The most extreme road car that Alfa Romeo has ever created is officially on its way to South Africa, albeit in very limited numbers. Stellantis has confirmed that the local order books are now open for the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm models. According to Stellantis, you can expect to part with R3 999 900 for the GTA and R4 299 900 for the more track-focused GTAm.
Alfa Romeo will build just 500 of these special models, of which only eight have been allocated to South Africa and while the indicative price tag that we mentioned might seem rather steep, considering that a Giulia Quadrifoglio can be had for R1,45 million, these ultra-exclusive models have been substantially re-engineered.
For starters the Giulia GTA is an entire 100 kg lighter than the Quadrifoglio, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium. The bonnet, front bumper, wheel arch inserts, roof, diffuser as well as the drive shaft and seat shells, for instance, are made from carbon fibre, while aluminium is used in the doors, engine and suspension. Even the window frames make use of a unique polycarbonate resin that you’ll usually only find in motorsport applications.
The end result is a kerb weight of around 1 580 kg, and to make the most of that is an uprated version of the 2,9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine found in the Quadrifoglio. Featuring a model-specific Akrapovič exhaust, the GTA’s engine produces 390 kW and 600 N.m. With Launch Control activated, 0-100 km/h comes up in 3,6 seconds, Alfa Romeo claims, which is a 0,3 second improvement over the Quadrifoglio.
Other bragging points include upgraded suspension, an active aerodynamics system and 20-inch centre lock wheels. The GTAm is further distinguished by a larger front splitter and huge carbon rear wing and in keeping with its motorsport focus, the model also features a roll cage and a weight-saving door-opening belt. The GTAm has no back seats, in their place you’ll find a fully upholstered ‘basin’ which features specific mouldings designed to hold helmets and a fire extinguisher.
Stellantis South Africa is also promising a unique customer experience. This includes a “one-to-one” sales process whereby a product specialist follows each customer from order to delivery, and owners will also be treated to a personalised experience package, which includes a full racing suit (including shoes and gloves) by Alpinestars as well as a Bell helmet in GTA livery and a personalised Goodwool car cover.
