The Alfa MiTo M430 is the striking new 2009 demo car for Marangoni Car Tyre, the division of the Marangoni Group that manufactures and markets car tyres, all strictly “made in Italy”. It is being exhibited for the first time in the world at the Essen Motor Show, which is being held in Germany until 7th December.

The Alfa MiTo M430 is the striking new 2009 demo car for Marangoni Car Tyre, the division of the Marangoni Group that manufactures and markets car tyres, all strictly “made in Italy”. It is being exhibited for the first time in the world at the Essen Motor Show, which is being held in Germany until 7th December.

Following the success of the 2008 Marangoni TRC Fiat 500, another Italian show car will be used to confirm Marangoni’s ongoing tuning interests. Once again Marangoni are the first to exhibit a uniquely designed and tuned example of a newly released Italian car. The project has been completed in a seemingly impossibly timeframe, coming soon after the Italian release of the Alfa Mito on 12 September.

Starting from a 1.4 litre turbo petrol model, the M430 is a complete reworking of the car, with considerable changes to the bodywork, engine, interior, braking system and trim. The tuning project was again handled by the Florence-based TRC Italia, and for this truly sporting interpretation, Marangoni decided to develop a limited series of its ultra high performance Mythos tyres, using a special red compound, in perfect symbiosis with the new look of the vehicle. Throughout 2008 and 2009 the M430 will be on display at many leading European tuning shows, with a schedule of more than 10 events.

Body and design

It’s not hard to guess the origin of the M430 design, as the name itself explains its source of inspiration. The front bumper has two wide air grills, designed to direct air flow to the uprated braking system. On the sides are wide vents that highlight the extremely sporting design of the vehicle. At the rear, the original bumper has been removed and replaced with a stunning new carbon fibre diffuser made by MB, featuring evident air extractors, again in 430 style.Carbon fibre was also used to make the rings around the lights and the spoiler on the rear window. Racy skirting completes the vehicle’s body kit, perfectly unifying the two axles. In addition, special LSD hinges have been adopted, with added modifications, meaning the doors now open wing-style, just like on the most prestigious supercars.

Power kit

The extensively tuned engine now delivers 220 HP, a good 65 HP more than the original version, with powerful delivery even at low revs. The power kit designed by Mariani also includes a new bearing-mounted rotary turbine, downpipe complete with metal catalyst, rear stainless steel exhaust with four pipes, and air filtering with special carbon air box.

Interior

The new look of the interior stands out immediately. The seats, roof lining, carpets and uprights have been covered with special open-work fabrics, enhanced by Luna supercar with a tricolore motif that accentuates the Italianness of the design. The gear knob, pedals, footrest and handbrake lever have been made by Isotta with Swarovski stone inserts to create a “regal” yet at the same time sporty feel.

Other features

The M430 has been lowered by around 4 cm using KW threaded strut housings that allow height adjustment. The already powerful standard braking system has been replaced with innovative Tarox B33 10-pot calipers and composite 330x26 diameter brake discs, for absolute yet controllable braking power.

Wheels

The spectacular red Marangoni Mythos tyres, in the 225/35R18 Y size, developed by adding special coloured pigments to the compound, are fitted on Oxigin Crystal black 8x18 wheels. The result is a captivating red-black combination that makes the already stunning M430 look even sportier.