Mercedes-Benz and BMW watch out! Alfa Romeo has you in its sights with the awesome new 156 GTA. Based on the 156 sedan, the GTA gets all sorts of goodies and attention to take it to the pinnacle of front drive performance, and help it go head-to-head with the BMW 330i sedan and Mercedes-Benz C320.
The engine, based on the brilliant Alfa 3.0-litre V6 from the GTV coupe, is stroked to 3.2-litres boosting peak power by 22kiloWatts to 184kiloWatts. That's 30percent more than the next powerful 156 sedan.
Alfa Romeo claims the GTA, with the help of switchable traction control on the front wheels, will dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250km/h.
The GTA's steering is quicker again than the 156, just 1.75 turns lock-to-lock. The suspension is beefed up, the GTA riding 13mm lower on sporty 17inch wheels and tyres. Brakes are also bigger, now 305mm discs front and 276mm at the rear, with anit-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Visually the Alfa Romeo GTA pursues the mantra perfected by BMW and Mercedes Benz of 'less is more'. The body kit consists of a subtle side-skirt with a deep, ground hugging spoiler at the front and optional decklid wing at the rear.
Alfa Romeo informs us that the interior will be suitably sporty, and include drilled aluminium pedals, racing style front seats and GTA-specific leather upholstery.
Alfa Romeo's Australian importers, Ateco Automotive, won't confirm specifications on the Aussie cars until closer to the on-sale date. The GTA is likely to be offered with a manual gearbox and Alfa Romeo's Selespeed semi-automatic. Both will have six speeds to make the most of the engine's power.
Alfa Romeo is producing the 156 GTA in both sedan and wagon bodystyles, though we believe the wagon is not destined for Australian shores. At this stage.
Drawing heritage from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA racers of almost 40 years ago, the 156 GTA lays claim to being a true road and track car. Like you, we'll have to wait until the GTA arrives in August to see if that's more than just another hot-air marketing boast.