Alfa Romeo revives Giulia GTA
One-hundred-and-ten years after its foundation, Alfa Romeo is bringing back one of the legends of its history and of motoring in general: Giulia GTA.
The new Giulia GTA is technically and conceptually inspired by the Giulia GTA of 1965: the “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” developed by Autodelta and based on the Giulia Sprint GT that racked up sporting successes worldwide.
Based on Giulia Quadrifoglio, Giulia GTA is fitted with a more powerful version of the Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine, now with 540hp, while a GTAm (modified) variant is characterised by two racing seats, a roll bar and 6-point safety harnesses.
Alfa Romeo engineers primarily aimed to reduce weight, though increased downforce and handling were also enhanced using technical know-how directly from Formula 1, thanks to the synergy with Sauber Engineering. On GTAm, the aerodynamic front piece has been optimised by adding a larger front splitter and a real carbon rear wing. The handling at high speeds has been improved by widening the front and rear wheel track by 50mm and developing a new set of springs, shock absorbers and bushings for the suspension systems.
In terms of performance, the 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo, made entirely of aluminium, produces 510 hp in the standard configuration and 540 hp on Giulia GTA.
Weight reduction totals 220 lb, thanks to the adoption of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre for the drive shaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches, rear wheel arch inserts and, on the GTAm, the sports seats. Aluminium is used in the engine, doors and suspension systems, and various other composite materials are used throughout. For instance, Lexan – a polycarbonate resin used extensively in motorsport – has been used in the side and rear window frames. The result is a weight of around 3,350 lb which, combined with the increase in power to 540 hp, brings the weight/power ratio to 6.2 lb/hp. With the aid of a launch control system, acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.5 seconds.
The titanium Akrapovič central exhaust system integrated in the carbon fibre rear diffuser is also new, as are the 20-inch centre lock wheels, appearing for the first time on a sedan.
The interior features 100 per cent Alcantara on the dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and the central trim on the seats. Alcantara is used more extensively on the GTAm version, where the rear bench has been removed, leaving room for a fully upholstered “basin” featuring mouldings designed to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher. The new matte carbon inserts endow the interior with a distinctive technical and aesthetic elegance. The GTAm features a roll bar, 6-point Sabelt safety harnesses, and doors that are opened by belts rather than handles.
Giulia GTA and GTAm will be limited edition, with just 500 units built in total. Each car will be numbered and certified.
After the advance sales bookings conclude (they are now open and will close as soon as the 500th unit has been reserved), a brand ambassador product specialist will follow each vehicle from order to delivery. Owners will also receive a personalised experience package kit, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, Alpinestars race suit, gloves and shoes, and a personalised Goodwool car cover for protecting their GTA or GTAm. The Alfa Romeo customer experience also includes a specific driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.
