28.07.2004 One of the most eagerly anticipated new arrivals in South Africa for many a year, the 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Is finally on the continent

One of the most eagerly anticipated new arrivals in South Africa for many a year, the 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA has finally arrived on the continent.

Alfa Romeo took the drive train from the acclaimed Alfa 156 GTA, itself launched with great success so far onto the South African market last year, shoe-horning it into the award winning Alfa Romeo 147 to produce the most powerful car in its class. 

In features attractive styling, great temperament and outstanding automotive engineering as well as a top-quality interior and finish, complemented by an ultra-comprehensive electronic and telematic package.

The 147 GTA was launched by Alfa Romeo South Africa last Thursday at a prestigious event, a evening of motorsports hosted by Ducati and the Ferrari Club, at the well known 'Kiliminjaro' venue.

Alfa Romeo South Africa told Italiaspeed, "The launch of the 147GTA here has been widely anticipated for sometime. The instant on-track success of the racing version has generated much excitement, with interest building up to last week's launch."

Earlier this year the ARSA-backed Production Car Championship team replaced their 156GTA racers with a trio of the new 147GTAs. Success was instant for the new car, with a double victory coming on its Vodacom Tour debut at the legendary Kyalami circuit.

The wins have helped revitalise interest in the marque amongst South Africans, evoking memories of the wildly powerful GTV racers of the 1980s. Fending off top class rivals from BMW, Mercedes and Ford, the 147GTA tasted victory again at the most recent round of the series at the new Zwartkops circuit last month, and the team head for round six at Kyalami this weekend brimming with confidence.

They told us, "The GTA name identifies a range of vehicles that constitute the absolute essence of Brand sporting values. Models with a spirit that harks back to a great tradition of races and victories, coupled with a highly sophisticated, up-to-date engine and mechanical specification."

While the body of the Alfa 147 GTA retains the original vehicle's acclaimed stylish lines, it has been enhanced by more aggressive features. Everything else though has been radically changed.

The engine has been swapped for a sizzling 3.2 V6 24v unit. The suspension geometry and settings have been altered. And VDC, a highly sophisticated vehicle dynamic control system, has been added as standard.

The result is a car that is the most powerful and fastest representative of its segment (250bhp/184kW) and capable of delivering a thrilling performance: a 246km/h top speed and just 6.3seconds to dash from 0 to 100km/h. Not to mention outstanding dynamism, ride and handling.

Alfa Romeo South Africa believe that the car will be a real winner on the local market, offering a genuine, strong alternative to segment rivals which include the Ford Focus ST170, Audi S3, VW Golf GTi and Opel OPC.

No quotas have been set, ASRA telling us, "Sales will be dictated by customer demand, which we expect, however to be strong. Each car will be individually specified and ordered by the customer."

ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA ( SOUTH AFRICA ) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION