Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 110 year anniversary this year. As an anniversary gift to itself and also humanity in general, Alfa Romeo is bringing back the legendary namesake, ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita‘, with the introduction of the new Giulia GTA and GTAm.
Sticking true to its name (‘Alleggerita‘ is the italian term for ‘lightened’), Alfa Romeo said that the GTA shed about 100 kg compared to the regular Giulia. This is done by using lightweight materials such as aluminium and carbon fibre down to the drive shaft.
The GTAm takes it even further with the use of a polycarbonate resin for the side and rear window frames, along with the removal of the back seats, dropping the weight down to just 1,520 kg. Funnily enough, the GTAm still gets four doors.
Pair that to an updated 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that now pumps out 540 hp, the Giulia GTAm has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.82 kg/hp, which translates to just 3.6 seconds for the century sprint.
The GTAm also comes with some over-the-top aero parts, such as an almost comically-large carbon-fibre rear spoiler, along with a new larger front splitter. The GTA goes for a more “sleeper” look, but the aerodynamics have also been tuned specifically by Formula 1 outfit Sauber Engineering to increase downforce.
Handling has been refined with a new set of springs, shock absorbers, and bushings, while the front and rear wheel track has also been widened by 50 mm to help in high-speed stability.
New 20-inch centre-locking wheels, along with a new titanium Akrapovic central exhaust system, neatly integrated into the carbon fibre diffuser, complete the audio-visual package.
On the inside of the new GTA twins, Alcantara is used generously on the dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars, and the central trim on the seats.
The “extreme version” Giulia GTAm features a roll-bar inside and no door panels, and the door opening handles have been replaced by a belt – probably in the name of weight saving. The rear bench seats have also been removed, now replaced with an Alcantara-upholstered basin, moulded specifically to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher.
Only 500 units in total will be built for the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm, all numbered and certified – which also means that resale and second-hand value has just shot off the roof.
No pricing information was announced, but if you’re one of the lucky 500 owners, you’ll also be getting a “personalised experience package”, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing outfit set from Alpinestars, along with a personalised Goodwool car cover for protecting their prized possession.
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