Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

I gotta say, I'm getting pretty sick of it. By "it" I mean the constant stream of newly released tasty hot hatches that will never see the light of day in the US.  I can dream, though, right?  There's liable to be a few such debuts at the Frankfurt show, and we've already covered one - the luscious Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.  It's also likely we'll see an RS version of Audi's attractive A3 hatch, packing my personal favorite current production engine - the TT RS's 5-cylinder DI Turbo motor.  And you can add Alfa Romeo to the list of manufacturers I hate, because they're debuting an especially tasty version of the adorable little MiTo hatchback.

Called the Quadrifoglio Verde, it sits above the current top of the line MiTo, but won't be quite as insane as the GTA, if that ever comes out.  It packs mechanical and aesthetic upgrades on top of what is an already very desirable package.

Under the hood, the 1.4L turbocharged I4 has it's power output bumped from 155bhp to 170bhp.  Called the 1.4 MultiAir, the primary difference between it and the 1.4 TBi (155bhp) is the variable valve timing system.  Alfa Romeo uses an electro-hydraulic tappet mounted between the cam and intake valves.  Controlled by solenoids, this VVT system allows a great amount of adjustment at much faster speed than normal VVT systems - like high duration and lift at WOT for max output, and lowered duration and lift for low-speed efficiency.  This means that the MultiAir is both more efficient and more powerful than the normal motor.

It all adds up to some impressive numbers.  0-60 comes in just over 7 seconds, which is surprising  when you consider the Mito QV can achieve nearly 49mpg on the US highway mileage cycle, with surprisingly low emissions of 139g/km.  Power is transmitted through a new six-speed gearbox to the front wheels.

Also of mention is the suspension.  Co-developed with Magnetti-Marelli, Alfa's Dynamic Suspension utilizes four electronically controlled shocks and 5 seperate accelerometers to adapt to driving style and road conditions.  The Mito QV has Alfa's "DNA" three-setting mood switcher, with different modes for different conditions.  There's "Dynamic" for sporty driving, "Normal" for... uhh, normal driving, and "All Weather" for traction-limited situations.

To make the QV look a little meaner, there are some 17" alloys coated in "satin titanium" finish, which also tints the headlight and taillight surrounds for a sinister look.  There are green four-leaf-clover emblems to remind you that you bought the fast one.  Inside, the interior has been reupholstered and the gauges receive white lighting, but so far no interior pictures have surface.  More pictures (and hopefully more information) about this Italian hot hatch should appear when it debuts at the Frankfurt show next week, so stay tuned.