With the carefully controlled drip feed of Geneva-related press releases gradually turning into a steady flow, it's nice to get a good old fashioned scoop. This solitary image is, allegedly, the first official picture of the Alfa MiTo GTA - a car about to overtake the MINI John Cooper Works as the most mentalist city car mentalist urbanites can buy. Probably.

Despite 'Photoshop' cries echoing across the Interweb - on account of aesthetics nigh-identical to an official picture of the standard car - it would seem this is the real thing: 'reliable sources' have confirmed it. Plus, put the two pictures side-by-side and although you'll see a shared studio, the background's subtleties are different.

So, let's assume this is the real deal. Wow. Two things stand out: the way the curve of the mesh grille makes it look like the front's collapsing under the weight of a mighty powerplant, and the bulge on the bonnet - likely an air vent.

If that's what it is, it's sucking in air to feed a 230bhp direct injection turbocharged petrol engine with an unusual (Alfa fans will swoon) 1,750cc capacity. That, combined with weight reduction courtesy of extensive use of aluminium and carbon fibre, should see the GTA make a mockery of anything wearing a MINI badge in a drag race. Bank on a six-second 0-62mph sprint time - well, don't actually put real money on it; we're just guessing.

Incredibly, though, Alfa ex-chief Luca De Meo is reported as claiming the MiTo GTA will be as quick as the Alfa 8C supercar between 50mph and 75mph. The 8C has a Ferrari-sourced V8, remember.

As well as the obvious surface modifications, like lightweight alloys, black headlamp bezels, an aerodynamic body kit and aggressively flared arches, Alfa's engineers will beef up the mechanicals. The MiTo's Vehicle Dynamic Control system will remain, which uses the brakes to emulate a limited-slip differential and keep wheelspin to a composed minimum, as will the clever spring-in-spring suspension, albeit lowered and stiffened.

Expect, too, a quicker steering rack, bigger brakes and a pair of the most heart-meltingly beautiful front sports seats you'll ever soil, as well as a soundtrack to swear for.

Due later this year, the MiTo will take centre stage on Alfa's Geneva show stand, no doubt enswathed by a bevy of scantily clad beauties; the Italians sure do know how to keep you staring at stuff, be it metallic or organic. We can't wait.

Mark Nichol - 20 Feb 2009