AlfaRomeoMitoGtaConcept

Alfa Romeo Pumps up the MiTo with the GTA concept in Geneva

When Alfa Romeo launched the MiTo, it was clear the Italian automaker was serious about taking on the premium hatchback market in Europe, a realm until now dominated by BMW's Mini. But while the MiTo borrowed styling cues from its big brother, the 8C Competizione supercar, the small hatch lacked the performance to back up its looks. With the new MiTo GTA, Alfa looks poised to rectify the situation. Resurrecting the company's performance badge, the GTA packs a 230-horsepower turbocharged engine, packed into a compact aluminum and carbon-fiber body with attitude to spare. Although the car shown in Geneva was, strictly speaking, a concept car, Alfa says it will be putting it into production before the end of the year. In the meantime, why not have a look at the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA concept