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25 Mar 2003

ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA IN UK

The fastest and most powerful hatchback in its market segment, the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA goes on sale in the UK this month.

ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA IN UK

The fastest and most powerful hatchback in its market segment, the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA goes on sale in the UK this month.

The designation GTA occupies a pre-eminent position in the pantheon of racing Alfas. Meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita (lightened GT), it was first applied to the factory’s all-conquering, race-prepared Giulia Sprint Touring Cars of the 1960s. Alfa GTAs dominated the European Touring Car Championships in the 1960s and early 70s, and Alfa Romeo is currently the reigning ETCC champion, having won the series for the past two years with the Alfa 156 GTA.

Today, GTA identifies a range of road-going Alfa Romeos that constitute the quintessence of this famous marque’s sporting values. GTA models are imbued with a spirit that evokes a great motorsport tradition coupled with sophisticated, state-of-the-art engine and mechanical specifications.

IN BRIEF

Heart of the Alfa 147 GTA is the same widely acclaimed, all-aluminium, 3.2 litre 24-valve V6 that powers the 156 GTA. This peerless, 3179 cc, quadruple overhead camshaft unit develops 250 bhp at 6200 rpm and 221 lb.ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Thus
equipped, the Alfa 147 GTA can accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.3 seconds and post a top speed of 153 mph. Yet the engine is sufficiently tractable to allow effortless cruising in sixth gear at less than 2000 rpm.

Suspension is based on the combination of high double wishbones at the front and an advanced, MacPherson strut arrangement at the rear, but it has undergone extensive, painstaking development with the aim of achieving the highest possible levels of driveability and handling within an entirely usable, everyday car.

An uprated braking system features enlarged, 305 mm ventilated discs at the front, 276 mm rear discs, and highly visible, four-piston Brembo callipers all round. The Alfa 147 GTA offers exceptionally quick and precise speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 1.75 turns lock-to-lock.

Both passive and active safety features are comprehensively represented in the Alfa 147 GTA. In addition to six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a fully integrated Fire Prevention System, the new car comes with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems. ABS is combined with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, and a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by

Anti-Slip Regulation to limit wheelspin during acceleration, and Motor Slip Regulation to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears.

Exterior styling ensures instant recognition without ostentation; bodywork modification simply reflecting technical changes to the 147 chassis and mechanicals along with the accommodation of 17" 225/45 wheels and tyres, and revised front and rear spoilers for improved aerodynamics.

Inside, Alfa 147 GTA trim includes a brand new, 3-spoke steering wheel, GTA seat and door panel upholstery, a black background to dedicated gauges and instruments, and lightweight, rubber-studded aluminium pedals and footrest.                   

Further enhancing the GTA’s unique specification, standard equipment levels are based on those of the Alfa 147 2.0 Lusso, and include an Alfa Code immobiliser and alarm, remote central locking, electric windows, ‘Follow Me Home’ headlights, cruise control, dual zone climate control, heated electric door mirrors, a multifunction display and trip computer, 17” alloy wheels and a Bose sound system featuring an RDS 8-speaker stereo radio with CD player and steering wheel audio controls.

Optional equipment includes 17” spoked alloy wheels, leather sports seats, xenon headlights, a 10 CD autochanger and CONNECT NAV or CONNECT NAV+.

Alfa’s innovative CONNECT on-line telematics system connects the driver to an extensive range of services via a live phone link to an English-speaking operator, as well as including an impressive satellite navigation system. CONNECT NAV+ incorporates voice commands with a 7” colour display screen, and is complemented by a Dual Band GSM phone with WAP Internet access, and satellite navigation.

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA goes on sale here priced at £22,450 on-the-road. Those who love driving will find the new GTA to be an outstanding performer that consistently rewards its driver, regardless of road or weather conditions.

DESIGN

Exterior

Having won the 2001 European Car of the Year title and numerous other design awards, the Alfa 147 would benefit little from additional cosmetic enhancement. Thus, modifications to its external appearance are almost entirely limited to parts affected by technical changes to the chassis and mechanicals. Styling conveys a strength and sporting potential that simply reflects the car’s sophisticated mechanical specification, without superfluous ostentation.

The new GTA’s wings stand out to accommodate 17” 225/45 alloy wheels. A modified nose section incorporates an enlarged front spoiler for improved aerodynamics, and the front foglights have been relocated towards the outside of the car within bespoke, honeycomb grilles to allow for enlarged intakes and thus better air flow to the engine.

