Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to test-drive the new 135 HP Alfa MiTo MultiAir on the Balocco racetrack.

After having lunch and chatting about Alfa Romeo until 3.30 p.m., we headed towards Balocco.

When we arrive, we discover that the journalists have already left, so we have the MiTo cars and test-drivers all to ourselves. I’m part of the first group to drive, together with a very friendly and polite test-driver. He drives the first lap in “Dynamic” mode and after the first few kilometres, gets down to some serious driving… I can really feel the effects! I’m literally squashed against my seat during the curves and have to grip the door to avoid being tossed around.

The car's road grip is awesome; it literally feels like driving on railroad tracks. His lap ends, and now it’s my turn. I drive the first lap in “Normal” mode to get a feel for the car’s different behaviour.

Balocco’s Langhe track is a labyrinth of curves so I avoid over-doing it and prefer to take things easy at first. It is impossible to memorize 9 km of track in just a single lap! After a demonstration of the Start&Stop function, we start the second lap, this time in the “Dynamic” mode. The test-driver acts as my navigator by indicating the radius of the tightest curves each time. This makes driving a lot easier and allows me to focus on going fast!

I complete the lap using third and fourth gear only, although always at the limit. The indicator rarely drops below 5,000 rpm. The MultiAir engine may have less torque than my JTDm, but the car continues to push even as rpm increases, truly awesome!

We return to the “Cascina Balocco” and Raffaele hops in the car. Given that he’s come all the way from Naples (and left at 4 in the morning), he’s the one who most deserves a bonus lap. The test-driver, though, lets me hop in the back seat.

When Raffaele’s drive is over, I’m offered the chance to drive one more lap... how can I refuse!

I drive flat-out even though I’m not well acquainted with the track, but thanks to the test-driver’s directions, it’s not that difficult after all. My concentration is intense, I’m sweating heavily and the centrifugal force in the curves is straining my arms and neck. It’s very gruelling but utterly thrilling!

I finish the 9 km circuit of the Langhe track and this time we really do have to leave. We continue chatting about motoring and head off to look at the historical Alfa Romeo engines.

Finally, we are greeted with a big surprise. We see the 8c Spider spare car that is being prepared to be test driven at the Frankfurt Auto Show. As our visit draws to an end, we have just enough time to look at the 3 prototype models of the MiTo “Quadrifoglio Verde” and the prototypes of the 149 that fill the parking lot. We then head for home. It was a truly wonderful day!

Regards, BES

So far, the FPT engineers have revealed all the secrets of the engine control unit as well as all the techniques used to test MultiAir engines .

But how did we reach this stage? How is a MultiAir engine born?

Here are the answers. Today’s video clip will illustrate in detail how each component is developed, analysed and assembled. The various departments collaborate with each other to ensure that the entire process flows with the maximum efficiency and precision.

Design Dept.

In the Design Dept., the engine’s behaviour is carefully analysed, both in terms of performance (power/consumption ratio) and reliability (the engine's structural resistance).

As explained by Mr Gavino, the engineer in charge of the sector, it was this thorough analysis that enabled the technical staff to significantly reduce the development time required for the MultiAir engine.

Overhaul Dept.

In the Overhaul Dept., the engines are dismantled then reassembled to ensure the highest quality and service standards, as demanded by our customers.

The cylinder head, actuator, pistons, drive shaft and camshaft are all tested in the Metrology Room to identify any signs of wear.

The parts manufactured in collaboration with suppliers are analysed and successively reshipped to suppliers for further tests.

At the end of the component analysis process, the engine is reassembled starting from the bottom (short block, crank mechanism and pistons) and sent to the test room where duration and application are then tested.

On Friday afternoon, in the enchanting backdrop of the Balocco racetrack, I had the privilege of test-driving the latest technological invention – a piece of skilful engineering by the FPT Team.

I was expecting to find a weak engine, or at least not as performing as the 155 HP T-jet engine on my GP Abarth. Instead … I was taken aback! I had the chance to drive two laps around the “Langhe Interno” track in the “Dynamic” mode, after the heart-stopping demonstrative lap driven by the extraordinary test-driver.

I was positively surprised by the engine’s gritty performance right from the lowest regimes: already below 2,000 rpm, the car thrusts forward thanks to its substantial 206 Nm torque with a vigorous acceleration you wouldn’t expect from a compact turbo engine like the 1368.

Above 5,500 rpm, acceleration decreases significantly although a further 500 rpm are available if necessary; I used them several times in second gear, to exit the track's long curves as fast a possible.

