Alfa Romeo GT
| |
| Alfa Romeo GT | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Alfa Romeo |
| Class: | front-engined coupe |
| Production: | 2004-present |
| Predecessor: | None |
| Successor: | Still in production |
| Body styles: | coupé |
| Engines: | 2.0 3.2 V6 1.9 JTD diesel |
The Alfa Romeo GT is a coupe automobile manufactured by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2004.
The GT is based on the larger 156 sedan, with the coupé body styled by Bertone. Most mechanicals are taken directly from the 156, with some influence from the slightly more modern 147 in the double wishbone front suspension setup and the multilink rear system. The interior is based heavily on the 147 and utilises many common parts, the GT utilises the same dash layout and functions as well as having very similar electrical systems. The engine range includes 2.0 petrol engine, a 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel, and the top-of-the-range 3.2 V6 Petrol.
Appearance
The Alfa GT may be the most attractive Alfa Romeo for years, with a svelte but powerful-looking shape, aggressive front end and poised rear. But Alfa's ad proclamation, 'beauty is not enough' holds true here.
The GT wears 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, but 17-inch wheels are a must-have option. There are 18-inch alloy wheels available, but the extra width pinches from the GT's 11.5-metre turning circle. The fitting of the 18" wheel option also introduces torque-steer in the higher torque engines like the 1.9 Diesel and the 3.2 Petrol. The 18" multispoke alloys are undoubtably the best looking option, however this is offset by the need for significant regular cleaning with range of weird shaped brushes in a variety of sizes in order to keep them looking nice in the opinion of owners.
Engines
The 240bhp 3.2-litre V6 is magnificent but provokes loads of torque steer while the 1.9-litre JTD diesel proves to be a popular choice in comparison to the petrol 2.0-litre engine.
Engine Specifications (from Alfa Romeo marketing material):
| Engine | 3.2L V6 Petrol | 2.0L "JTS" | 1.9L "JTDM" Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout: | 6 cylinder Vee 24v | 4 cylinder 16v | 4 cylinder 16v |
| Max Power: | 240bhp @ 6,200rpm | 165bhp @ 6,400rpm | 150bhp @ 4,000rpm |
| Torque: | 289Nm @ 4,800rpm | 206Nm @ 3,250rpm | 305Nm @ 2,000rpm |
| Fuel consumption (mpg (l/100km)): | |||
| urban | 15.2 (18.6) | 23.2 (12.2) | 33.2 (8.5) |
| extra-urban | 32.5 (8.7) | 42.2 (6.7) | 57.6 (4.9) |
| combined : | 22.8 (12.4) | 32.5 (8.7) | 45.6 (6.2) |
| CO2 emissions g/km : | 295 | 207 | 165 |
The 3.2L V6 Petrol unit is without question the sports option with its large power output and distinctive Alfa Romeo soundtrack, unique to the Alfa V6 family of engines. The 2.0L petrol has direct injection and is an improvement on the older 2.0L petrol unit found in the Alfa 156 on which the GT is based, with 15 BHP more power and more frugal consumption.
The 1.9 direct injection diesel unit seems to be the most popular option however, the high torque output at low revs giving more of a feeling of power at "normal" road speeds compared to the 2.0L petrol which requires much higher revs to produce its maximum power output and is best suited to being driven hard. This combined with the significant gain in fuel economy (see statistics above) make the Diesel a popular choice, the basic engine being of a shared design with GM, but with Alfa Romeo specfic tuning and options. The economy of the Diesel combined with the power and 6 speed gearbox make it a real GT car with a range of around 600 miles per tank at motorway speeds.
Braking System
For stopping power, there are 284mm ventilated discs up front and 276mm at the rear. ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and hydraulic brake assistance (HBA) act on all four wheels to reduce stopping distances in poor conditions.
Alternate versions
A heavily modified and tuned 3.2 V6 GT with Rotrex supercharger is available from Autodelta UK.
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