Review: Alfa Romeo GT (2004-10)

Overview

Released in July 2004, the Alfa Romeo GT was a two-door, five-seat coupe. Manufactured in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy, the front-wheel drive GT was initially available with a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission (the ‘3.2 V6’ variants). In January 2005, however, the 2.0 JTS was released; initially available with a five-speed semi-automatic ‘Selespeed’ transmission, a conventional five-speed manual transmission was available from March 2007.

JTS and V6 engines

Of these engines,

• the 2.0-litre JTS (short for Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1; and,
• The 3.2-litre V6 had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the 156 sedan on which it was based, the Alfa Romeo GT was 59 mm longer (at 4489 mm), 18 mm wider (1763 mm), 65 mm lower (1355 mm) and had a 1 mm longer wheelbase (2596 mm).

The GT had double wishbone front suspension with double trailing arms and MacPherson strut rear suspension with asymmetrical arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Alfa Romeo GT consisted of dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The 2.0 JTS variants had 284 mm ventilated front brake discs and 276 mm solid rear discs; the 3.2 V6 variants, however, had 330 mm ventilated front brake discs (and 276 mm solid rear discs).

Features

Standard features for the Alfa Romeo GT included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR17 tyres, a Bose sound system with eight speakers, a 200 watt five-channel amplifier, a ten-disc CD changer and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, heated front seats, cruise control, xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats with ski port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Alfa Romeo GT 2.0 JTS Monza

Released in July 2008, the 2.0 JTS Monza was distinguished by its unique 18-inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake calipers and satin-effect external chrome highlights. Inside, there were high-backed leather racing seats with embossed Alfa Romeo logos and red-effect instrumentation.

Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 100th Anniversary

In July 2010, a limited-run 100th Anniversary edition was released. Compared to the standard 3.2 V6, the 100th Anniversary editions were further equipped with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR18 tyres, red painted brake calipers, sports leather seats with red stitching, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, aluminium sports pedals and satin effect door mirrors and front grille.

Australian deliveries of the 3.2 V6 100th Anniversary were limited to 100 vehicles.

Brochures

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo GT (June 2004)
• Brochure: Alfa Romeo GT (March 2007)
• Brochure: Alfa Romeo GT (May 2009)
• Brochure: Alfa Romeo GT 100th Anniversary Edition (June 2010)

Specifications

• Specifications: Alfa Romeo GT (March 2007)
• Specifications: Alfa Romeo GT Monza (July 2008)

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider (September 2003)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo GT V6 (July 2004)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo GT JTS (December 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo GT