Alfa readies sizzling 159 GTA

By Ross Pinnock

29th June 2006

Chunky alloy wheels and a revised front bumper pick the newcomer out from lesser models. Its larger grille improves air flow to keep the uprated engine and brakes cool, while wire mesh gives it a purposeful look.

At the back, changes include a revised rear bumper, which houses four tell-tale exhaust pipes. They’re likely to be fed off a tweaked version of the brand’s 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine.

With more power on tap, the GTA should storm from 0-60mph in six seconds. To avoid the unruly handling that characterised the previous 156 GTA, the hot saloon will boast Alfa’s Q4 all-wheel-drive set up.

Alfa chief Antonio Baravalle said: “We don’t need rear-wheel-drive to become a worldwide brand.” But he admitted that the door was open for the forthcoming 8C coupé to gain the sportier rear-drive set-up, as the firm plans its long-awaited US comeback in 2009.