Alfa Romeo is said to be working on an even hotter version of its mid-size Giulia sedan, set to sit above the existing Quadrifoglio flagship.
According to a report from MoparInsiders, the new model is believed to be badged GTA – short for Gran Turismo Alleggerita, or ‘Lightened Gran Turismo’ – marking the return of a hallowed badge in Alfa Romeo’s history last seen on the Busso V6-powered 147 and 156 GTA models of the mid-2000s.
The Quadrifoglio’s fan-favourite 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 is expected to carry over to the GTA (or Quadrifoglio GTA?), though tuned to a supercar-rivalling 462kW (620hp) of power – a considerable increase over the 375kW output offered by the ‘standard’ QV, Mercedes-AMG C63 S and upcoming BMW M3 Competition.
The sole transmission option is slated to be the eight-speed automatic transmission offered in Australia and most markets, sending power to the rear wheels.
We’d wager the power bump would be accompanied by a circa-100Nm torque increase, likely helping to cut the Alfa’s 0-100km/h sprint time down to around 3.5 seconds.
The US publication claims the GTA will tip the scales in 20 kilograms lighter than the most slender manual-transmission Quadrifoglio offered in Europe – meaning a 1560kg kerb weight is in order.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA is set to make its public debut on June 24, as part of the Italian brand’s 110th anniversary celebrations in Milan. It was previously suggested a B-segment SUV intended to slot underneath the upcoming Tonale would make its debut at the event, however neither has been confirmed.
MoparInsiders says the hot Giulia will be a Europe-only, limited-run offering, with a North American introduction unconfirmed.
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