The GTA name blazed a trail of success through the race tracks of half Europe in its day and deservedly occupies a proud position in the annals of motor sport. The first GTA came about when Autodelta made radical changes to the engine and mechanical units of a Giulia Sprint. The year was 1965 and the Giulia Sprint GTA then went on a winning spree: the Sebring 4-hour race, the 6-hour Nürburgring race, a host of races in Germany, Great Britain, Holland and France - and three consecutive wins in the European Makes Challenge for Touring cars in 1966, 1967 and 1968.
Almost four decades later, Alfa Romeo is giving us a chance to experience the GTA legend afresh with a new car. Or rather two: the 156 GTA and the Sportwagon GTA. Just as in those days, both cars represent a veritable distillate of brand values. Alfa Romeo is acclaimed the world over for its ability to produce good-looking, sporty cars that combine a glittering racing pedigree with the cream of contemporary engineering. Cars that enhance everyday driving experiences with a true racing feel and authentic driving satisfaction.
The Alfa 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA offer all these attributes but also hold something extra in reserve: more performance, more handling, more braking capacity. In other words, the dynamic behaviour of a car that spices your everyday driving experience with racetrack sensation. This philosophy is encapsulated by the slogan used to advertise the Giulia Sprint GTA at the time: 'The car you drive to work is a champion'.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
"One of most succesful cars in the last decade is beeing better and better as times go by. With little modifications Alfa improve this model which continues to earn money for Fiat group (and it is rarity nowdays in Fiat). But, I can feel that people in Alfa is little scared with ""what will be after 156"" - how to make succesful succesor of such brilliant car?! They can take a look at the Peugeot. After legendary 205 (similar as Alfa 156, Peugeot produced 205 over the years with little modifications)they made not less succesful 206. GTA has everything what driving enthusiats request from the car. Beautiful body, with no nonsense plastic wings and other gadgets. Tasteful inside, and of course - the engine. The one said that Alfa is being delivered with two audio systems - hi-fi in cabin and exhaust system, ha, ha. I believe that`s true. I would prefer if GTA has 4wd, altough I can accept its handling as very fine and precise. And another point which I don`t like - the name. GTA in Alfa Romeo nomenclature means that the car is ""lightweight"" and 156 GTA is not for sure the lightweight car. If Alfa wanted to recall some legendary and well known name from its glorius history they could give so many attractive and more appropriate names."
FWD? No PROBLEM!
iPaQ86 6-4-2003
The 156 GTA has the same wheelspin-control equipment (dunno what it's called) that reduces wheel-spin, so that there will be very little torque-steer during the first 2 gears i think. However, the steering is TOO-QUICK!!! It gets very nervous at high-speeds... very scary experience. And the ride, so harsh. The interior, so small - it makes the humble Mit Lancer's interior feel like a S-Class in comparison. However, it has a gem of an engine, and beautiful dash. This is a car with a soul! Well accomplished in many areas but also ultimately-flawed in other areas, this car is not the best GT money can buy. In SIngapore, the asking price of S$180K is simply absurb. The same amount of money can buy u a Subaru WRX STi (i dun want to mention the Mit Evo coz it LACKS SOUL) with still S$30K to spend on a wonderful holiday in Europe for a month.
Almost...
Alfa75TS 4-12-2002
but not quite it. What idiot decided to keep the FWD configuration ? I mean 250 bhp on the front wheels, that's like uhm hello torque steer and other handling nightmares. Alfa, go back to RWD NOW ! My 75 is starting to look dated. Maarten
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156 GTA
The GTA name blazed a trail of success through the race tracks of half Europe in its day and deservedly occupies a proud position in the annals of motor sport. The first GTA came about when Autodelta made radical changes to the engine and mechanical units of a Giulia Sprint. The year was 1965 and the Giulia Sprint GTA then went on a winning spree: the Sebring 4-hour race, the 6-hour Nürburgring race, a host of races in Germany, Great Britain, Holland and France - and three consecutive wins in the European Makes Challenge for Touring cars in 1966, 1967 and 1968.
