Alfa Romeo unveils hi-po Giulia GTA

ALFA Romeo has unveiled the most potent iteration of its Giulia medium sedan to date, the reborn Giulia GTA, however an Australian arrival for the Mercedes-AMG C63-baiting performance car remains up in the air.

Produced to commemorate the 110^th anniversary of the brand’s formation, just 500 units of the Giulia GTA will be made, with an FCA Australia spokesperson telling GoAuto that most of the GTA volume will be allocated to European markets, while opportunities are being evaluated for other key markets around the world.

The Guilia GTA stands for ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita’ as a nod to the 1965 original, and is headlined by an enhanced version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6.

Peak power has increased from 375kW to 403kW, while torque remains steady at 600Nm.

Alfa Romeo has also enhanced the handling capabilities of the Giulia GTA, with a 50mm front and rear track extension, and new springs, shock absorbers and bushings for the suspension system.

The Italian car-maker partnered with Sauber Engineering to develop a unique set of aerodynamic enhancements for the Giulia GTA, including the active front splitter, side skirts and rear spoiler, with all elements finished in carbon-fibre.

Lightweight black carbon-fibre is also used on the rear diffuser, roof, exterior mirror housings and rear wheelarch extensions, while a central titanium Akrapovic exhaust helps to further reduce weight and 20-inch alloys give extra visual flair.

Carbon-fibre is also hidden through the vehicle on the driveshaft, bonnet and body coloured front wheelarches while aluminium is used on the engine, doors and suspension components, all of which combines to shave off some 100kg of excess weight.

Along with the GTA, Alfa has also developed a track-focused but street-legal version called the GTAm, which includes a more aggressive front splitter and larger fixed wing spoiler while also swapping out the standard seats for a pair of carbon-fibre bucket seats with six-point harnesses and removing the rear pews in favour of a roll bar and fire extinguisher.

In either configuration, a zero-to-100km/h sprint time is achieved in 3.6 seconds, with the help of the launch control feature.

Other interior enhancements include Alcantara upholstery on the dashboard, door panels, glovebox, side pillars and central seat trim.

Buyers of the Giulia GTA will receive a one-to-one purchasing process, with a product specialist following each customer from purchase to delivery.

Buyers also score a personalised experience package kit, which includes a racing helmet with GTA livery, a full set of racing gear (suit, gloves and shoes) and a car cover.

FCA Australia is expected to confirm whether the GTA is heading Down Under in the near future.