The aerodynamic package further includes discreet side-skirts, whilst closer inspection reveals that, compared to less powerful 147 versions, the lower section of the GTA’s rear valence has been completely revised. The rear bumper now contains an aerodynamic extractor, visibly divided by metal panels into one, central, horizontal aperture and two smaller side openings.

Bright red, Brembo four-piston brake callipers control large, 305 mm ventilated front discs, and revised suspension settings give the GTA a markedly lower stance.

Ten body colours are available on the 147 GTA, including Nuvola White; an iridescent shade exclusive to the model.

Interior

Details exclusive to the new 147 GTA include unique cloth trimmed sports seats, a new, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with audio controls, and a new gear lever with leather gaiter and surrounds in Puma grey; a darker shade than that of other Alfa 147 versions.

GTA door panels reflect the same motifs and colours as the central seat backs, and kick plates come with a satinised metal insert bearing the wording GTA in bright metal. The dashboard features gauges and instruments finished in a black surround unique to the 147 GTA, and engine oil temperature is displayed on the multifunction screen.

The pedal box incorporates lightweight aluminium pedals and footrest with slip resistant rubber inserts. The steering wheel is fully adjustable for both reach and rake, and front sports seats with built-in head restraints are also fully adjustable to ensure an ideal driving position befitting the 147 GTA’s performance and handling abilities.

EQUIPMENT

With the further addition of Vehicle Dynamic Control and heated windscreen washer jets to the GTA’s unique specification, standard equipment levels are based on those of the Alfa 147 2.0 Lusso, and include the following:

  • Power assisted steering
  • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control with Anti Slip Regulation
  • Driver, passenger, front side and window airbags
  • Alfa Code immobiliser and alarm
  • Remote central locking
  • Electric windows
  • ‘Follow Me Home’ headlights
  • Cruise control
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Heated electric door mirrors
  • Multifunction display and trip computer
  • 17” alloy wheels
  • Bose sound system with CD player
  • Steering wheel audio controls                                                                             

Optional equipment includes the following:

  • 17” spoked alloy wheels
  • Leather sports seats
  • Xenon headlights
  • Integral child seat
  • Iridescent paint
  • Comfort pack
  • Climate pack
  • Sunroof
  • 10 CD autochanger
  • CONNECT NAV or CONNECT NAV+

CONNECT

The CONNECT system, located in the centre console of the Alfa 147 GTA, is a ground-breaking, on-line system that connects the driver to an extensive range of services via either manual control or voice commands.

At the heart of the system is a live telephone connection to a call centre manned by operators who, through automatic vehicle recognition, will always speak the driver’s language.

Operators will give the driver information on traffic and weather conditions en route, can find a bank, book an hotel or recommend a restaurant, and will even book airline tickets on request. If necessary, they will guide a driver step-by-step to a destination, send out a recovery vehicle, or jog the memory over diary appointments or anniversaries.

Information on a requested destination is transmitted by the operator to the Alfa GTA’s CONNECT system and displayed in the form of an icon on the screen. This information may then be opened, stored in the unit’s directory, or entered directly into the satellite navigation system for immediate guidance. In the case of a restaurant or hotel, the operator can either make reservations at the driver’s request or provide a phone number for future reference.

Two levels of CONNECT system are available:

  • CONNECT NAV is fitted with a 192 x 80 pixel LCD graphic display. It  includes an RDS radio with CD and MP3 music file functionality, a trip computer, Dual Band GSM phone with handsfree operation and WAP Internet access, GPS independent navigation using pictograms, and an SOS button linked to the Contact Centre for receiving information and assistance. The system can also control an optional, multi-CD changer if fitted.
  • CONNECT NAV+ comes with a wide, 7”, full colour active matrix display screen. As well as the functions of CONNECT NAV, it offers a map navigation
  • system, atlas function and voice activated commands for the telephone and a voice memo.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

3.2 Litre V6 24-valve engine

Construction:                       All alloy
Cylinders:                            6, V formation at 60°
Valves:                                 24
Capacity:                             3197cc

 

Fuel feed:                            Bosch Motronic ME 7.3.1 electronic MPI
Maximum power:              250 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Maximum torque:                 221 lb.ft @ 4800 rpm
Top speed:                         153 mph
Acceleration 0-62 mph:      6.3 seconds
Fuel consumption: in town: 15.6 mpg
  out of town: 32.8 mpg
  combined: 23.3 mpg
CO2: 287 g/km  
Emissions control: Euro 4  

 

Heart of the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA is the same widely acclaimed quadruple overhead camshaft, all-aluminium, 3.2 litre 24-valve V6 engine as that fitted to the Alfa 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA.

