Alfa Romeo GT

The Alfa Romeo GT (Type 937) is a coupe automobile that was produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 2003 and 2010. The GT was introduced in March 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show.[4] Production commenced on 28 November 2003, the GT was built at the Pomigliano plant, alongside the 147 and 159.[5] A total of 80,832 units were produced.[5]

Alfa Romeo GT
Overview
ManufacturerAlfa Romeo
Production2003–2010[1]
AssemblyItaly: Pomigliano d'Arco[2]
DesignerGiuliano Biasio at Bertone[3]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformType Two rev. 3
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,596 mm (102.2 in)
Length4,489 mm (176.7 in)
Width1,763 mm (69.4 in)
Height
  • 1,366 mm (53.8 in) (JTD)
  • 1,362 mm (53.6 in)
  • 1,355 mm (53.3 in) (V6)
Kerb weight1,395–1,485 kg (3,075–3,274 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorAlfa Romeo Sprint

History

The GT was based on Fiat C-platform (also used for the 156) with styling by Bertone.[6] Initially, Bertone insisted to assemble the car at their own plant but after refusal from Alfa Romeo's parent company Fiat, the GT was assembled at the Pomigliano plant instead.[7]

The bodywork is in a classic coupé style, but uses a hatchback two door style compared to the earlier coupés like GTV and some rivals such as the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Combined with a full rear bench giving five seats (rather than a 2+2 layout) the GT was advertised as being a practical sports car.[8] Most mechanicals were taken directly from the 156/147[6] using the same double wishbone front suspension and MacPherson rear setup.

The interior is derived from the smaller 147 hatchback and shares many common parts: such as having the same dash layout, functions, the climate control system as well as having a similar electrical system.

Some exterior parts are also shared with the 147 such as the bonnet, wing mirrors, and front wings (from the 147 GTA). The engine range included both the 1.8 TS and the 2.0 JTS petrol engines, a 1.9 MultiJet turbodiesel, and a top of the range 3.2 V6 petrol engine. Luggage capacity is 320 L (11 cu ft) which could be enlarged to 905 L (32 cu ft) with the rear seats folded.

The GT was positioned as a sports car in Alfa Romeo's range, along with the Brera (which was based on the newer mid-size Alfa 159). In October 2006, Alfa Romeo introduced a 1.9 JTD Q2 version with a limited-slip differential, and also added a new trim level called Black Line.[9]

In 2008, the cloverleaf model was launched as a limited edition complete with new trim levels, lowered suspension, body kit, 18 inch alloy wheels and was only available in Black, Alfa Red, or Blue colours. The engines included the 1.8 L and 2.0 L petrol, as well as 1.9 L Multijet turbo diesel. Production of the cloverleaf ended on 16 June 2010.

Specifications

Standard features included power steering, a trip computer, air conditioning, reverse assist, dual climate control, airbags (including 'curtain' airbags) with internal passenger sensors to decide remotely which airbags to deploy, side mirror defrosters, and cruise control, plus options like seat warmers, leather interior, ten CD changer, satellite radio controls and windscreen sensors for automatic wiper activation.

Engines
Rear view of an Alfa Romeo GT

The GT primarily shared its engines with the 156. The layout and design of the engines is identical, although with some differences in power outputs, with a 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) version of the diesel available and the quoted power output of the V6 slightly lower at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) instead of 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) for the 156.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Top speed 0–100 km/h (62 mph)
(seconds)
1.8 TSI41.7 L (1,747 cc)140 PS (138 hp; 103 kW) at 6,500 rpm163 N⋅m (120 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm200 km/h (124 mph)10.6
2.0 JTS2.0 L (1,970 cc)165 PS (163 hp; 121 kW) at 6,400 rpm206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm216 km/h (134 mph)8.7
3.2 V6V63.2 L (3,179 cc)240 PS (237 hp; 177 kW) at 6,200 rpm300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm243 km/h (151 mph)6.7
1.9 JTDmI41.9 L (1,910 cc)150 PS (148 hp; 110 kW) at 4,000 rpm305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm209 km/h (130 mph)9.2
170 PS (168 hp; 125 kW) at 3,750 rpm330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm216 km/h (134 mph)8.2

References:[10][11][12]

Brakes and suspension

The standard braking system consisted of 284 mm (11.2 in) ventilated front discs with 276 mm (10.9 in) at the rear. The 3.2 V6 model has 330 mm (13.0 in) ventilated discs at front.[13] The GT included anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and hydraulic brake assistance.

Other features included VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) or Alfa's version of ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) or traction control, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), ABS, brake assist and later the Q2 System. The Q2 system is Alfa's limited-slip differential technology, for improved cornering, reducing wheel spin, and torque steer, to help mitigate understeer common to front-wheel-drive cars.

Fuel consumption
Model Fuel cons. urban
(mpg–imp (l/100 km))		 Fuel cons. extra-urban
(mpg–imp (l/100 km))		 Fuel cons. combined
(mpg–imp (l/100 km))
1.8 TS23.0 (12.1)44.0 (6.4)35.0 (8.5)
2.0 JTS23.2 (12.2)42.2 (6.7)32.5 (8.7)
3.2 V615.2 (18.6)32.5 (8.7)22.8 (12.4)
1.9 JTDm33.2 (8.2)57.6 (4.8)45.6 (6.1)
1.9 JTDm (170 PS)32.5 (8.7)58.9 (4.8)45.6 (6.2)

References:[14][9][13]

References:[10][11][15]

Special Models

At the end of its production, several special models of the GT were launched for sale in different markets which included the following.

