Alfa Romeo has had its problems selling cars. Not just in the US but in many markets around the world. That is no more of a better example than with its special, limited production Giulia GTA and maxed-out GTAm sedans. When Alfa introduced them in March 2020, they were expected to sell out quickly. 

The Alfa Giulia GTA and GTAm were very special sedans geared toward hardcore enthusiasts

Instead, it has taken 18 months to sell out the limited run of the Italian high-performance cars. With lots of go-fast goodies as well as aero aids and lighter-weight material, they were both very special Alfas. But 18 months to sell 500 desirable Alfas?

The GTA and GTAm were not sold in the US market. Alfa says that besides its domestic market of Italy, it was marketed and sold in China, Japan, and Australia. We’re not here to question its exclusion from the North American market but to focus on why it took so long to sell 500 Guilia premium, performance sedans. 

The GTA was meant to evoke the 1965 Alfa Group 2 Turismo Giulia GTA

From the beginning, Alfa said this was a play for collectors. The aura around the GTA moniker makes it an icon. It was to align with one of Alfa’s most important post-war cars; the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA. Created at Autodelta Racing Team at Baloco, 500 were produced. This was the minimum production required to participate in the Group 2 Turismo class.

So this was a car to celebrate Alfa’s 110th birthday. It also represents the last gas engine high-performance production model before it abandons ICE propulsion for electricity. And it looked worthy of all of that baggage. 

The Alfa GTA sure has the looks and performance

Looking at the overall appearance, it is an aggressive, stylish, and distinctive sedan in a class with anything from BMW or Mercedes for presence. With an active splitter, large intakes, extended wheel arches, fixed rear wing, and a diffuser framing the Akrapovic exhaust, it makes that presence stick. 

But it isn’t just about looks. It has the chops to support its forceful appearance. The twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 cranks out 532 hp. With launch control engaged, it could go zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The lightweight GTAm with 220 lbs reduction gives added handling. 

So what’s the problem?

But here is the problem. Notwithstanding its reliability issues, for the GTA you need to fork over $203,000. The GTAm adds an additional $6,000 for a $209,000 price tag. List price in the US for a run-of-the-mill Giulia sedan, retail is $42,950. And let’s be honest here; they’re not selling for list anywhere. Even in these chip-shortened production times. 

In fact, the only two automakers still offering incentives today are Infinity and Alfa Romeo. So if you love the Giulia and can do without the added GTA pizzaz, you can save yourself around $160,000. Give or take. Granted, we love everything about the GTA, but $160,000 worth of love?