News May 04 2007

Alfa GT now available in manual in Oz

After launching a whole new range of self-shifting gearbox versions of its key models, Alfa has added a manual gearbox to the one model that lacked one, the GT JTS, now available for $52,990.

“With the arrival of the Alfa Romeo Brera, we needed to provide the Alfa GT with a new position in the Alfa Romeo range, one that emphasises its differences from the Brera and which enhances its value for money,” explains David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “To this end we have made some minor changes to the equipment in the JTS version and added the manual variant, the combination of which is to provide an exciting new entry level price for the Alfa GT and to modify Selespeed price to make it even more attractive.”

As you will have seen from our ItalianCar feature on how the Brera and GT compare, we’re still big fans of the GT, particularly the 3.2 V6 version. Alfa explain the positioning of the Brera and GT as “The Alfa Romeo GT complements the Alfa Romeo Brera, in that the GT is the coupe in the range, offering five seats and a spacious boot, while the Brera is very much the sports car of the range, with its 2+2 seating and snug interior”.

“Following the launch of the Brera we have actually seen an increased interest in the Alfa GT,” says Mr Stone. “The excitement created by the Brera has brought more people into Alfa Romeo showrooms, but quite often the additional flexibility of the five seat GT, plus its irresistible style, has led customers to leave the showroom with an Alfa GT. With our new manual version and repositioning, we wish to build on the renewed interest in this model in the Alfa Romeo range.”

The 2.0 litre 121 kW engine used in the Alfa GT JTS is a variant of the lean burn, direct petrol injection engine seen in the 159 and like that car, this powerful, light weight unit use its supreme efficiency to provide the Alfa GT with strong performance, excellent economy and low emissions.

Top speed with the JTS engine in both manual and Selespeed versions is 216 kmh and 0-100 kmh is 8.7 seconds with the standing kilometre in 29.2 seconds. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.7 litres per 100 km – fairly low for a sports car.The new manual version of the Alfa GT uses exactly the same gearbox as the Selespeed, minus the robotised actuation system and with the addition of a clutch pedal and conventional gear stick.Equipment includes power windows, remote central locking with remote boot opening, dual zone Climate Control AirCon, full leather interior and a powerful sound system, trip computer, and cruise control. Hand crafted fine Italian leather is used on the seats and central locking includes auto-lock.

The key differences between the JTS and 3.2 V6 versions of the GT are that the six cylinder version gains heated front seats, a Bose audio system, Xenon headlights with headlight washers, a vehicle alarm, alloy pedals and 18 inch multi spoke alloy wheels, compared to the new Sport GT 17 inch alloy wheels used by the Alfa Romeo GT JTS manual and Selespeed.

Active safety features on the GT include the full range of electronic safety features, such as electronic stability controls (VDC, ASR and MSR) tuned to provide safety but without dampening down the driving experience, as well as the latest generation of ABS anti-lock brakes. Passive safety features are led by six air bags, crumple zones and an occupant safety cell.

Styled by Bertone, the GT has been named the most beautiful coupé in the world and – at ItalianCar – we still think the design is one that will not date that quickly.

From a practical point of view the GT will fit four people reasonably comfortably (it has seat belts for five) and a 320 litre boot, which can be enlarged to 905 litres by folding down the split rear seats, gives some additional practicality. There are also some good detail features, such as the lockers on either side of the boot, a 12 volt powerpoint on one side of the boot and smart polished chrome tie luggage down points.

“When the Alfa Romeo GT was launched, it was clear that it offered a remarkable combination of style, performance and value for money,” says David Stone. “With the launch of the JTS manual to complement the Selespeed version, we have boosted value for money and lowered the cost of ownership with out having any affect on the beauty of this fabulous car!”

The GT range is now three models, the new GT JTS manual (RRP $52,990), the GT JTS Selespeed (RRP of $55,990), and the 3.2 V6 at $69,990 RRP.

© italiancar.net 4/05/07