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Alfa's thrown away the result of last year's Alfa Naming competition and gave it a new name themselves. And it's gone all Volkswagenish by having one of those stupid name combination. Mito may sound stupid, but it comes from two lovely sounding city names, Milano + Torino. I don't know if it'll be called Myto or Meeto, but it does sound... stupid. I want my Furiosa back, and what was ever wrong with Junior? Give me an Alfa Romeo Junior!

The Alfa Romeo Junior, or Progetto 955 as it is internally coded, is currently in its final testing stages. A dealer presentation will be held during 18th-19th March where the final car will be presented, most probably at the legendary Balocco proving grounds north of Milan. A pre-production prototype run is currently underway. As per a new Italian law which came into effect in 2008, all these pre-production prototypes will have to be destroyed. Despite roots in Naples and racing success across the globe, Milan is the city where Alfa Romeo found its fame. For the Junior, a small catchy name was required, and the desire to combine the historical routes with Alfa Romeo and Milan, plus the direct link with Turin – the home of Fiat Automobiles Group – has resulted in the name of “MITO”. This short name combines both the cities of MI-lano and TO-rino together, and will adorn the stylish B-segment Alfa Romeo which will fight with its direct competitor, the MINI, when it goes on sale in Italian showrooms in June, with first deliveries scheduled for September. The Mito will arrive in most other EU markets in the autumn, accompanied with an official launch at the Paris Mondial de l’Automobile in October. The Mito will be Alfa Romeo’s smallest production car since the Alfasud, measuring slightly smaller in length than the popular Alfa 33 and Alfa 145 models. The Mito will share the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto although with reworked suspension. Prices in Italy will start at around €15,000 including taxes for the entry-level 95bhp 1.4 petrol model with 5-speed transmission. The Mito will also be offered with a 1.4 Multiair engine with 105bhp, accompanied with a 6-speed transmission, as well as the turbocharged 1.4 JTB (Multiair with turbocharger) offered in outputs between 135 and 165 bhp. The range-topping model, which could use the GTA badge, will most likely be fitted with a 1.8 Turbo engine producing 230bhp. There will also be a diesel offered, fitted with the excellent new 1.6 JTDM 120bhp unit. Mid and range-topping models will also be fitted with a Ferrariesque Mannetino switch on the steering wheel, which upon engaging Sport mode will sharpen the magnetic suspension, increase the power and throttle response as well as adjust the headlamp beam for faster driving. Other range-topping features will include SDC (Selection Dynamic Control) for enhanced cornering and minimal body roll, VDC with Hill Holder and Electronic Q2. Stylistically the Mito will be largely derived from the 8C Competizione, in particular sharing similar front end treatment. The rear will also include 8C styling traits such as large circular taillights, a kamm tail and aerodynamic diffuser effect bumper. The raked rear window will be slightly inset into the tailgate to provide a strong visual impact, whereas the side of the car will be typified by muscular and highly defined wheel arch housings. Inside the Mito will include a carbon-fibre effect dashboard, using similar material to the Fiat Bravo dashboard, as well as 8C Competizione-inspired instruments, centre-console and steering wheel. The instrument binnacle will include the traditional Alfa Romeo instrument layout, with large speedometer reading until 260 km/h on the left, and an equally large rev-counter on the right. The sports seats will be highlighted with a striking dual-stitched edging. The Mito will play an important role in revamping Alfa Romeo’s sales volume towards the scheduled 300.000 unit mark. It will also provide a new entry-level alternative to the popular Alfa 147 3-door model. The Alfa 147 itself is scheduled to be replaced with a highly elegant 5-door hatchback based on the Fiat Bravo in 2009. http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars...nior/2802.html