INTRODUCTION

The Alfa GT, a new sports coupé derived from the Alfa 156 and indisputable star of the recent Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows, is due to go on sale at the end of the year. The model, designed by the Bertone Style Centre, will be appreciated for its original, pleasing styling that promises all the satisfaction of a sporty drive with full respect for brand traditions. The Alfa GT also succeeds in packing the results of Alfa's superlative engineering heritage into a shape inspired by a sense of style and flair that could only be Italian. The stylists were also able to call on a great Alfa Romeo tradition that has brought us models that remain benchmarks for the category: from the 1900 SS to the Giulietta Sprint, from the Alfetta to the Giulia Sprint.

With a length of 4.48 metres, width of 1.76 metres and a height of 1.37 metres, the Alfa GT Coupé is aggressive and compact (its wheelbase is 2596 millimetres), with a shape marked by certain distinctive traits that define its strong personality and render it immediately recognisable as an Alfa.

Hence the designers' decision to go for smooth, clean motifs and shapes marked by an unmistakable sense of Italian flair. The result is a strong, spare front end dominated by an Alfa Romeo family resemblance encapsulated by the distinctive three-lobed motif bearing a shield that is slightly larger in size than at present. The entire car appears to grow from this point to combine a slight edge of styling aggression with outstanding elegance of form. This impression is reinforced by two side air intakes and light clusters that are objects of beauty in their own right.

Dashing and solid but also dynamic and sturdy. It took a clever balancing act to wed such disparate features. This contrast is evident in the Alfa GT's profile where a side shelf unmistakably conveys the idea of a car that is agile but also anchored to the ground. And more.

The taut lines that meet at the rear and the small area of glass (compared to the large expanse of metal at the side) add elegance and also sturdiness. The slightly raked and tapering tail design is brand new and paired with large, integral bumpers. The rear window is drop-shaped, while the light clusters are embedded in the body to create an attractive wraparound look.

The Alfa GT represents a brand new concept in sportiness, where comfort and elegance combine. The aim of the car is to offer all the driving satisfaction of a top-performing coupé without ever compromising over comfort and practicality, as often happens with this type of car. Suffice it to say that the luggage compartment offers a capacity of 320 dm3, one of the best results for this segment.

Like the exterior shape, the interior of the Alfa GT is as sporty as Alfa Romeos get. The steering wheel, pedals and gearbox, for example, are designed for maximum vehicle control. The instruments are also functional and easy to read, even at night. Red lighting is used as this is easier for the eyes to focus on as they adjust from the dark road to the bright dashboard. A multifunction display gives access to several menus (each with their own submenus) that speak the motorist's language and provide access to a large range of functions plus the trip computer.

The centre of the Alfa GT facia also houses a built-in radio and all the controls for the sophisticated-looking automatic dual zone climate control system. The radio, complemented by a CD player (or an MP3 player as an option), also offers outstanding sound quality and was designed and built for the passenger compartment. It consists of eight speakers and delivers a power output of 4x40 Watts. The Alfa GT adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this equipment array that make it a new benchmark in its segment.

Examples include: VDC, Xenon headlights and up to six airbags (under the heading of safety); CONNECT Nav+ with radio and phone controls on the steering wheel, Bose® Hi-Fi system and CD-changer (for audio and infomobility); Cruise Control (for stress-free driving); 16" and 17" alloy wheels (for car customisation).

All these creature comforts are complemented by opulent interiors. The new sports coupé offers two interior specifications: a classic sports specification with black facia and panels and another brighter and more stylish specification that is still very sporty and features a two-tone black on grey colour scheme. The facia and door panel trim features a natural appearance with a special satinised effect. The top-quality, good-looking seats are specific to each version. And also: the trims are pleasant to touch and blend in well with the extensive grosgrain surfaces typical of Alfa Romeo cars. Mid-range versions, in particular, feature Alfatex, a product patented by Alfa Romeo. This new hi-tech cloth is used on the seats and door panels and is available in grey and black.

Customers can also choose leather trim (available in black, blue, red, tan and grey) or one of three interiors hand-upholstered to standards of classic Italian craftsmanship (sports, elegant and classic) that feature sophisticated contrast stitching. One factor shared by all three interiors is top quality, fine-grained Prestige leather with a natural look and beautifully soft to the touch. The new model also features a gearknob in aluminium on petrol versions but leather-trimmed on the diesels and the powerful 3.2 V6 24v.

The Alfa GT has inherited all the attributes of the Alfa 156. Beginning with its specially configured suspension layout: high double-wishbone at the front, McPherson at the rear with transverse rods of different lengths. Other attractions include two generous power units, each offering one of the best specific power ratings in its cylinder capacity category: the 140 bhp 1.8 T. Spark (available after launch) and the 165 bhp 2.0 JTS. The 150 bhp 1.9 M-Jet 16v is exclusive to the Alfa GT. Customers who want the very best in terms of performance and sportiness can choose a GTA version equipped with a powerful 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24 valve engine. By combining these engines with a huge range of equipment, we have created an extensive new model range that offers specification packages including the most sought-after equipment in individual countries. The Alfa GT is available in three specifications in major European markets: Progression, Distinctive e Luxury. The first is reserved for 2.0 JTS and 1.9 M-Jet 16v versions; the second and third are both equipped with all the power units in the range, including the 2.0 JTS Selespeed. Next year, the product range will be further extended by a specification known as Impression, combined with a 1.8 Twin Spark 16v, a 2.0 JTS and a 1.9 M-Jet 16v power unit. The new sports coupé can also come in no fewer than 12 body-colours.

A whole host of versions for your very own Alfa GT. All offering great value for money and, above all, heirs to a motoring tradition that Alfa Romeo helped create and has now taken one step further: the stylish sports coupé.