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Photo credit: Alfa Romeo
Presentation of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA at the test site in Balocco. This is exactly where Autodelta, formerly the racing department of Alfa Romeo, developed the legendary predecessor - the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA from 1965, which celebrated success in racing worldwide. Inspired by one of the most fascinating vehicles in the 111-year history of the brand, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is the epitome of style, technology and driving pleasure. V6 bi-turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 2,9 liters with an output increased to 397 kW (540 hp). Very good performance with 1,87 hp per liter of displacement. Thanks to the extensive use of ultra-light materials, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is up to 100 kilograms lighter than the basic production model Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Acceleration from zero to 100 km / h in just 3,6 seconds. Specific solutions for aerodynamics, chassis set-up and driving behavior. Development in cooperation with Sauber Engineering, who provided the know-how and the drivers of the Formula 1 team Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Räikkönen.
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
The exclusive features include 20-inch rims with central locking - a novelty for a series sedan - and the titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič for an unmistakable sound. As a reminiscence of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA from 1965, a wide range of customization options is available, including special paintwork for the body designed by the designers of the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo as well as different colors for the brake calipers, roll bars, seat belts and seams.
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA opens the doors to a very special customer experience that appeals to both collectors and drivers who love to hit the racetrack. Production limited to 500 units for the European market. Price includes exclusive support during the purchase process, a valuable merchandising package with a racing helmet from Bell in a special GTA paint scheme and a tailor-made Goodwool car cover. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm is also delivered with a full set of Alpinestars racing clothing.
World premiere at the Balocco test center in northern Italy
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and the even more extreme Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm revive an automotive legend and a milestone in the history of the brand. Both models pay homage to the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA from 1965 and mark an authentic return to the roots of the brand that was founded 111 years ago.
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm embody the brand's unique ability to combine style and sportiness. The ideal location for the premiere of the two models: the Balocco test site, halfway between Turin and Milan. This is exactly where the workshops of the Alfa Romeo racing team Autodelta used to be, in which, among other things, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA was created in the 1960s, one of the most successful racing cars in the history of the brand. The impressive site, which was built 60 years ago and today offers 27 different test tracks with a total length of around 80 kilometers on an area of six square kilometers, is the basis for the development process and test drives of all Alfa Romeo vehicle models.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA in detail
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA can be recognized at first glance by its exclusive look. The style and function of the new high-performance vehicle are derived from an extraordinary production vehicle, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Thanks to the use of ultra-light materials, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is up to 100 kilograms lighter than the base model. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is powered by an upgraded version of the V6 bi-turbo petrol engine. From an unchanged displacement of 2,9 liters, the unit produces 397 kW (540 hp), which corresponds to an output of 187 hp per liter of displacement. The result is exceptional driving performance, both in terms of lap times on the racetrack and in terms of acceleration. With launch mode, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA accelerates from standstill to 3,6 km / h in 100 seconds.
The engineers at Alfa Romeo not only optimized the aerodynamics and driving behavior of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA. Another focus was reducing weight. To do this, they used the same methods as their colleagues in the historic Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA from 1965. Instead of relying on aluminum as they did more than 50 years ago, however, they opted for carbon fiber and special composite materials. The aerodynamics of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA are designed to generate high contact pressure. During the development, the engineers Alfa Romeo cooperated with Sauber Engineering, whose engineers can build on know-how from Formula 1.
The results are, for example, specific side skirts and the rear spoiler as well as a four-way adjustable rear wing on the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm and the active front splitter, which can be adjusted by 40 millimeters when driving on the racetrack. The Akrapovič exhaust system is made of titanium, the double tailpipe is integrated in the center of the carbon fiber rear diffuser. In addition, the 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect tires and have a central lock - a world first for a production sedan.
Not only the front and rear spoilers were optimized in the Sauber Engineering wind tunnel. Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm have a fully clad vehicle underbody. In addition, however, the elaborate rear diffuser increases the air flow. This creates a so-called ground effect, which optimizes directional stability at high speeds. When the front splitter and rear wing are set to the maximum, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm generates three times the contact pressure as the Giulia Quadrifoglio model, which is the benchmark in the segment up to now.
The even more dynamic driving behavior of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm is due to the fact that the track is 25 millimeters wider at the front and 50 millimeters at the rear compared to the Quadrifoglio model, as well as the stiffer chassis. The specific design of the steering also enables higher cornering speeds and contributes to the general improvement of directional stability on all road surfaces without negatively affecting driving comfort.
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm are powered by the tried and tested V6 bi-turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 2,9 liters, which is made almost entirely of aluminum. Compared to the Quadrifoglio model (375 kW / 510 PS), the output has been increased to 397 kW (540 PS). The efficiency of cooling the engine and gearbox has also been increased.
In keeping with the exclusivity of the model, the purchase price includes a versatile experience package. This includes a racing helmet from Bell in a special GTA look, which can also be personalized with the vehicle's serial number. A bespoke Goodwool cover protects the parked vehicle. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm is also delivered with a complete set of Alpinestars racing clothing. In Germany, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA costs 173.000 euros, the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm 178.000 euros1.