This spirited, high performance engine is derived from the now classic 3.0 litre 24-valve V6 fitted to Alfa’s top-of-the-range 166 and GTV models. However, it differs from the legendary 3.0 litre unit in many key respects.

Power could simply have been increased by adjusting the timing, fuel system and electronics. Instead, Alfa Romeo’s engineers changed the crankshaft and pistons to increase cylinder capacity to 3.2 litres and lengthened the stroke to 78 mm.

This was done with one specific aim; to ensure absolute performance and high power and torque peaks, combined with smooth, linear power delivery from low speeds. Hence, the 3.2 litre V6 24v unit delivers sensational performance, but is also very docile; the GTA’s objective being to offer sensations hitherto unique to a racing car, yet still remain very easy to drive and entirely suitable for everyday use.

The Alfa 147 GTA develops 250 bhp at 6200 rpm, with a maximum torque of 221 lb.ft at 4800 rpm. These figures are complemented by a breadth of torque curve that offers high output at low speeds. Thus, the 147 GTA can cruise effortlessly in sixth gear at less than 2000 rpm, yet accelerate rapidly and smoothly away without the need for changing gear.

The increased cylinder capacity necessitated further changes. For example, the control unit software has been rewritten, the cooling system has been upgraded with the addition of an engine oil radiator, and the intake and exhaust ports have been tuned by applying a new timing pattern.

Transmission

In response to the power increase from the 3.2 litre 24-valve V6, Alfa Romeo’s renowned 6-speed manual transmission has been upgraded and reinforced.

Halfshafts are new and the clutch is larger, while the gearbox itself contains new, sturdier components.

Extensively revised suspension is based on the Alfa 147 combination of high double wishbones at the front, and an advanced MacPherson arrangement at the rear.

This configuration, already proven on the 156 range and on other 147 versions, has been specifically adapted to the upgraded features of the GTA to ensure outstanding dynamic performance. The whole equates to smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and controllability, even when close to adhesion limits, and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions.

Front

The Alfa GTA’s high double wishbone front suspension was developed specifically for the new car by the Fiat Research Centre and Alfa Romeo Research. It varies from the standard Alfa 147 configuration in offering a reinforced lower beam, a lower ride height, revised spring and damper settings, a special strut that is fastened to the steering link in a different position, and a larger diameter anti-roll bar.

These engineering improvements increase the dynamic performance of the set-up, the structure of which comprises a cast iron lower arm, a steel strut and a light alloy upper arm. The coaxial spring-damper unit is connected to the body via a flexible mount, and to the lower arm via a light alloy fork. For reasons of space and structural stiffness, the upper arm is jointed to an aluminium shell, itself anchored to the body, which acts as a support to the upper spring-damper attachment.

Fluid dynamic bushes hinge the upper suspension triangle to the bodyshell; Teflon split gaskets and bushes are loaded with glassfibre for the damper stems and there are Teflon seals to the damper pistons.

From a dynamic viewpoint, the high double wishbone layout combines long wheel travel with outstanding control. This configuration offers the Alfa 147 GTA maximum tyre grip, improved traction under extreme conditions, a self-alignment effect proportional to the lateral acceleration applied in a corner, superior steering precision and sensitivity, graduated steering wheel effort up to adhesion limits and the minimisation of pitching under extreme acceleration or braking.

Rear

The rear suspension has also undergone significant technical improvement. Both the geometry and constructional details of the proven MacPherson configuration have been modified.  The outcome is a new body attachment position, revised spring
settings, different damper and bush stiffness and a larger diameter anti-roll bar.

The Alfa GTA’s MacPherson suspension also adopts innovative construction features: the coil springs not only offer a stiffer setting and lower ride height to the standard 147, but also rest on upper and lower plates with an interposed rubber ring to reduce noise levels. The anti-roll bar features a Cellasto upper end travel block that remains flexible over prolonged usage. The new, double-acting hydraulic dampers are pressurised and fabricated in high tensile steel with reduced thickness. And all the suspension arms and rear beam bushes are made specifically for the 147 GTA.

These significant technical innovations and features improve performance and driving enjoyment still further. The modified rear suspension can absorb obstacles more readily through the longitudinal ‘withdrawal’ of the wheels. It also offers maximum directional stability, increases the smoothness and alacrity of steering response and, by ensuring the wheels steer consistently under lateral load, allows the GTA to align itself automatically, even under extreme conditions. Moreover, the 147 GTA suspension gains negative camber during roll, increasing cornering grip and improving the car’s overall balance.

