Dual clutch auto for Alfa Romeo MiTo
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Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT Sport
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Alfa Romeo
16th December, 2010
Alfa Romeo’s small car, the MiTo, is now available in Australia
with the all-new twin clutch gearbox that combines all the advantages of manual and automatic gearboxes and
eliminates the disadvantages.
“This gearbox could not be better suited to Australian driving conditions,” says Andrei Zaitzev,
General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “It has the look and feel of a traditional automatic gearbox,
from its Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive gear lever to how it ‘creeps’ on idle, yet at the same time it has the
performance and fuel consumption of an equivalent manual gearbox and, when called upon responds with the speed
and dynamism of a manual gearbox.”
The new Mito TCT’s gearbox concept consists of two gearboxes working in parallel, each with its own clutch.
This allows the selection and engagement of the new gear while the previous one is still engaged. The gear is
therefore changed with a simple gradual switch of the corresponding clutches, guaranteeing continuous power
and torque delivery and, therefore no gap in delivery as the gear is changed.
The result is driving comfort and a sporty feeling well above that offered by conventional torque
converter-equipped automatic transmissions, 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. Fuel consumption
is reduced by up to 10% compared to a traditional automatic hydraulic transmission with torque converter, a
result that is enhanced by the Stop Start system.
The new 99 kW 1.4 MultiAir engine guarantees the Alfa Romeo MiTo all the performance and temperament of a
sporty, well-balanced car designed for customers who are concerned about driveability and good fuel economy.
The torque delivery of the 99 kW engine is optimum under all conditions and ensures outstanding pick-up
performance and vigorous thrust at all revs, setting a new benchmark for petrol engines.
The new 99 kW power unit's top speed of 207 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of 8.2 seconds are at
the very top of the city car category. Its remarkable fuel consumption of 5.5 litres on the combined cycle
demonstrate the MiTo TCT’s blend of performance, low fuel consumption and, at 128 g/km low emissions.
This brand new engine, designed to work in conjunction with the Alfa 'DNA' system, allows the dynamic
attributes of the Alfa MiTo to be exploited to the full. This makes long trips pleasant and comfortable, but
also guarantees plenty of thrills on more demanding stretches of road, the natural terrain of any Alfa Romeo,
due to the power and torque delivery.
With the MiTo equipped with the new 1.4 litre 99 kW engine and the TCT gearbox expected to account for the
vast majority of MiTo sales, it is offered in two equipment versions for the Australian market, the MiTo TCT
and Sport variants.
The standard specification list for the MiTo TCT and the entry level MiTo with which it shares its trim
and equipment is long and comprehensive, featuring Alfa’s advanced DNA function along with the Q2 system and
electric power assisted steering. In addition, this model is fitted with Vehicle Dynamic Control – an
amalgamation of ABS, Anti Slip Regulation and Brake Assistant – plus Hill Holder as standard.
Other safety features include driver, passenger, front side, window and driver’s knee air bags, along with
fast-reaction LED rear lights and a fire prevention system. The LED rear lights complement the height
adjustable follow-me-home headlights with titanium grey surrounds, electrically adjustable and heated
colour-coded door mirrors and bumpers.
The Alfa MiTo is fitted with 17” alloy wheels – similar to those that appear on the Alfa 8C Competizione.
Inside the cockpit, the MiTo features sports cloth and sports dials with white illumination. The MiTo comes
with the Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition, and media player with USB port, along with
air conditioning, as well as front fog lights.
Also standard are a trip computer, cruise control, remote locking and boot release, steering wheel audio
controls, front armrest with locker, leather steering wheel, VDC with hold holder, electric windows, DNA and
a premium six speaker Blue&Me equipped audio system.
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The MiTo TCT Sport shares the majority of its equipment with the range topping MiTo QV, such as a carbon
fibre effect dashboard, matching colours for the headlight frames and exterior mirror covers in brushed
titanium effect, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal
sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black surfaces that
ensure no reflections or distractions while driving. The high-tech feel of the car is further enhanced by
the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument
panel as well as gaining rear parking sensors, auto wipers, lights and auto dipping interior mirror.
The QV is separated from the TCT by the subtle signifiers for the fastest MiTo such as the Cloverleaf
badges and the MiTo QV's 18 inch alloy wheels which are unique to this model.
The Mito TCT and QV are powered by the latest version of Alfa Romeo’s family of ‘Fire’ 1.4 litre engines
that have set new standards for performance, economy and emissions. The MultiAir head is a Fiat patented
design.
The MiTo's Start&Stop technology makes its debut combined with MultiAir engines for the first time on an
Alfa Romeo. The system turns off the engine whenever the vehicle is stationary and idling in neutral and
then restarts it automatically when the brake is released and clutch is depressed. The Start&Stop system may
be overridden at any time by a flick of the steering wheel mounted paddles in the TCT variants. Start&Stop
can be deactivated at will by the driver but, when active, achieves notable reductions in fuel consumption,
emissions and noise pollution.
Like other versions of the MiTo, the TCT versions are equipped with the Alfa Romeo DNA system that
enabled the driver to tailor the response of the MiTo driving conditions and the driver’s mood.
In Dynamic mode, the throttle response is quicker, the steering is sharper and the handling is more
direct. For icy and loose surface environments the All Weather mode provides a more gentle response. Alfa
Romeo’s Electronic Q2 limited slip differential heads a list of dynamic driver aids, including a long list
of safety systems. Together, these all help deliver impressive driving dynamics and handling, along with
sure-footed road holding capabilities.
In line with entertaining levels of performance and handling, the Alfa MiTo also boasts high levels of
safety.
Designed and developed to achieve the highest possible scores in passive and active safety tests, the
Alfa Romeo MiTo is one of the safest cars on the road, providing driver and passengers with a high level
of protection.
In recognition of its safety credentials, the Alfa MiTo has collected a 5-star Euro NCAP safety
rating.
Driver and occupant safety is paramount, and the specification of seven air bags including front air
bags, window bags, side bags and driver’s knee bag work with Alfa Romeo’s Self Aligning Head Restraint
– a system that moves the head restraints closer to the neck of the front seat occupants to lessen the
effect of whiplash in the event of an impact – is evidence of Alfa Romeo’s commitment to the highest
possible safety standards.
All versions of the MiTo are well equipped with Trip computer, cruise control, aircon, remote
locking and boot release, steering wheel audio controls, front armrest with locker, leather steering
wheel, VDC with hill holder, front electric windows, DNA and a premium six speaker audio system
headlining the standard equipment package.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo TCT enters the range between the entry level MiTo at $29,990* and the
range-topping MiTo QV at $34,990*, with the MiTo TCT at $31,990* and the TCT Sport version at
$34,990*.
“We now have the perfect MiTo range for Australia,” says Mr Zaitzev. “With the $29,990*
MiTo we have the ideal position to attract drivers new to the excitement and passion of Alfa Romeo
ownership, while the QV delivers true performance for the enthusiast who wants the ultimate compact
Alfa Romeo. With MiTo TCT and its two trim and equipment levels we have the perfect blend of
performance, economy and ease of use wrapped up in a design that is classic Alfa Romeo – strong,
stylish and unmistakable – and what would be expected of a company celebrating 100 years of
performance motoring.”
NOTE: * The prices indicated in this news item are the Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) and,
as such, do not include the traditional on-road costs (such as dealer delivery fees and the
state/territory statutory charges). Additionally, all prices, fees and charges are subject to change
without notice.
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