We’ve been waiting for Alfa Romeo to get some of its mojo back. It has a rep for some kick-ass sedans from back in the day, but up to now, it has been a series of nothing burgers. Sure, the 4c is a fun sporty roadster but it seems like a swooped up Miata. And the Giulia sedan is generic enough that it could be a Nissan Altima or Toyota Corolla crackerbox you get in dark blue as a rental. Now, finally, Alfa gets down to business with a lightweight version of the Giulia sedan. Called “GTA” it comes with a 533 hp V6 and sexy exterior tweaks befitting the GTA name.

In Alfa lore, the GTA stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerita. Don’t you love Italian names? These were classically lightweight aluminum sedans with gobs of power. For the 2020 version the GTA gets the Quadrifoglio’s 2.9-liter V6, but it’s got 30 more horsepower. Some calibration changes and the Akrapovic titanium exhaust aid in the increase. The top speed should hit the 200 mph mark.

All Giulia GTA versions lose 220 lbs. mainly from carbon fiber panels

Part of that is the extra 30 ponies, but some of it is from pulling out 220 lbs. However, some key body panels won’t go the classic aluminum direction. Instead, the hood, roof, front bumper, front, and rear wheel arches, and driveshaft are all made from carbon fiber. There is also a smattering of aluminum and composite materials laced around the chassis and structure.

Handling is supposed to be vastly improved with unique suspension bits and a 50mm wider track at both ends. It’s rocking 20-inch center-lock wheels wrapped with massive tires contributing to the stanced look. It’s also what was necessitating the added wheel arches in black.

The fascia and aero package defines the GTA from a pedestrian Giulia sedan

Outside the GTA gets a competition-like fascia with larger openings, and vents on the sides and laced around the central classic Alfa grille opening. The front splitter is larger than the Quadrifoglio’s, with an aero package that ties into the splitter. It also features a rear diffuser and ends with a wing on the deck. 

Now, all of this is great and makes for a much-improved Giulia, bit there is another version that is a bit more hardcore track-focused. The GTAm takes things further with the rear seats deleted, and a factory roll bar in its place. The front seats give way to racing seats with carbon fiber bases and six-point harnesses. It also gets a larger rear spoiler. 

The GTAm hits 0-62 mph in 3 seconds. No other specs are provided but we’re talking about a much lighter sedan than its GTA counterpart. Keep in mind this is a street-legal lightweight sedan that’s ready to race. But all of this go-fast goodness comes at a price.

Cost is a bit pricey at $130,000 but with only 500 you won’t be seeing another one

The estimated cost is almost $130,000. Not cheap. But Alfa Romeo is only looking for 500 buyers for either the GTA or GTAm. That’s because it only wants to build 500 examples of either GTA version combined. Keeping it exclusive also keeps the price where Alfa wants it to be. 

The GTA name is versed in Alfa lore marking the racing versions of the Guilia Sprints starting in 1965. These only weighed a bit more than 1,500 lbs., resulting in some swift sedans. While only 500 will exist they should do a lot to communicate the rich history of Alfa Romeo.