Steering

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA is fitted with hydraulically power assisted, speed sensitive steering to optimise both low speed manoeuvrability and high speed accuracy and feel. The rack and pinion system requires just 1.75 turns from lock to lock.

Brakes

Outstanding braking performance is provided by 305 mm ventilated front discs with exceptionally powerful, four-piston Brembo callipers, 276 mm rear discs, and a specially upgraded servo. This system is augmented by a Bosch 5.7 ABS unit with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

SAFETY

In addition to six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a fully integrated Fire Prevention System, the Alfa 147 GTA comes with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems. ABS is combined with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, and a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by Anti-Slip Regulation to limit wheelspin during acceleration, and Motor Slip Regulation to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears.

ABS with EBD

The Alfa 147 GTA is fitted as standard with a Bosch 5.7 anti-lock braking system, one of the most advanced units currently available. The system incorporates an electronic brakeforce distributor with four active sensors, four channels and a hydraulic control unit with 12 solenoids. Because the sensors themselves process a wheel input signal, rather than passing it on to the control unit, the system can both activate more quickly and detect speed signals far closer to zero.

The active sensors are less sensitive to interference from electromagnetic fields and road surface heating and, because they can detect very low speeds, augment the efficiency of the satellite navigation system by allowing more accurate updating of data on the route covered by the car.

EBD distributes braking action over all four wheels to prevent them locking, and ensures full control of the car in all situations. To reduce brake pad overheating, the system also adapts its operation to both grip availability and brake pad efficiency.

VDC

Permanently engaged, the innovative Vehicle Dynamic Control system is activated under extreme conditions when vehicle stability is at risk, helping the driver to control the car. As befits a true Alfa Romeo, however, the VDC is a sporting system that does not interfere prematurely, allowing the full satisfaction of driver control to the limit of critical conditions.

The GTA’s VDC continuously monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car starts to slide, VDC cuts in to restore directional stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw), lateral acceleration, and steering input. Comparing this data with computer generated parameters, the system establishes whether the car is cornering within its adhesion limits or if the front or rear wheels are about to lose grip.

To restore the required trajectory, VDC generates a yawing movement to counter that responsible for the vehicle’s instability by braking the appropriate wheel individually, and reducing engine power via the throttle.

Exceptionally smooth brake modulation and engine power reduction are key attributes of a system designed by Alfa engineers to maintain outstanding performance and driving satisfaction throughout its operation.

ASR

Anti-Slip Regulation is an additional feature of the 147 GTA’s VDC system, designed to limit wheelspin in cases of low road surface grip. This sophisticated system works at any speed and prevents the driven wheels from spinning by adjusting torque according to the grip coefficient detected at the time of slip.

The system recognises loss of traction via the ABS sensors, and activates two different control systems to restore grip: in the case of both driven wheels spinning it reduces engine power via the throttle. If only one wheel spins, however, it is automatically braked; the resultant effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential.

ASR not only optimises vehicle safety in conditions of minimal or constantly varying degrees of grip, but also greatly reduces mechanical stress to the differential and gearbox through effective control of low speed take-off and traction.

The system is activated automatically whenever the engine is started, but may be deactivated via a switch on the centre console. A flashing warning light indicates ASR operation, whilst a second light illuminates to indicate system faults or irregularities.

ASR deactivation is required when snow chains are fitted to allow for their effective use.

MSR

The Alfa 147 GTA further benefits from Motor Slip Regulation. MSR cuts in when a gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip, restoring torque to the engine to prevent skidding as a result of wheel lock-up.

THE GTA STORY

During the 1960s, Touring car racing enjoyed the enthusiastic involvement of numerous car manufacturers and passionate support from the general public. Cars derived from standard production models competed on Europe’s most prestigious race
circuits, and the greatest drivers of the time, including Jim Clark, Sir John Whitmore and Andrea de Adamich, were not ashamed to race in this category.

So began, in 1964, one of Alfa Romeo’s most glorious periods of competition involvement. Coinciding with the company's decision to officially return to racing, Alfa set up Autodelta, a specialist centre in Udine with responsibility for all its racing activities.

Within a few months Autodelta had moved to Settimo Milanese on the outskirts of Milan, with an old friend of the company, Carlo Chiti – who had previously worked for Alfa in the early 1950s – at the head of the new structure. He was the ‘father’ of Alfa’s modern racing activities, and his cars immediately started winning laurels; a total of 41 outright wins and 121 class victories in 1964 alone.

