At next month's AutoRai in Amsterdam a brand new version of the Alfa MiTo will be presented: the MiTo Veloce will feature 180 bhp as its 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged engine will be in similar specification to the Grande Punto Abarth esseesse. Along with the boost to its power, the MiTo Veloce will feature body styling upgrades as well as new wheels and an enhanced interior.

The new Alfa MiTo Veloce will be substituting at the Netherlands' leading motor show for the absent MiTo GTA concept version which is now on its way to China in time for the Shanghai Motor Show, its second public appearance following on quickly the muscular car's world debut at the 79th Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. It is a curious decision as Alfa Romeo currently doesn't distribute its cars in China while the Netherlands is an established market for the brand where customer demand is always steady.

Under the bonnet of the MiTo Veloce will be the 1.4 T-Jet 16v turbocharged engine that power the top versions of the model's range. Few details have been released but it is known that it will have 180 bhp available. With the MiTo being based on the underpinnings of the Fiat Grande Punto, this will mean that the car is essentially the same as the Grande Punto Abarth in the esseesse kit form which turns out 180 bhp (at 5,750 rpm) and 270 Nm maximum torque and which reaches a top speed of 215 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. It is also reported that this special version will go on sale almost immediately after AutoRAI.

The set-up for AutoRAI 2009 has been changed for this edition so that the cars are divided over six themes instead of being grouped by brand. This concept will provide a clear overview and allow visitors to easily see and compare different vehicles. The six themes are Family and Travel, Convertibles, Luxury and Sports Cars, Adventure, City & Compact and Green Innovations. Meanwhile Amsterdam RAI's largest hall (Hall 1) will host another unique event: AutoRAI Life, a spectacular show featuring the sights, smells and sounds of (racing) cars. In addition, AutoRAI 2009 will feature more cars than ever with over 500 models, including 70 premieres and 20 concept cars. Running simultaneously to AutoRAI, the GoMotor! event will ensure that the motorbike industry also has an impressive presence in Amsterdam this April.