Although this week’s Geneva International Motor Show has gone the way of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, that hasn’t stopped car manufacturers from staging virtual reveals of their wares. Alfa Romeo is first up to the plate, with a new, even higher performance version of the Giulia.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA takes over at the top of the Giulia model line from the Quadrifoglio. An upgraded version of the 2.9-liter V6 now produces 532hp, a boost of 30hp over the Quadrifoglio. Alfa hasn’t gone into details over where the power gains come from, other than noting a new titanium center-exit exhaust system from Akrapovic.
However, more power isn’t the focus for the GTA. Instead Alfa Romeo has concentrated its efforts on reducing the Giulia’s weight. That, in part, is so that the GTA — Italian for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, or Grand Touring Lightened — can earn its name.
In total, the GTA sheds 220lb compared to the regular Quadrifoglio. That comes by way of widespread use of lighter materials, with aluminum and carbon fiber throughout. You’ll find composite hood, roof, wheel arches and front bumper, along with a carbon driveshaft and carbon sports seats. The doors and some suspension components are now aluminum too.
However that’s not all. Alfa Romeo will produce a second version of the car, dubbed GTAm. This track-focused model includes lexan polycarbonate in the side and rear windows, but also throws away the rear seats — replacing them with an integrated roll cage. It even features motorsport-style belts in place of door handles.
The net result is a 3,350lb curb weight for the GTAm, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 356hp/ton. This shaves 0.3s off the 0-60mph time, although Alfa Romeo hasn’t given details on other performance metrics.
Both cars also benefit from Alfa Romeo’s Formula 1 experience. There’s active aerodynamics on the GTA, with a kit from F1 partner Sauber that includes an active front splitter. For the GTAm model Alfa Romeo switches this out for a fixed item and a large, carbon fiber rear wing.
To improve handling, Alfa Romeo has increased the track front and rear by two inches, with new springs, dampers, and bushings for the GTA and GTAm. There’s also a new, model-specific set of 20-inch center lock wheels.
Alfa Romeo hasn’t revealed a price for either car just yet, but has confirmed that they’ll be limited editions. There’ll only be 500 examples of the two cars combined, and they’re likely to sell out very quickly indeed. Buyers will also get a full Alfa Romeo race suit from Alpinestars, a special GTA livery Bell helmet, and can have driver training at the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.
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