The Giulia quadrifoglio GTA is back!!!
By Nick Irie
The Alfa Romeo GTA moniker is back as a hotter version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio. GTA stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita or "Grand Touring Lightened" in English, and as such, the company sheds 221 pounds (100 kilograms) off this variant in comparison to the existing Quadrifoglio. The sedan can hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 3.6 seconds. If you're looking for more, the company also has the GTAm with just two seats, six-point harnesses, and a roll bar, while remaining fully street legal.
In addition to its diet, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA packs an updated version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that now produces 533 horsepower (398 kilowatts), rather than the existing 505 hp (377 kW). The combustion gases leave the vehicle through an Akrapovič titanium exhaust with a pair of circular outlets at the center of the revised rear bumper.
Alfa improves the GTA's handling by widening the front and rear track by 2.0 inches (50 millimeters). Broader fenders cover the additional width. New springs, shocks, and bushings update the suspension as further means to improve the handling.
The Giulia GTA has carbon components for the hood, roof, front bumper, and fenders. The body features an active front splitter that comes from the brand's relationship with Sauber Engineering. At the back, there's a massive wing on the trunk and similarly large diffuser. The sedan rides on 20-inch wheels with a spoke design that evokes a clover. The exterior of the GTAm gets a few special pieces like a sizable front splitter and a carbon fiber rear wing.
Inside, Alfa covers the GTA's cabin in Alcantara, including the dashboard, door panels, pillars, and center of the seats. The GTAm takes things further by using carbon fiber seats and covering the empty space in the back with Alcantara. It also has Lexan windows replacing the side and rear glass.
The first 500 people to place an order for a GTA or GTAm will work with an Alfa brand ambassador that will help the buyer through the vehicle's delivery. These cars also will come with a Bell helmet in a GTA livery and full racing outfit from Alpinestars, including the suit, gloves, and shoes. The owners will get to use this gear at a course from the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.
Alfa's info about the GTA and GTAm only applies to the European market, currently. It's not clear whether the company intends to offer these models elsewhere.