Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA [w/video]

As we reported earlier (in the case of the Renault Morphoz Concept), manufacturers that were going to debut new models at the cancelled Geneva Motor Show are hosting digital launches instead. Earlier this evening a new limited-edition Italian performance model was unveiled called the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA.

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Historic name

This latest from Alfa has a name that will be instantly recognisable to the Alfisti. The acronym GTA stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita. Alleggerita is the Italian term for “lightened”. It was first used on the 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA (right). With a high-performance motor and low mass, it was formidable on the racetracks of Europe. That racecar has become one of the most sought-after by Alfa collectors the world over.

Revitalised

The GTA treatment has been applied to the high-lauded Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde. Two versions have been created a regular GTA with four seats and a track-ready GTAm (m for modificata) that has just two race buckets with racing harnesses and a half roll-cage in place of the rear seats.

Engineering expertise was drawn from the company’s involvement with Formula One particularly in the creation of the body kit. The GTA has unique looks that include an aero-tuned body kit for more downforce, which includes side skirts, a rear spoiler and the active front splitter. Adding menace are 20-inch centre-lock alloys wrapped in massive rubber and a carbon-fibre rear diffuser is also new. On GTAm versions the aerodynamic bits are a little more in-your-face with a pronounced front splitter and massive fixed carbon-fibre rear wing. From a handling perspective, both versions boast wider front and rear tracks by 50 mm and ride on a new set of springs, dampers and bushings for the suspension.

Read our thoughts on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV at this link.

Power-up

In keeping with the theme Alfa Romeo engineers have bumped up power from the 2,9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine. In standard QV form the motor produces 375 kW, in the Giulia GTA that has been increased to 403 kW. The engine now breathes through a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system that has twin central outlets in the diffuser. Power is still sent to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission. Moreover the car’s mass has been dropped by 100 kg. Alfa Romeo says the GTA will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3,6 seconds thanks to the launch control system.

Inside

The interior is covered in motorsport-inspired Alcantara on the dashboard, door panels, glove compartment and side pillars. New matte carbon-fibre inserts continue the theme. In the GTAm, the interior features no door cards or rear seats and the door is opened with a strap in place of the handle.

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm interior

Personalised

Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm will be built in a limited run of only 500 units in total, all numbered and certified. Owners will receive a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing kit by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalized car cover. In addition, each owner will receive a driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.