What's the news?
Here's the first look at the Alfa MiTo by Marshall. Based on the 2014 Alfa MiTo Distinctive variant, it is a one-off concept, so it's not due to see the light of an Alfa Romeo showroom.
Exterior
The radiator grille, front and rear headlight surrounds, door mirrors, door handles, door trim and lower bumper trim have been covered in the same gold finish as you would find on Marshall's equipment. There's also the more important stuff, like Jim Marshall OBE's signature above the side indicators, and special graphics as well.
Interior
While the exterior makes do with Marshall-esque gold accents, the interior is where the actual changes have taken place. Apart from the bits and pieces that confirm that it's the MiTo by Marshall concept, like logos on the centre of each seat and 'Alfa & Marshall' branded floor mats, there are a few other things on the inside. The front seats get the same upholstery as Marshall's amplifiers with distinctive piping around the centre console and on the seats. Also, the gear knob on the car has been replaced by a Shure SH55 Microphone, with the gear layout marked on it.
But that's not all. There's also an all-valve 50-watt JVM205H amplifier head installed in the car, plus two 12-inch 75-watt speakers in the boot. Both of these are supported by a dedicated battery. The system is controlled by a five-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Bluetooth, USB, and aux-in connectivity.
Mechanicals
Based on the 2014 Alfa MiTo Distinctive, the car gets its power from a 120hp, 1.6-litre JDM2 turbodiesel engine. It remains unchanged from the regular MiTo.
Anything else?
The MiTo will make its public appearance at the screening of Dave Grohl's Sound City documentary at Olympic Studios on June 24, which features a live performance by The Charlatans. After that, the car will continue to be showcased at various automotive and music events this year.
Head of brand for Alfa Romeo, Ivan Gibson, said: "The Alfa MiTo by Marshall is the realisation of a fantastic project between two iconic brands from the worlds of automotive and music. We're very excited by the way this collaboration has come together with the opportunity to work side by side with one of the most recognisable and respected music brands in the world. Genuine passion for what we do is a driving force shared by both Alfa Romeo and Marshall Amplification, and whilst this concept is an exciting exploration of ideas and themes at this stage, we hope it might influence a future special edition."
Continuing, Marshall Amplification's MD, Job Ellery, added: "Working with an automotive brand such as Alfa Romeo was a real first for Marshall Amplification - a completely new kind of partnership and a unique challenge from a technical point of view. However, when you see how the Alfa MiTo by Marshall looks and hear that big sound from the boot-mounted system, it just makes you smile. This is a really special one-off that will drive the Marshall sound to new places."
Paranjay Dutt - 25 Jun 2014