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Motoring
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The
Alfa 156GTA, a great driving experience.
Photo from Alfa Romeo
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| Specs |
Alfa
Romeo GTA
Price $89,950
Power 184 kW
0-100 kmh 6.3 seconds |
Alfa’s
magic motoring
By Ken
Llewelyn
There are some cars that transcend motoring to another level –
Alfa Romeo’s 156 GTA fits that bill superbly!
It is also one of those cars that looks right.
The 156 body is one of the prettiest cars around. And in the GTA
classic, alloy wheels carry four very fat Michelin tyres, stylish
skirts increase aerodynamic efficiency and a twin exhaust outlet
completes the enticing package.
The history of the GTA goes back to 1965 when Alfa built the lightweight
1600 Giulia GTA Coupe (gran turismo alleggerita ) for racing. The
GT bit is true enough but alleggerita means lightened. Alfas in
those days had lashings of wood but the GTA used a lightweight alloy
for the interior and the seats were standard vinyl.
Nearly 40 years later the modern GTA is considerably plumper than
its predecessor with quality leather, six air bags, heated seats,
CD player and climate control – but no wood.
Although the leather-bound steering wheel is superb I am sure the
many Alfa enthusiasts will regret the loss of the beautiful wood
and alloy steering wheels of the past.
The test car was black with black upholstery – not my favourite
colour.
However, when I picked up the superbly prepared car it did look
magnificent. Unfortunately a run down to the coast in rain and multiple
road works gave the GTA the appearance of a rally car when I returned.
Behind the wheel the package is definitely sporting. The seats are
appropriately designed for high cornering loads, drilled pedals
were impressive and the 300km/h speedo does grab your attention.
Turn the key and that fabulous rumble from the V6 indicates that
this car is something special.
The steering is very quick – 20 per cent more direct than a
standard 156. The beefed-up front and rear suspension is lowered
and gives a firm but not uncomfortable ride. The six-speed gear
box’s internals are also strengthened to cope with the extra
power.
The GTA’s 3.2-litre V6 pumps out 184kW and, amazingly, puts
that power to the road via the front wheels. And thanks to the electronic
wizardry built into the drive system all that power is very controllable.
Such is the sound that emanates from the fantastic engine I found
myself spinning the V6 through to its 7000rpm limit just to hear
its orchestral delights.
It reaches 100 km/h in around 6.3 seconds, so judicious use of the
throttle can at times be very frustrating.
On a private road, 200km/h came up in a remarkably short stretch
and 250km/h is achievable if you live in the Northern Territory.
This sort of performance puts the GTA in Subaru WRX territory.
Alfa’s R&D team has designed a package that really works.
I took the GTA out early one Sunday morning on a route which I knew
well and drove the car hard.
I was on my own with the CD from Titanic providing the background
music. I ended up turning off the CD as I found myself transported
to another realm of driving experience.
The combination of superb chassis dynamics, slick six-speed box,
outstanding brakes and the aural delights of that V6 make you believe
that the GTA is indeed worth the $89,950.
It is only when emotions have subsided, logic comes to the fore
that you start to nit-pick.
The sound system controls are designed for pianist’s fingers
and a PhD in maths, the cruise control is poorly positioned, premium
fuel is necessary, the squab under the thighs caused me some discomfort
and care is required to avoid scraping the aerodynamic skirts and
the $600 plus alloy wheels if you get too close to the gutter.
But if you are an Alfista, logic does not come into the equation.
The GTA gives you a driving experience few other cars can provide.
As much as I liked the GTA, if it was my money I would put my dollars
down on the much cheaper and nearly as enjoyable 156 with the smaller
2.5-litre V6 engine. The 2.5 is one of my favourite cars!
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