Another surprising aspect is the abrupt change in performance when shifting to the “Normal” mode using the exclusive control lever, a genuine Alfa gem: the lively sports car turns into a placid yet fascinating city car capable of offering pleasant driving, albeit a little too calm perhaps.

I appreciated the reduced path of the gear lever and the highly precise gear engagement, although I must admit that I had trouble shifting into second gear on more than one occasion; I got the impression that the car suffers sudden gear shifts, unlike the 6-speed M32 mounted on the 155 HP version.

The braking system definitely responds adequately to the increase in performance: I was able to appreciate the power of the brakes on two curves, by performing a kind of “panic stop” signalled by the automatic activation of the 4 emergency indicators.
The car’s rear remained quite composed, even during the most intense moments.
I must underline, though, that the braking system on the 135 HP has a different feel on the pedal. A substantial difference can be felt at higher speeds: the “standard” braking system on the 135 HP is a far cry from the bite offered by the Brembo callipers on the 155 HP.

The activation of the start&stop function is simply astonishing: as you stop the car and put it into neutral gear, the engine silences. The whole process is signalled by a message and icon appearing on the multifunctional display. It is sufficient to simply push the clutch to restart the engine. If you stop the car with the hand brake and open the door, the start&stop function obviously does not activate.

One of the positive aspects that certainly struck me the most was the feeling of sheer safety, which I had already experienced while test-driving the Tb 155 on the road; I can definitely confirm this impression after the test-drive on the track. Compared to the GTA, I find that the MITo is well grounded, responds accurately and always behaves predictably, even in extreme conditions, thanks to the ESP calibration that is never invasive.

Unlike my GPA, it requires more corrections in fast driving conditions and although it surely has more adrenalin, it tends to be more nervous, making it unsuitable for less expert drivers.

I was fascinated by the eq2 system: instead of understeering and heading towards the guardrail when accelerating flat-out, the car maintained the racing line and tended to close the curve, pulling me rapidly away from the curve without modifying the steering angle.

The splendid seat deserves special praise both for its design and functionality: it is very recessed and low-lying, making you feel one with the car, also thanks to the almost vertical steering wheel in true sports car fashion.

I wish to thank the MiTo Team for organising a wonderful event. Besides being a unique experience, it was a privilege to be able to share my passion for Alfa and motoring with the other MiTomani and, above all, with the extremely polite Alfa staff, which we showered with questions. It was also exciting to be able to access the track’s exclusive parking area with the GP Abarth and Mauro’s 147.

As we arrive at the rendezvous point with our “mentor”, Laura, a host of different coloured MiTo cars - white, red, black, yellow … - flash before my eyes, WOW!
We enter a reserved area where I observe a cross-section model of the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Petrol engine . 

The first three MiTo cars depart, each with a test-driver and blogger on board, while I wait for my turn. As the other guys return from the test-drive, I notice the wide grin on their faces… what a great feeling!

Now it’s my turn! I’m accompanied by Lella, a skilled and friendly test-driver. She eyes out my reactions in the beginning and notices that I hardly flinch, so she accelerates flat-out. I’m a little surprised at the way she drives as I try familiarising with the Langhe circuit as much as I can.

Now I take to the wheel … The emotion is palpable!
I start lapping in the “Normal” mode but after a couple of curves, Lella shifts the control lever to the “Dynamic” mode and the car changes completely. The steering becomes accurate and driving through curves becomes a pleasure. I accelerate flat-out although gradually. I use the first lap to familiarise with the curves and test the car’s sharpness. A small test with the Start & Stop then off we go!
I immediately have a good feel for the car and I perhaps take too many risks on the curves, as a result of the highly fluid engine. It makes for truly fun driving! The engine is never invasive in the cockpit but its power is soon felt when necessary: simply push on the accelerator and it promptly responds. There’s certainly no sign of the so-called “turbo lag” on the MultiAir engine.
Plainly said, it’s a great piece of engineering by FPT!
The car feels both safe and stable, and responds very accurately and sharply. What a great car! Unfortunately, all dreams soon come to an end and I have to drive the car to the pits after finishing the 2nd lap: the test-drive is over and the day ends with a pleasant chat. It was a truly wonderful day!

To conclude:
A bit of Alfa now runs through my veins - I’m seriously thinking of buying one and sending my 1.4 Punto Sporting into retirement.

I wish to thank all the Alfa Mito Blog staff, in particular Giorgio and Laura. Thanks!