Test: Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm

The name is not new: the first “GTA” (Gran Turismo Alleggerita), in other words Lightweight Grand Touring, appeared in 1965 on a Giulia Sprint GT built by Autodelta, the racing department ofAlfa Romeo. More than sixty years later, the Biscione brand decided to produce a family Giulia GTA, with five seats, and a GTAm (m for modificata), with two seats with a half-bar for attaching harnesses. A version with a sporty spirit, even lighter compared to the GTA, and which takes all the areas of improvement identified on the Quadrifoglio, with which it shares its 2.9 V6 biturbo engine (for more than double its price!).

XXL brakes!

The developments are nevertheless numerous and important: the GTAm benefits from 20-inch rims with central nuts, widened tracks (25 mm at the front and 50 mm at the rear), a central Akrapovic titanium exhaust line. , an increased cooling system and an engine map which increases the power from 510 to 540 hp. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard, and the hunt for weight has been widely practiced: the shields, roof and aerodynamic elements are in carbon fiber, the rear windows in polycarbonate. And then, we remove everything that is useless: the bench gives way to a half-bar, the rear door panels remain at the factory and the two front seats are occupied by carbon bucket seats, with harnesses six points (and seat belts since you can still go on the road).

The track as a playground

At Le Castellet, on the 1 km “2CV5,8” route, in other words that of the Grand Prix of Formula 1, this sunny Saturday in September is Track Day. Sports car owners come to race there with their own cars and can benefit from advice from instructors, who are often active or non-active drivers. We mainly come across Porsche, But also McLaren, a brave Caterham and a few BMW M. And then there is the Alfa Romeo stand. With three kinds of Giulia: a Quadrifoglio, with which we had already worn out a little rubber on the Ricard a few years ago, the new GTA, and its GTAm version, the subject of our test. On the outside, we notice a wider and mechanically adjustable front splitter, which can stretch an additional 4 cm provided you stay on the circuit. In the city, this appendage becomes a weapon for the legs. And then there is this rear wing adjustable in four positions, which was developed by Sauber. To make sure you get the most out of everything, ours is set to its most inclined position.

Buckets, harnesses, roll bar. It sets the mood.

After a few laps at the wheel of the Quadrifoglio to remember the model and the track, especially since a turn (number 7 which controls the Mistral line) has been fitted out with a gravel trap to receive the Bol However, it is appropriate to regain our bearings. Which is easy aboard this accomplished sports car, which gives priority to comfort in its first two modes, and really becomes more playful when you switch to the Race program. It brakes hard and for quite a long time, but it should be noted that the need for a cooling lap became apparent after about 10 to 12 minutes on the track, which is completely normal for a road sports car. Back in the pits, it's time to change cars... and worlds.

GTAm, love me

On board the GTAm, the atmosphere is necessarily more “stylish”, with the racing seats and the branded console. The slightly more stripped-down character of certain functions, such as the door handle replaced by a strap, sets the tone. When you set off, you realize that the comfort is quite good for a car of this type. From the first turns, we also notice that the mode used for the road (Normal mode) is boring and not suitable for exercise. It muzzles the car quite quickly, the ESP cutting power when re-throwing even though we had the impression of not having used too much (the brake, the steering wheel, the accelerator, it's like you want).

The cockpit is unchanged, or almost…

The other modes necessarily allow more freedom. In Dynamic, the exhausts free up a little (by flaps, not in the speakers like on some sports cars today...), the steering perceived as very light gains consistency, and the controlled suspensions stiffen. But it is ultimately in its most extreme settings, Race mode, that the car is at its best. Served by first-rate mechanical grip at low speeds, the GTAm benefits from its aero in the fastest phases. Stable when braking, progressive in curves, it nevertheless punishes any optimism with a shameful understeer (for the driver) believing that he still had a little margin. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires work well with this type of car, which exits curves very cleanly at full load, helped by its electronically controlled rear differential. There is nothing to say about the braking power, however, the dosage is sometimes difficult, especially in the phases where it is necessary to practice the degressive approach. The attack is reproduced by a real big brake application, which is even more than expected, and the dosage then requires skill. A question of habit and talent, no doubt. On the other hand, although still light, the steering is extremely precise, and moves the rope without any problem. In very sporty driving, the gearbox deserves an extra hint of speed, especially when downshifting. But the whole is homogeneous, and the pleasure is there.

Tracks widened by 25mm at the front and 50mm at the rear.

VERDICT

It seems that all available GTAms are sold. Let's hope that they are in the hands of real enthusiasts of the brand and not speculators, because even if the car is not perfect and it costs an outrageous price, it is damn endearing and already a collector's item. . It is one of the cars that you should drive at least once in your life, provided you find a place to use it, and the instructions to enjoy it.