invasion, the more fun little hatches the better

 

Now that is nice..........the rear looks good.

 

i wan to get the alfa ..

 

I believe the MiTo was also designed by Frank Stephenson, the guy who designed the first gen new MINI, in addition to the Fiat 500. He seems to have a knack for designing small, hot hatches.

 

Alfa Romeos are making a slow comeback into the US market. I just saw a gorgeous Competizione coupe (yellow) on my way home this morning.



I imagine dealer availability is spotty at best and servicing likely to carry semi-exotic prices.

Still, good to see Alfa making a comeback to our shores.

 

Frank Stephenson left the helm of Ferrari-Maserati-Alfa Romeo design later last year. Now he works for McLaren.

He is considered to be one of the top 10 auto design talents of the century. Makes me proud that the R53 MINI was one of his finest designs.

Wishful thinking if ever comes back to BMW-MINI, but highly unlikely. One of the reasons he cited after his departure from MINI in 2002 is that the BMW culture was somewhat oppressive when it came to certain design freedom. He also cited "Committee" design approach.

If you read the 1st gen development history, you'll be amazed at the fact that these cars almost didn't make the light of day. And with Chris Bangle at the helm during those years, the MINI was his "flame surafced" design anti-thesis.

 

Saw one of those a couple of months ago locally, was in the dark metallic red on red interior, very curvy and pretty. They are being sold and serviced through Ferarri/Maserati dealers, so yes exotic prices for sure

Will be curious how they set up the Fiat and other Alfa model branding for sales and service in the US for the 500 and such, I imagine they will do stand alone yet conjoined departments a la Mini and Smart have done.

 

I would get the Mito GTA if it were available here.

 

Here in Miami, they are selling new Competiziones at "The Collection" in Coral Gables. They sell Ferraris, Astons, Lambos, Lotus, Porsches, Audis, Jaguars and now Alfas. I'll grab my camera later on so you guys can see the gorgeous showroom these people have. Its like a toy/candy store for men.


http://www.thecollection.com/

 

Maybe some Chrysler dealers will take up selling Fiat 500s?

 

I'd get one. An Abarth SS anyway.