Rising up out of the base of the sportiest version of the model - the "Quadrifoglio Verde", the legendary symbol that has distinguished some of the most "aggressive" Alfa Romeo products - the new MiTo SBK Limited Edition sets itself apart with a few new elements including side skirts and 18" titanium alloy rims from beyond through which red of the Brembo brake calipers can be seen.

Offered with the sporty aluminium pedal unit, Cruise Control, dual zone climate control system and Blue&Me system, the powerful MiTo SBK Limited Edition comes in two body colours (black and Alfa red) that can be matched with three roof shades: black, Alfa red and the new Cristallo white. The same sporty imprint has been given to the interior, enhanced by the Sabelt seats with a wraparound carbon fibre backrest made with the innovative RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) technology that teams great mechanical resistance with smaller dimensions and lightness. The central Alcantara fabric is distinguished by the Alfa Romeo logo, reproduced in an absolutely original way. It is all embellished with new red stitching that exalts the craftsmanship of the product on the leather trim of the gear lever knob and steering wheel, the latter complete with radio controls. Lastly, the central panel of the dashboard is made unique by the SBK Limited Edition plate with progressive numbering from 1 to 200.

The MiTo SBK Limited Edition version is fitted with the most powerful engine in the range, also awarded by an international jury as the "best new engine of the year 2010", the 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 170 HP.

The new MiTo SBK Limited Edition is fitted with the "Alfa Active Suspension" system. The system, through the control of the shock absorbers, reduces oscillation of the car body in all driving conditions, ensuring maximum safety, comfort and driveability. In particular, thanks to the many parameters controlled by the new device, it is possible, for example, to counteract load transfer in acceleration, by stiffening the rear and guaranteeing meteoric acceleration with maximum traction. Using the same principle, it is possible to make the suspensions interact with the braking system and steering to obtain more effective control of the dynamics of the vehicle.

The system is also able to identify the driving and road surface conditions to then choose the most appropriate control mechanisms, in addition to harnessing the reaction speed due to the high calculation capacity and to the specific technology of the shock absorber solenoid valves. The end result is an instantaneous response, with controls applied in real time, to assist the perception and technique of the driver.

In addition to providing high-level technological performance, the new "active suspension system" guarantees outstanding comfort in conditions of everyday use. Thanks to the "Sky Hook" function, the device isolates the passenger compartment, making it completely protected from outside stresses and strains. Thanks to this system, the chassis is therefore able to modulate its performance according to the usage conditions or the driver's wishes.

SBK Special Series

Available with all the engines in the range - except for the 1.4 70 HP and 1.4 170 HP petrol engine - the new SBK Special Series offers several of the aesthetic features of the Limited Edition version. On the outside, the peculiarities of this version include 16" titanium alloy rims, chrome-plated spoiler and exhaust, mirror fairings in the shade of titanium, sporty rear bumper, black fog light frame and the new titanium "SBK" logo placed on the rear of the car. The look of the MiTo SBK Special Series is enhanced by four body colours - black, Alfa red, Tornado blue and Cristallo white - combined with three roof shades: black, Alfa red and the brand-new Cristallo white.

The same racing spirit is found on the inside with the "SBK" logo on front head restraints and the black "carbon look" dashboard. Standard equipment includes manual climate control system, radio with CD/MP3 player and leather steering wheel.

The MiTo SBK Special Series can be customised further with the original SBK kit that includes some of the features of the Limited Edition version: "SBK Limited Edition" sticker, side skirts, rear dam, racing pedal board, red brake calipers and 17'' or 18" titanium-finished alloy rims.

The MiTo SBK Special Series on shown in Paris is powered by a Turbo TwinAir 85 HP engine, an example of the very best motor engineering in terms of technology, performance and eco-friendliness. The two-cylinder "International Engine of the Year 2011" delivers 85 HP at 5500 rpm of top power and a torque of 145 Nm at 2000 rpm.

In detail, the revolutionary Turbo TwinAir engine uses MultiAir technology combined with specific fluid dynamics optimised for maximum fuel efficiency. The adoption of the turbocharger results in excellent performance and, above all, great flexibility and response, with all torque available from 2000 rpm and constant up to 3500 rpm.

The new engine therefore stands out for its excellent performance that translates into response, thrills and fun at the wheel, but where TwinAir technology really takes the lead is in reducing consumption. By using the Start & Stop device and the smart alternator, the MiTo with TwinAir engine has the lowest value of CO2 emissions with petrol engines in its segment: 98 g/km. This means a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions (up to 30% less than an engine with equal performance). In fact, it's a petrol engine with the fuel consumption and running costs of a diesel engine. It's the perfect engine for urban driving, with low consumption but capable of great performance and vigour in more challenging situations at the same time.

Finally, it is well worth mentioning that only on Alfa Romeo MiTo does this innovative engine continuously interact with the Alfa DNA dynamic selector allowing to select which of the two personalities of the engine to enhance. With a simple flip of the switch, the driver can select more performance (Dynamic) or more cost-effective running (Natural). Depending on the position selected, the calibration of the engine control unit varies, with a 35 Nm reduction in torque (from 145 in Dynamic mode to 110 Nm in Natural mode).