Hot Alfas arrive in Ireland

14 June 2002: The new hottest version of the Alfa Romeo 156 series, the GTA, is now available in Ireland in manual and selespeed forms, and in saloon or sportwagon versions.

The price ranges from 53,725 to 56,725 euros.

The GTA is powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine derived from the existing 3-litre unit that tops the range of the ‘standard’ 156s. Power output is 250bhp, and the car can do the 0-100kph in 6.3secs.

Suspension and transmission systems have been upgraded to cope with the performance potential of the car, and visually the GTA is distinguished from the rest of the range by revised front bumpers and a lower line on the road.

Alfa say the goal was to provide sensations unique to a racing car in a vehicle which is still perfectly serviceable for everyday use.

Meanwhile, a new 2-litre version of the 156 is now available from 32,500 euros, and the full range of 156s includes a total of 16 versions, starting with the 1.6-litre T-Spark at 26,500 euros

June 2002