The GTA nameplate is an acronym for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, a name that originated in 1965 with the firm’s Giulia Sprint GTA.
Ever since, Alfa Romeo has used the name to best describe its sportiest models and it has been revived to indicate the new limited edition Giulia GTA’s performance ability.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is built to commemorate the brand’s 110th centenary. Capped to only 500 units worldwide and five put aside for Mzansi, the Italian marque has confirmed that all units of the super sedan have all been sold.
As a performance-orientated model, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA features the 2.9-litre V6 bi-turbo engine that we are no stranger to. The unit has been tweaked to produce 397 kW and 600 Nm – a significant power bump over the standard car’s 375 kW.
It dashes from a standstill to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds while changing through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
To differentiate it from the QV (Quadrifoglio Verde), the GTA is equipped with aerodynamic-enhanced side skirts, a specific rear spoiler and an active front splitter. Mounted at the centre of the new carbon fibre rear diffuser is a titanium Akrapovič exhaust system.
It rides on 20″ centre-lock wheels while also spawning new springs, shocks and bushing for the suspension. The front and rear wheel tracks have been widened by 50 mm for better handling.
As a weight-saving method, Alfa Romeo engineers used lightweight material on the carbon fibre driveshaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches, rear wheel arch inserts plus sport seats thus shedding off 100 kg.
In case you may ask yourself why only 500 units when the world has too many Alfa Romeo aficionados, the 1965 Giulia GTA was issued in 500 units which was the number required for type approval as a sports car in the Group 2 Turismo class.
The Alfa Romeo Guilia GTA is priced at an eye-watering R3,999,900, while the even more track-focused GTAm will set you back a cool R4,200,000. According to Alfa Romeo SA, 5 units have found a home locally with the first deliveries expected in December 2021.
