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Alfa Romeo have released official images and technical detail of the 147 GTA which made its public debut at the 75th Paris Motor Show. The 147 GTA follows on from the successful debut of the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA which were introduced earlier this year, the GTA-branding slowly being introduced across the Alfa Romeo range to mark out each models out-and-out performance version.

The Alfa Romeo 147 GTA is fitted with the 3.2-litre 24v V6 engine from the 156 GTA producting 250 bhp, this configuration settled upon after earlier rejection of a 2.0 4-cyl turbo route. Along with this powerplant the 147 GTA has a revised suspension set-up, upgraded braking and improved safety systems. Larger 17in alloy wheels with 225/45 profile tyres are fitted.

The Alfa 147's wishbone front and MacPherson rear suspension have been upgraded. Choosing to fit a 3.2-litre V6 engine in a mid-size front wheel drive car has involved much modification to allow the GTA to offer optimum handling characteristics.

Alfa claim a maximum speed of 246 km/h, a 0-60 km/h time of 6.3 seconds and 26.1 seconds to cover the standing kilometre, catapulting the 147 GTA to the top of the hot hatch market.

The design brief aimed to keep the 147 saloon's shape as intact as possible, apart from the larger wheels, the main visual differences are larger front and rear bumpers and a bigger bore exhaust. The front bumper is cut away to assist cooling of the 3.2-litre engine, while additional air intakes have been located between the headlights and grille. The rear bumper incorporates and underfloor air-flow diffuser.

In the field of active safety, the Alfa 147 GTA offers sophisticated electronic devices for the control of vehicle dynamic behaviour: from braking to traction. An advanced ABS system and EBD to distribute brakeforce over front and rear wheels; ASR to limit wheel slip during acceleration; a cutting-edge VDC for stability control on corners and MSR to modulate brake torque while changing down through the gears. The Alfa 147 GTA VDC also comes with a TCS ( Traction Control System ). The system is active only at speeds below 40 km/h and automatically brakes the drive wheels during take-off or abrupt acceleration on roads with poor grip. The car is therefore made more stable even under critical conditions. 

Attractive styling, great temperament and outstanding automotive engineering: but also top-quality interiors and finish complemented by an ultra-comprehensive electronic and telematic package. These are the distinguishing features that underpin the success of the Alfa 147.

Those who love to drive will find this small Alfa is a compact car capable of outstanding performance over any route and one that always rewards its driver with that ultimate thrill.

Now imagine an Alfa 147 that maintains these attributes but also offers better performance, better braking capacity and the dynamic performance of a racing car. Imagine the GTA version. 

This aptly-chosen name identifies a range of vehicles that constitute the absolute quintessence 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.

Today, a few short months after the launch of the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA, we welcome the Alfa 147 to the same family: the new car extends the product range of this type of car into a segment typified by a higher proportion of women and young people.

The model has been produced with the aim of creating an everyday car that can still offer its driver race-track performance and sensation under the right circumstances. For this reason, apart from a few tweaks to add dynamism and aggression, the body of the Alfa 147 GTA retains the original vehicle's acclaimed cool, stylish lines. But everything else 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 (250 bhp - 184 kW) and capable of thrilling performance: 246 km/h top speed; 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 26.1 to cover a kilometre from a standing start. Not to mention outstanding dynamism, ride and handling. These are the telling differences that ensure your Alfa will deliver a unique driving experience.

On the outside, the Alfa 147 reveals new features that reflect the changes to its chassis and mechanicals. These are also important stylistically because they make the vehicle look broader, closer to the ground and more beefy while still ensuring instant recognisability. 

04.10.2002  ALFA ROMEO 147 GTA MAKES ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW
02.10.2002  IT'S OFFICIAL: THE ALFA 147 GTA IS THE WORLD'S FASTEST HOT HATCH
18.09.2002  ALFA RELEASE FIRST OFFICIAL PHOTOS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON THE 147 GTA
10.05.2002  ALFA 147 GTA PROTOTYPE CAUGHT TESTING
01.10.2001  GTA BRANDING TO BE EXTENDED TO ALFA 147