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The Alfa GT Coupé will
receive a mild "Model Year 2007" upgrade at the Paris Motor
Show next month when the "Black Line 2" pack is unveiled
which includes new 18-inch alloy wheels and cosmetic changes
which will see new chrome finishers inserted into the front
spoiler.
Styled by Bertone and introduced three years ago, the Alfa
GT Coupé is very attractive and practical genuine 4-seat
"grand tourer" which has since then found its own distinct
market niche and appeal. Priced very competitively, it is
currently the coupé of choice in Italy. The "Black Line"
trim package was first introduced late last year to offer
further distinction to the model. It encompassed a very
stylish new sporty interior which included details such as
red stitching on the seats and other cabin fabrics, and
chrome covered door mirrors. Now Alfa Romeo is set to
introduce the "Black Line 2" kit which will build further on
this exclusive, refined look.
The "Model Year 2007" Alfa GT Coupé will be immediately
identifiable by its eye-catching new 7-hole, 18-inch alloy
wheels and new horizontal chrome inserts fitted at the base
of the front bumper grille inserts. These new inserts, which
complement the chrome slats in the front grille, follow
closely in the fashion of the new Alfa 147 MY2007 (also set
to be unveiled in Paris) which recreates the look of the
first series Alfa 147 by featuring chrome "whiskers" set in
the front spoiler section. Other front end features of the
Alfa GT Coupé Black Line 2 pack will include darkened
headlamp backing panels.
The engine line-up will remain unchanged, with the three
petrol engines (1747cc 16v 4 cylinder with 140bhp; 1970cc
16v 4 cylinder with 165bhp and 3179cc 24v V6 with 240bhp)
joined again by the Mutijet turbodiesel (1910cc 16v 4
cylinder with 150bhp). Although production of the
Arese-built 3.2 V6 engine has now ceased it is reported that
Alfa Romeo has sufficient stocks of this popular engine to
allow it to continue to feature in the Alfa GT Coupé range.
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Styled by Bertone and introduced three years ago,
the Alfa GT Coupé is very attractive and practical
genuine 4-seat "grand tourer" which has since then
found its own distinct market niche and appeal. |
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The Alfa GT Coupé will receive a mild "Model Year
2007" upgrade at the Paris Motor Show next month
when the "Black Line 2" pack is unveiled which
includes new 18-inch alloy wheels and cosmetic
changes which will see new chrome finishers inserted
into the front spoiler. |
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Based on the Alfa 156 saloom, the Alfa GT Coupé takes many
of its design cues from other well-known current and classic
Alfa Romeo cars. Mechanically it takes its underpinnings
from the 156, with some influence from the slightly more
modern 147, hence the double wishbone front setup and the
multilink rear system. This well developed design offers
exceptional roadholding and handling, even when putting
240bhp through the front wheels, thanks in part to the
electronic systems on board. The very quick steering and
smooth transmissions all combine to provide a suitably Alfa
driving experience.
Inside it uses the much praised Alfa 147 style dashboard
with the three-instrument binnacle directly in front of the
driver, harking back to more classic designs. Bespoke
interior trims, materials and colours include lashings of
leather extend into the surprisingly (for a coupé) roomy
rear compartment, which makes the Alfa GT a true four seater,
with lots of luggage space as well. The driving position is
comfortable, with excellent adjustability and forward
visibility, although seeing what is behind is rather more
difficult (rear parking sensors are available as a useful
option). The leather sports seats provide exceptional
support when taking the car to its limits.
Designed
more as a true 'GT' grand tourer than a sportscar, the 3.2
V6 version also excels as a drivers car. With to 240bhp, one
of the sweetest sounding engines available in a car today,
bigger brakes, direct and well weighted steering and a tuned
chassis this version is just a suited to a twisty lane in
the countryside as to a long cruise on the motorway. The 3.2
V6 unit from the GTA is slightly detuned and coupled to a
very slick six-speed transmission. Other powerplants range
from the humble 1.8 (140bhp, only in certain markets) to the
2.0 JTS (165bhp) with a 1.9 Multijet turbodiesel unit with
150bhp also present and proving very popular.
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