Unique and timeless design
One of the special features that have always distinguished Alfa Romeo vehicles is undoubtedly their unmistakable design, which specifically combines form and function. The style must match aerodynamic and mechanical efficiency. This strategy is also followed by the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, which further enhances the distinctive character of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio with specific modifications to the body and interior.
The body is characterized by a powerfully drawn front, which expresses the superior engine power with larger air inlets and elements made of carbon fiber. Even the iconic heart-shaped grille, called Trilobo in Italian, is even more technological without giving up its DNA. The ventilation slots that surround the badge are reminiscent of the early days of Formula 1 to optimize cooling. They too have become a typical Alfa Romeo feature. The active front splitter installed for the first time in the Quadrifoglio model version has been enlarged again on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm and can be adjusted lengthways by 40 millimeters. The large rear wing is also noticeable on this model. Its aerodynamic profile, determined in the wind tunnel, can be adjusted four times, from a lot to very little contact pressure. Side skirts made of carbon fiber, front fender flares and clearly visible carbon fiber on the rear wheel arches visually reinforce the vehicle's position on the road and convey an image of power and dynamism. The 20-inch light alloy wheels with central locking are specially developed to optimize not only the style, but also the driving behavior. Central locks are typical for Formula 1 cars, but a unique feature for roadworthy sedans.
There are also several new details in the interior, including full-surface cladding made of Alcantara® for the dashboard, doors, glove compartment, roof pillars and central backs of the seats. This racing material gives the driver and front passenger very good lateral support, and it also reduces reflections that normally occur from the top of the dashboard and other plastic parts in the cockpit. In the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm, Alcantara® is used even more extensively. The rear seats provide space for a roll bar and mounts fully padded with Alcantara® for two helmets and a fire extinguisher. The particularly sporty model also offers six-point seat belts for the driver and front passenger (GTA: three-point automatic seat belts) as well as pull loops in the same color as the conventional door openers on the front doors, further details that are inspired by the world of racing. Carbon fiber inserts in a matt look also give the interior an unmistakable technical elegance.
Excellent power-to-weight ratio
But engine power alone is not enough to guarantee exceptional performance. And so the engineers worked meticulously on reducing the weight by up to 100 kilograms. Even in the basic Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio model, the cardan shaft, bonnet and roof are made of carbon fiber. On the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, the front bumper, the front fenders and the widenings of the front fenders are made of the ultra-light material. In addition, the driver and front passenger seats are based on a shell made of carbon fiber. Aluminum is used in the engine, doors and chassis, among other things. Various weight-optimized composite materials also represent lightweight construction at the factory. The side and rear windows of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm are made of lightweight polycarbonate.
The combination of reduced weight and engine output increased to 397 kW (540 PS) results in exceptional driving performance. Thanks to the launch mode, the new Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA accelerates from standstill to 3,6 km / h in just 100 seconds. The model version GTA offers five seats as a super sports car for everyday use. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm is designed as a street-legal two-seater with a roll bar in the rear.
Aerodynamics developed by Sauber Engineering with Formula 1 know-how
When developing the aerodynamics, the Alfa Romeo technicians benefited greatly from the know-how of Sauber Engineering. With 50 years of experience in motorsport - including 27 years in Formula 1 - the Swiss company has extensive expertise in aerodynamics. The wind tunnel in Hinwil is one of the most modern in Europe. Sauber Engineering was involved in the design, prototyping and production of various aerodynamic components for the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA. Examples are the adjustable front splitter, the side skirts, the rear diffuser, the rear spoiler of the GTA and the rear wing of the GTAm. Thanks to the adjustment functions of the front splitter and rear wing, the aerodynamics of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm can be adapted to the specifics of a racetrack or the wishes and preferences of the driver.
The rear diffuser of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm increases the contact pressure on the rear axle and thus optimizes directional stability and road holding at high speeds. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm generates twice the contact pressure of the GTA model, and the airflow pushes the vehicle onto the road with three times as much force as the production version Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. These values alone testify to the efficiency of the work of the Alfa Romeo and Sauber technicians. The two drivers of the F1 team Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Räikkönen, were also involved in this development process. They played an active role in test drives in Balocco and provided invaluable information, especially on aerodynamic components and driving behavior.
Exclusive supercars
The pleasure of owning a car like the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA lies not only in its exceptional performance, but also in its exclusivity. For this reason, Alfa Romeo has set up a dedicated buying process that includes direct contact with a brand ambassador for the customer. The exclusivity is also underlined by an experience package that includes a racing helmet from Bell in a special GTA paintwork with its own serial number and a special Goodwool car cover in the body color - which can be individually adapted on request. The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm also comes with a complete set of Alpinestars racing clothing.
