News August 14 2006

Autodelta supercharges the Alfa GT

Autodelta has just introduced its latest bespoke model, the 220 bhp Autodelta GT JTS Super, the first forced-induction version of the JTS-engined Alfa Romeo GT to arrive on the market worldwide.

This latest model in fact follows hard on the heels of the Autodelta 156 JTS Super which was launched two months ago, and it extends the principle of applying supercharging to the Alfa Romeo JTS engine further across the model range.

The new model was launched recently in Athens at Autodelta’s authorised Greek dealer, Auto Corse.

”We’re delighted to be able to launch our new model here in Greece in full conjunction with Auto Corse,” commented Jano Djelalian during the Autodelta GT JTS Super’s official unveiling. “Auto Corse is an excellent company with the highest of standards and so fits perfectly with our objectives – their huge number of rally titles testifies to their professionalism and ability.

They are also true Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, breathing the spirit of the brand, very important characteristics that we share and wish to see. Greece has become an important market for Autodelta, with strong demands for our products and performance enhancement programmes. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Auto Corse in the future,”

The Autodelta GT JTS Super is the first supercharged production version of Alfa Romeo's JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection petrol engine in the GT Coupé, and in fact Autodelta are the only firm worldwide to offer supercharging technology on the Alfa Romeo JTS engine. VW Audi Group is the only major carmaker to apply forced induction principles to the new generation of efficient EURO4 compliant direct injection technology petrol engines.

Direct injection engines have surged in popularity in recent years with many major carmakers embracing this option. With these evolutionary engines, fuel is delivered directly into the cylinder where it is then mixed with the incoming air.

Conventional fuel injection engines use a process that sees the fuel and air mixed prior to entry to the cylinder, causing partial evaporation to occur. Direct injection brings the fuel introduction point as close as is possible to the point of combustion, resulting in improved control. The fuel injectors are located below the intake ports which only introduce air to the combustion chamber, unlike a fuel injection engine, resulting in increased efficiency. The direct injection engine allows a slightly higher compression ratio to be used, resulting in improved fuel efficiency at low and medium revs.

The improved fuel delivery system allows a lowering of emissions, particularly during the 'cold start' procedure. Power output of this engine has been raised by Autodelta to 220 bhp @ 6,600rpm (from the standard model’s 165 bhp) while the peak torque delivered is boosted to 192 lb/ft @ 3,400rpm (from 152).

Alfa GT – original technical specification