Review: Alfa Romeo GTV (1998-04)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.I GTV (1998-03)

Overview

Released in July 1998, the Alfa Romeo Mk.I GTV was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Arese, Italy, the front-wheel drive GTV was initially available with either 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines (the 2.0 Twin Spark and 3.0 V6 variants, respectively). From 2000, however, the GTV was manufactured in Turin, Italy.

Twin Spark and V6 engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves; and,
• the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the related Alfa Romeo Spider, the GTV was the same length (at 4285 mm) and width (1780 mm), but was 3 mm taller (1318 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged (2540 mm). The GTV had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and independent four-link rear suspension with unequal length wishbones.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the GTV included dual front airbags, ABS, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining front seats. From July 2000, the GTV was also equipped with electronic brake force distribution.

Features

Standard GTV features included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

July 1999: Alfa Romeo GTV update

In July 1999, the GTV was updated with new engine management systems for improved power delivery; furthermore, the 3.0 V6 was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission. Inside, there was a new dashboard (available in black, dark red or blue), switchgear, air vents and a brushed aluminium centre console.

Standard features were extended to include Momo leather upholstery, climate control air conditioning and remote central locking; the 2.0 Twin Spark was also fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, while the 3.0 V6 received a large rear wing and deep front spoiler.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.II GTV (2003-04)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Mk.II GTV featured a revised range as the 2.0 Twin Spark was replaced by the 2.0 JTS and the 3.0 V6 was replaced by the 3.2 V6. Suspension settings were also revised for improved ride comfort and handling.

Visually, the Mk.II GTV could be identified by its more prominent Alfa Romeo shield and deeper front spoiler. Inside, there was new trim for the dashboard, a new centre console with an integrated six speaker sound system and new upholsteries.

JTS and 3.2 V6 engines

For these new engines,

• the 2.0-litre JTS (‘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 engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Features

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, the 2.0 JTS was fitted with new design 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 tyres and ‘Alfatex’ sports cloth upholstery. The 3.2 V6, however, was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres and Momo leather upholstery.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider