Essen 2008: Ferrari F430-inspired Alfa MiTo

This is the one-off Marangoni Alfa MiTo M430 – a tuned version of the new Italian supermini on display at the Essen Motor Show in Germany.

Tyre maker Marangoni has taken a 1.4-litre Alfa MiTo and increased power from 155bhp to 220bhp – putting it genuine hot hatch territory.

But this is still 263bhp short of the car the MiTo is inspired by – the Ferrari F430.

Marangoni has given the MiTo a new front bumper with two huge air intakes, something very Ferrari F430-esque. Other F430 styling traits adopted for the Alfa include a carbon fibre rear diffuser which has replaced the MiTo’s bumper.

But the most radical part of the Marangoni MiTo M430 are its doors which open upwards in Lamborghini style. 

To cope with the increased power and give the MiTo a sportier feel, Marangoni has fitted the car with uprated 330mm disc brakes and lowered the suspension by 40mm.

The Alfa MiTo made its global debut earlier this year and shares a few similarities with the 8C supercar.

It goes on sale in the UK on January 24, 2009 and Auto Trader will be driving it early next year so don’t forget to come back for our verdict on the stylish supermini.

The Marangonin Alfa MiTo M430 is on show at the Essen Motor Show in Germany until December 7, before appearing at ten more shows before the end of next year.