Fire extinguisher? Giulia? Madness!

The local arm of Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo has confirmed that its limited production Giulia GTA and GTAm models are making their way to Mzansi. 

Only 500 units will be produced and only a very limited number of models have been put aside for the local market. 

The GTA nameplate, shortened for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, originated back in 1965 with the Giulia Sprint GTA and it's been a name that has since been associated with the brand's sportiest models. 

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is equipped with aerodynamic bits such as side skirts, a specific rear spoiler as well as an active front splitter. There is a titanium Akrapovič central exhaust system that is planted in the new carbon fibre rear diffuser. 

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA runs on 20" centre-lock wheels. For better handling prowess, Alfa Romeo has widened the front and rear wheel track by 50 mm while also fitting new springs, shocks and bushing for the suspension. 

The GTAm model boasts a larger front splitter and a rear carbon rear wing.

The interior features 100% Alcantara on the dashboard, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars as well as central trim on the seats. The GTAm further adds extensive Alcantara while also ditching the rear bench in favour of specific mouldings to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher.

From the racing sphere, the Giulia GTAm's interior is further bolstered with a roll bar and a lack of door panels. 

The familiar 2.9 V6 bi-turbo engine has been massaged to deliver 390 kW and 600 Nm of torque – up from the standard car's 375 kW. All that power enables the Guilia GTA to sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. The transmission comes courtesy of an 8-speed automatic. 

Alfa Romeo managed to shave off 100 kg, thanks to the use of lightweight material on the carbon fibre driveshaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches, rear wheel arch inserts plus sport seats. 

The engine, doors and suspension systems were all made of lightweight aluminium. 

Buyers of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm models will be treated to an exclusively dedicated customer experience that includes a one-to-one sales experience, a brand ambassador product specialist following each customer from order to delivery as well as the new owners receiving a personalised experience package kit. 

The kit includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing set by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalized Goodwool car cover.

The Alfa Romeo Guilia GTA is priced at R3,999,900 and the GTAm at R4,299,900.