After several years in the wilderness Alfa Romeo came out of nowhere and launched one of the most incredible luxury sedans in recent memory.
In an effort to really announce the model, they launched the spectacular Quadrifoglio first, a car that not only takes the fight to the Germans, but eclipses them in several aspects. So, when they announced that they would be bringing back the GTA nameplate for the first time in well over a decade, Alfisti all over the world got goosebumps.
Then, just to add a bit of theatrics, they launched a GTAm alongside the long awaited GTA model, and it is an even more focussed track model that takes things up a notch.
10 “Il Mostro” Mk2
While developing these two special editions they were nicknamed “Il Mostro,” a reference to the famously ugly SZ that embraced its controversial styling.
Usually, cars like these are ruined with aggressive body-kits, even race derived kits basically equate to an expensive way to devalue your car. On the other hand, this is somehow even more beautiful with the body-kit added, making it something of an ironic nickname.
9 Incredible Power
In truth, the 2.9-liter twin turbo V6 that is widely accepted to be a Ferrari V8 minus two cylinders doesn’t really need more horsepower. It still gets it though.
Reworked and upgraded internals and an Akrapovic exhaust system all give the car around 30 extra horses, taking its power figure up to 540 horsepower.
8 Gran Turismo
The GT part of the name is well taken care of. All that power is sent to the rear wheels, but the grip is phenomenal in the GTAm, thanks to the widened track and upgraded suspension.
Unlike other track focussed cars, the ride is firm but compliant, and can conceivably be used regularly on paved roads.
7 Alleggerita
This part of the name was taken very, very seriously as well. After the previous 156 GTA got launched off the stage for being heavier than the standard model, the GTAm went on a strict diet.
In the end, they replaced the rear seats with a roll cage, and added composite lightweight materials where it matters, shaving 220 pounds off the Quadrifoglio.
6 Impressive Power-To-Weight Ratio
When you take into account how much this means to manufacturers, 355 horsepower per tonne (metric ton) is an incredible effort. The Alfa is quite simply peerless.
All that weight savings does come at a cost though (ironically) and if you want to compare apples to apples, it is pretty hard, because this is a very rare and expensive apple that costs more than a Porsche.
5 Track Oriented
The GTAm has a completely different suspension geometry when compared to the road going Giulia, with a significantly wider track.
Handling is precise and truly that of a track car, taking nothing away from the Quadrifoglio, but this is much better. It is planted in the corners and will inspire much confidence, no matter how expensive it is.
4 Sauber F1
Finally, we actually see some real world benefits from F1 in a road car, and it is all thanks to Alfa Romeo having a team on the grid once again.
The Sauber team’s experience in F1 composites and years of wind tunnel experience is telling. The added aero isn’t just there for show, it truly works, creating substantially more downforce, keeping the car planted through the corners. The massive rear wing also has four different drag settings so that you can prepare the car for specific tracks.
3 Gorgeous Wheels
The design has become one of the trademark features of any GTA model, it certainly stands out and adds to the presence of the car.
These huge single stud wheels make room for big race derived carbon ceramic brakes and are the main reason the car has a much wider track.
2 Limited Production
All 500 units of these cars are spoken for, and when we say 500, that is the total number. There are likely less than 200 GTAm cars.
These customers all paid around the $200,000 mark for these gorgeous cars, but if you want one now you will likely have to fork out quite a bit more than that… making it one of the most valuable Alfa Romeos in the world.
1 Return To Form
Alfisti all over the world have been desperate to see another GTA model, and to get both a GTA and the lesser spotted GTAm is just incredible.
Very few of us will ever get a chance to see one of the 500, let alone drive or own one, but it is a statement car that represents Alfa Romeo’s resurgence. The Quadrifoglio is not that much slower and certainly isn't half the car for less than half the money.