ALFA ROMEO | "Capture Your Style" Event Inspired by the MiTo

ALFA ROMEO MiTo Sprint

A Photogenic Car from Milan

Fiat Group Automobiles Japan launched the Alfa Romeo MiTo equipped with the next-generation automatic transmission "Alfa TCT (Alfa Twin Clutch Technology)" in October 2010. In December, "Capture your Style," an exhibition and screening of works such as videos and photographs inspired by the MiTo, was held to commemorate its launch.

By Dai Matsuo

Have You Caught Up with the Trend?

Alfa Romeo has newly developed a twin-clutch automatic transmission, "Alfa TCT (Alfa Twin Clutch Technology)," and the MiTo equipped with this transmission has debuted in Japan. Previously, Alfa Romeo primarily used Selespeed, a single-clutch transmission with a robotized manual clutch operation, and an Aisin AW torque converter automatic. However, as twin-clutch robotized MTs, exemplified by VW's DSG, have significantly evolved, Selespeed, in particular, began to feel outdated. It was in this context that Alfa TCT was introduced. This Alfa TCT, equipped in the MiTo and launched in the Japanese market, is advertised as a "new generation automatic transmission" utilizing a dry dual-clutch system.

Alfa TCT

The system adopted this time is a 6-speed transmission with a structure featuring dry clutches for odd and even gear sets. Similar to DSG, it pre-selects the next gear while the current gear is still engaged, minimizing shift times and significantly reducing the shift shock previously experienced with Selespeed. While Selespeed offered a CITY mode and manual mode, the TCT also allows for manual shifting, akin to an MT, as well as an automatic mode. It is also anticipated that the Giulietta, expected to be introduced in Japan in 2011, will feature the same transmission.

Concurrent with the debut of the MiTo equipped with TCT, Fiat Group Automobiles Japan introduced new pricing. This was explained as a result of market changes and cost reductions since the initial reservation period. Compared to the initial reservation price, the MiTo Sprint was reduced by 100,000 yen, and the MiTo Competizione by 130,000 yen.

Igniting Creativity

Scenes from "Capture your Style"

To commemorate the launch of the MiTo equipped with Alfa TCT, an exhibition titled "Mito Special Exhibition 'Capture your Style'" was held at Valveat81 in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, from December 3rd to 7th. The event showcased award-winning entries from the "Alfa Art Photo Contest" held from October 29th to November 18th, and screened road trip photos and movies captured by the "Capture your Style Road Team" using the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The exhibition offered a chance to enjoy the driving passion and burgeoning creativity inspired by the Alfa Romeo MiTo with Alfa TCT, alongside artistic photographs.