A new rumor has surfaced that Alfa Romeo is looking to celebrate its 110th anniversary by introducing a new, limited trim level of the Giulia – namely the Giulia GTA. Reports hint that it will be a track-inspired, road-going beast with as much as 620 horsepower and a considerable increase in torque output compared to the 443 pound-feet delivered by the standard, Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter V-6 in the Giulia Guadrifoglio. It was even said that this model would debut in June of 2020. Unfortunately, this latest rumor doesn’t seem to hold water.
Alfa Romeo Says a Giulia GTA Isn’t Happening
The report of a Giulia GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerita) surfaced on January 22, with Mopar insiders claiming that the news came straight from annonymous sources close to MoparInsiders.com. Motor1 was one of the first outlets to pick up on the news but, Alfa Romeo’s Italian and French divisions were reportedly quick to reach out and deny the rumors, saying there are no such plans to introduce a more powerful Giulia in June 2020.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA Would be a Monster of a Car
The current, range-topping Giulia delivers 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque – an admirable number for a car its size. With its somewhat light weight of 3,373 pounds, that 2.9-liter, Ferrari-derived engine is able to push the Giulia Q up to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 191 mph.
The only downside to the whole ordeal is that the initial report indicated that the Giulia GTA would available with nothing more than a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The question of whether it would be AWD or RWD remained to be addressed as well while it was reported that the GTA would be 44 pounds lighter than the current Giulia Q. On that note, word has it that the GTA would be a low-volume car produced for the European market and, despite its flagship status, there’s no indication that it would land on North American shores.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio specifications
|
Engine |
2.9-Liter 24-Valve bi-turbo V-6 |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
505 HP @ 6,500 RPM |
|
Torque |
443 LB-FT @ 2,500-5,500 RPM |
|
Transmission |
six-speed manual |
|
0 to 60 mph |
3.8 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
191 mph |
The Giulia GTA Actually Makes Sense From All Perspectives
Despite the fact that two European Alfa Romeo divisions have stepped right up and pressed the deny button, one can’t help but look at the whole picture and see how much the Giulia GTA would make sense. In fact, it would be a silver lining or a blessing in disguise.
Remember back in November 2019 when we told you that the long-expected, and previously confirmed GTV and 8C nameplates were nixed? It was only a week after that when we learned that FCA was stripping down Alfa Romeo and announced that the 4C was also canceled. Will all of this still resting a little heavy on our souls, the introduction of a more powerful, hotter Giulia would sort of make up for the GTV and 8C being nixed. And, it would be relatively cheap to add another model to the lineup without spending the oodles of money that have already been spent and would still be spent on bringing the GTV and 8C to market.
As of now, the brand only has the Stelvio and the Giulia and, while the Giulia GTA would be a compeltely new model, it would at least be something.
If Rumors Turn Out to Be Legit, The Debut Will Happen Soon
Alfa Romeo has a special event planned to take place in Milan on June 24, 2020 where it will host a celebration of its 110th anniversary. If the Giulia GTA does actually exist, it will be there that it will be showcased and further details will be announced.
If the Giulia GTA rumors are, in fact, a bunch of nonsense, don’t lose hope just yet. That event in June is still happening, and there is still something noteworthy of happening. It was originally believed that the event would be used to launch a new, small crossover that would sit between the Tonale and the Stelvio. Of course, this makes a lot of sense as Alfa isn’t exactly doing well and, let’s be honest, SUVs are selling like crazy. This potential future hasn’t been denied by Alfa Romeo so, even if the Giulia GTA is just a bunch of hot gas, there’s still potential for a new model to launch in June. Just don’t expect it to be a 620-horsepower beast with an appetite for shredding tires.