On 18 February 1965 the GTA, Autodelta's first creation, made its public debut at the Amsterdam Motorshow. Developed from the Bertone styled Giulia Sprint GT, the Gran Turismo Alleggerita (lightened GT) was what came to be known as a ‘homologation special’. Built to allow Autodelta to compete in the ETCC, just over 500 versions of the 1600 GTA were produced, along with a similar number of 1300 cc cars.

Minimal weight allied to high power was the raison d’être of these original cars. A Giulia Sprint GTA weighed around 600 lbs less than its production equivalent, thanks to an aluminium skin, plexiglass side windows, stripped out interior and a complete lack of sound-deadening materials.

Alfa’s 1600cc Twin Cam engine had a twin-plug cylinder head and higher compression; racing versions could produce up to 170 bhp at 7500 rpm. An oil cooler
was fitted, and the gearbox equipped with lightened, closer ratio, drilled gears. Magnesium was used for the camshaft covers, sump and bell housing, and even the half-shafts were hollow in the tireless pursuit of weight loss.

Though the suspension also benefited from special front uprights and revised steering arms, there was little externally to tell a GTA from its less powerful siblings. Only 14” Campagnolo wheels, a mesh grille and cast door handles gave the game away.

The GTA was a winner from the outset. Seven GTAs, for example, took the first seven places in the Jolly Club 4-hour race at Monza. With Andrea de Adamich and other fine drivers at the helm, Alfa Romeo steadily stole the thunder of the previously pre-eminent Lotus until finally, with a win at Zandvoort, de Adamich took the 1965 European Touring Car Championship.

GTAs continued to dominate ETCC racing over the next few years with drivers such as de Adamich, Ignazio Giunti and Nanni Galli at the wheel.

In 1968, Alfa Romeo introduced both road-going and racing versions of the 1300 Junior. Again, the new GTA looked similar to the standard production car. The racing version delivered 160 bhp compared to its road-going sibling’s 103 bhp, and it immediately won its class in the ETCC with six victories in nine races. The 1750 GTA, meanwhile, won the Championship outright.

GTA domination lasted into the 1970s, the arrival of the GT Am in 1970, a derivation of the 1750 GT Veloce America, being the precursor to further success. The body was a complete transformation of the original version, as was the engine – a 230 bhp 2.0 litre unit. The car, driven by Dutchman Toine Hezemans, won the European  Touring Car Championship in 1970 and ’71, taking six wins from eight starts.

In 1992 Alfa Romeo returned to racing with a version of the 155 Q4, renamed GTA, prepared to Italian Superturismo Championship regulations. This car retained very little of the standard production model, sporting carbon fibre wings, an adjustable rear spoiler, and a 16-valve turbocharged engine generating 400 bhp.

The four team cars, driven by Nicola Larini, Giorgio Francia, Nannini and Tamburini, won 17 of the 20 races entered, Nicola Larini going on to win the title. During the
following year, the model made way for the successful 155 V6 TI prepared for the German DTM Championship.

With the GTA, Alfa Romeo won the European Touring Car Championship on three

consecutive occasions; 1966, 1967 and 1968. Today, as the reigning ETCC champion having won the series for the past two years, Alfa Romeo continues to race in this category. With world class drivers Gabriele Tarquini and Nicola Larini at the wheel, the GTA maintains its peerless racing pedigree under the Autodelta banner, a name celebrating 40 years in motorsport this month.

The price of the Alfa 147 GTA is as follows:

 

Basic Price £ VAT £ OTR
charges £
Total OTR price £
18,931.92 3313.08 205 22,450
Option Basic Price £ VAT £ Retail Price £
17” spoked alloy wheels 212.77 37.23 250.00
Leather sports seats 723.40 126.60 850.00
Xenon headlights 425.53 74.47 500.00
Integral child seat 263.83 46.17 310.00
Metallic paint 225.53 39.47 265.00
Iridescent paint 855.32 149.68 1005.00
Comfort Pack 165.96 29.04 195.00
Sunroof 510.64 89.36 600.00
10 CD Autochanger 327.66 57.34 385.00
Connect Nav 953.20 166.80 1120.00
Connect Nav+ 1133.60 198.80 1332.00
Climate Pack 106.38 18.62 125.00
Telephone predisposition 42.55 7.45 50.00

ends…

For further information please contact:

PETER NEWTON Public Relations Director, Alfa Romeo (UK)
Tel: 01753 511 431 Fax: 01753 516 871
e-mail address: peter.newton@fiat.com                                            

This press release is also available at the dedicated press website

www.alfaromeo4media.co.uk or at www.newspress.co.uk  

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