The Special Edition (British Market)

The Special Edition 1.9 JTDm was produced for the British market, where it had to be preordered by the customer.[16] Its unofficial name was "quadrifoglio verde" (cloverleaf). It had leather interior and Q2 system as standard.[17]

The Run Out Edition (Sport) (Dutch Market)
GT Run Out Edition (sport)

The Run Out Edition 2.0 JTS (black only) was assembled in a run of 12 cars[18] for the Dutch dealers only.[19][20][21] This version had some specifications improved in respect to the creature comforts; the Boss audio system was connected to a multimedia USB and was integrated to the Bluetooth blue&me system.

The Run Out Edition has eighteen-inch alloy wheels, painted brake calipers, black instruments with white backlighting, a black leather steering wheel, and alloy pedals. Furthermore, the car is fitted with specific sized grey leather seats and interior.[22]

The Centenario (Australian, South African and French Markets)

The "100th anniversary limited edition" version [23] is intended for the Australian and South African markets;,[24] and coloured Rosso Alfa, Atlantic Blue, Black and Ice White. The "100th Anniversary Limited Edition" was produced in a limited run of 130 units: 100 for the Australian market and 30 for the South African market.

Following an overhauling of the range in that market, GTs were equipped with the 3.2 V6 with the manual six speed gearbox. A "Centenario" version was made for the French market.[25] It had a rear view camera, Blue & Me and the 1.9 JTDm 16V engine.

The Quadrifoglio Oro (Japanese Market)

The Quadrifoglio Oro was a special model for the Japanese market and was limited to 60 units with specifications similar to the Dutch Run Out: 2.0 JTS engine, Selespeed gearbox, red instruments, alloy wheels, red paint.[26] This was the last model of the GT to be made.[27]

GT Cabriolet Concept
GT Cabriolet concept

A soft-top GT Cabrio Concept was designed and developed by Bertone in 2003, it was unveiled to the public on April 6, 2011.[7] The car was a four-seat open-top version of the GT coupé, which Bertone hoped to get built at their own plant. The next-generation Alfa Romeo open-top car was instead built by Pininfarina, using the Brera coupé as a base. This move ultimately led to the bankruptcy of Bertone and it was bought by Fiat who restructured it into its operations.[28]

Reception

The GT has been acclaimed for its attractive styling and purposeful good looks.[29][30] The design by Bertone follows a history of collaboration with Alfa Romeo.

In 2004, the Alfa Romeo GT was voted the world's most beautiful coupe in the annual 'World's Most Beautiful Automobile' (L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo) awards.

References
  1. Enrique García (2010). "Alfa Romeo cesa la producción del GT". es.autoblog.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2010-11-21. Retrieved 2010-08-21.
  2. "MAIN FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES PLANTS IN THE WORLD". fiatgroup.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  3. "Torino Design". torino-design.com. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  4. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press: NEW ALFA GT COUPÉ, WORLD PREMIERE - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press, accessdate: 29. November 2018
  5. Luca Ciferri. "The car that Alfa should have built". Automotive News. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  6. "2006 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe 3.2 V6". rsportscars.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  7. "The Wonderful Alfa Romeo GT Cabrio that Never Was…". CarScoops. 2011-04-06. Retrieved 2020-05-11.
  8. "Alfa GT". Retrieved 2016-11-28.
  9. "Alfa Romeo at the 2006 Paris International Motor Show". fiatautopress.com. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  10. "Technical specifications Alfa GT 1.9 JTDM 16v 170 CV and Q2 system" (PDF). alfaromeopress.com/. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-07-27. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  11. "Press release 04 November 2003" (PDF). alfaromeopress.com. 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
  12. "2003 Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6". carfolio.com. February 28, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  13. "Technical specifications" (PDF). fiatautopress.com/download. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  14. "Search results for "alfa romeo GT"". carfolio.com. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  15. "2003 Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6". carfolio.com. February 28, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2018.
  16. Top Gear. "Alfa GT Cloverleaf news - Coming up clover - 2008 - BBC Top Gear". BBC Top Gear.
  17. Fabio Sciarra. "Alfa Romeo GT Quadrifoglio: nuova serie speciale per la Gran Bretagna". Autoblog.it.
  18. "Automotive Database".
  19. (in Dutch)Brochure showing the "Run Out Edition 2010" aka GT Sport Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
  20. "GT Sport data sheet" (PDF) (in German). Alfa Romero. June 2010. Retrieved 2015-10-04.
  21. "Descrizione dell'evoluzione del motore 2000 JTS" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2015-07-18.
  22. Andrea Zaliani. "Alfa Romeo GT". Autoblog.it.
  23. Dario Montrone. "Alfa Romeo GT: versione "Centenario" per Australia e Sud Africa". Autoblog.it.
  24. Brochure Alfa GT Centenario Archived April 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  25. Dario Montrone. "Alfa Romeo 147 e GT in allestimento "Centenario" per il mercato francese". Autoblog.it. Archived from the original on 2019-06-27. Retrieved 2012-08-12.
  26. "Alfa GT Quadrifoglio Oro - SESSANTA PEZZI PER IL GIAPPONE - Quattroruote". Quattroruote.it. Archived from the original on 2014-02-24.
  27. Dario Montrone. "Alfa Romeo GT: la versione Quadrifoglio Oro per il Giappone". Autoblog.it.
  28. Joseph, Noah (2011-04-25). "Alfa Romeo GT Cabriolet unearthed as the project that could have saved Bertone". Autoblog. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  29. "The Verdict: Alfa Gt". independent.co.uk. London. 2004-06-29. Archived from the original on 2007-11-20. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
  30. "Alfa GT a real thoroughbred". carsguide.news.com.au. Archived from the original on 2007-08-29. Retrieved 2007-07-31.
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