The plot thickens.
We reported yesterday about Alfa Romeo’s plans to launch a new model for its 110th anniversary. Motori Online in Italy published an article about a possible crossover that could be placed below the Tonale or Stelvio. We now hear that the June big reveal could be related to the Giulia, namely a more hotter version.
Alfa Romeo may be looking to revive Gran Turismo Alleggerita in order to create a Giulia GTA above the Quadrifoglio. This new model is not expected to become a permanent member in the lineup. Instead, it will be a low-volume production model that can be used for European markets. Sources familiar with the matter told Mopar insiders they aren’t sure if the new flagship sedan will sell in North America.
According to the report, power will rise from the standard Giulia Quadrifoglio’s 505 horsepower to a healthy 620 HP. Although torque numbers are not listed in the article, we expect a significant increase from the Ferrari-derived twin turbo 2.9-liter V6 in Q model. It produces 443 pound-feet (603 Newton-meters).
The Giulia GTA will be the only model to come with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This is bad news for stick shift fans. Although it is not clear whether the car will be rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive, the report states that the car will lose weight in order to live up its Alleggerita (meaning “lightened”) moniker. It will be 20 kg (44 lb) lighter than the Giulia Quadrifoglio with the manual transmission.
If the report is true, the Giulia GTA will be on display at a special Milan event to celebrate the company’s milestone. In the wake of Alfa Romeo’s cancellation of the revivals of two other iconic namesplates, GTV/8C, enthusiasts would see a more compact version of the sports sedan as the silver lining.