Italian Beauty Blows Its Top

Exclusive pictures in the current issue of Auto Express magazine show the stunning Alfa GT Spider, set to appear in UK showrooms as early as next year.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

13th May 2004

As you can see in the mag, designers will keep the transition from coup΃© to cabriolet simple, retaining the GT's elegant lines and distinctive rear-end styling. Unlike some rivals, the Alfa won't have a folding hard-top, as bosses have opted for a conventional electrically operated fabric hood. This will give the car a more compact mechanism, allowing the shape and impressive practicality of the hard-top two-door to be preserved.

Developing a convertible for the GT range will allow Alfa to mirror the line-up of the GTV and Spider, which will be sold alongside the new models. The key difference is that both hard and soft-top GTs will offer seating for four, making them more versatile. No official details of launch dates or model specifications have been released, but power is likely to come from an engine range similar to that available in the GT coup΃©.

This would mean 125bhp 1.8-litre, 165bhp 2.0 and 240bhp 3.2 petrol engines are almost certain to feature, while Alfa could also produce diesel-powered versions. The fact that the oil-burner is tipped to account for one in three UK sales of the coup΃© version should provide all the incentive the firm needs to introduce a diesel version of its new drop-top. With its sights set firmly on well established German cabrio rivals, the GT Spider will have its work cut out tempting potential buyers into Alfa showrooms. But sensational looks and capable handling should make it a hit. Expected to be cheaper than the equivalent 3-Series Convertible, the entry-level GT Spider is likely to be priced at around ΂£22,500.