And finally, a range of customizations is available. Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has designed special racing paintwork that has its roots in the brand's motorsport history and is reminiscent of Alfa Romeo's iconic victories. Examples of this are white painted front masks, which, in combination with the iconic elements of the Alfa Romeo logo - the cross and the snake - above the bonnet, as well as stripes over the roof and tailgate, make the adrenaline level of every racing fan soar. Further details for the paintwork are available on request, including the Italian flag or freely selectable start numbers on the doors. The body colors GTA Red Red, Trofeo White and Montreal Green are available as standard for the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm - these three paint tones also pay homage to the Italian national colors. Another level of customization is the choice of a color for the brake calipers - including gold for the first time - as well as roll bars, seat belts, seat seams and interior trim.
GTA and Autodelta - a historic combination that has been successful in racing
The three letters GTA stand for the Italian term “Gran Turismo Alleggerita”, which means “lightened travel sports car” in German. Alfa Romeo first used this abbreviation in 1965 on the Giulia GTA model, a special version of the Giulia Sprint GT. The series version presented at the Amsterdam Motor Show was designed solely as the basis for a racing car, for which at least 500 road vehicles were required to be sold for motor sport (homologation). The Alfa Romeo racing department Autodelta replaced almost all steel sheets of the body of the Giulia Sprint GT with those made of an aluminum alloy. In the end, the Giulia GTA weighed only 745 kilograms compared to 950 kilograms of the standard Giulia Sprint GT. The engineers also took care of the engine, which quickly became a legend in the version with 1.570 cubic centimeters and two overhead camshafts. In the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, performance was increased from 76 kW (103 hp) to 85 kW (115 hp), among other things, thanks to double ignition. The Autodelta technicians tickled up to 120 kW (170 hp) out of the easy-revving aluminum four-cylinder for racing. The successes on the racetrack were not long in coming. Among other things, Alfa Romeo achieved three brand titles in the European Touring Car Championship with different versions of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA. Dozens of national championships and hundreds of individual races around the world added to the model's trophy collection.
The successes on the racetrack had a positive effect on Alfa Romeo's image. In fact, the Giulia GTA model embodied the claim of the “everyday car that wins the race”. Since the 1960s, the GTA has been part of the collective subconscious of racing fans around the world, an undisputed icon of the brand's sportiness. The charisma of the three letters GTA was so great that fans at times simply dubbed every Alfa Romeo sports car as GTA. Autodelta has achieved a similar status as an icon, as has Alfa Romeo's racing department since the 1960s. This treasured legacy lives on in the partially preserved workshop building on the Balocco test site.
Michelin - optimal road grip even in extreme situations
The new tire type Micheln Pilot Sport Cup 2 CONNECT supports the extreme driving performance of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and enables the driver to push the limits of driving physics. The design innovations of this tire include the Bi-Compound 2.0 technology - two-component tread with stiffer material on the inside, more flexible on the outside - and the "Wavy Summit Architecture". Behind this is an additional, corrugated rubber layer under the carcass to shorten the tire reaction time to steering commands and to improve handling. The "Wavy Summit Architecture" improves the rigidity of the tread and offers more steering precision, which contributes significantly to driving enjoyment and perfect control of the vehicle in all speed ranges.
Bosch - safety and driver assistance systems
The engine of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm is optimized in terms of performance and emissions by two control units from Bosch. One module each controls the two cylinder banks of the V6. The engine electronics can switch off a cylinder bank depending on the required torque, which leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The Bosch modules also control direct fuel injection. The engineers from Bosch and Alfa Romeo also worked together to develop the functions for controlling acceleration and controlling the turbocharger.
Bosch also supplies the electric power steering for Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA / GTAm, which guarantees high steering precision and low susceptibility to failure. The electric power assistance also reduces fuel consumption and emissions compared to conventional hydraulically assisted power steering.
Alcantara © - elegance and functionality "Made in Italy"
The interior of the Alfa Romeo GTA / GTAm is lined with Alcantara® in the colors anthracite gray and black. This unique material perfectly combines aesthetics and functionality. With a pleasant feel, distinctive and elegant, Alcantara® is also wear-resistant and breathable. The surface structure also ensures that seats offer very good lateral support and covered surfaces - for example the top of the dashboard - do not generate any annoying reflections.
The low weight of Alcantara® compared to similar materials, just like carbon fiber, favors lightweight construction, which benefits the overall performance of a vehicle. This is another reason why Alcantara® is used even more extensively in the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm. The storage compartments for helmets and fire extinguishers installed instead of the rear seats are lined with Alcantara®. Contrasting stitching in body color and the embroidered GTA logo in Alfa Romeo red, in interaction with the dark Alcantara®, emphasize the racing character of the vehicle. Last but not least, like Alfa Romeo, Alcantara® is a “Made in Italy” brand. As such, it stands for the application of advanced technologies without neglecting the attention to detail typical of Italian craftsmanship.
consumption
- Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA 10,8l / 100 km * 244 g / km *
- Alfa Romeo GTAm 10,8 l / 100 km * 244 g / km *
- Quadrifoglio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo 397 kW (540 PS) AT8 10,8 l / 100 km ** 244 g / km **
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