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The star of the Alfa Romeo stand at the 2003 Brisbane International Motor Show, and probably one of the stars of the show itself when it opens its doors on 7 February 2003, will be the new Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, the 250 kmh supercar that has unequivocally reaffirmed Alfa's performance credentials.
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA's 3.2 litre 184 kW engine matched to a close ratio six speed gearbox, with race track developed steering, suspension and brakes is the iron fist to the velvet glove that is the GTA's elegantly restrained and stylish body. The combination provides shattering performance in every gear, jaw-dropping good looks and even a purposeful burble from the engine idle that can only mean performance.
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA is the latest incarnation of a long line of classic race track derived cars that are as comfortable on the daily commute as on a high speed thrash on a closed race track. Like its forbears, which won races in Europe, Australia and around the world, the latest GTA is dominating the European Touring Car Championship, taking the drivers' and manufacturers titles' in 2002, the second year in succession that Alfa has taken the title in Europe's premier sedan racing series.
But, at the same time, the GTA is not a stripped for action race track special. It is also fully equipped luxury car with every feature and item of equipment, making its $89,500 price even more remarkable.
Joining the 156 GTA on the Alfa Romeo stand will the new Alfa Romeo 156 JTS, an outstanding addition to the Alfa Romeo range in its own right.
With its new JTS engine, the 156 JTS has placed Alfa Romeo firmly at the cutting edge of technology as this engine makes Alfa Romeo the first company to provide Australian car buyers with access to a lean burn, direct injection petrol engine, the 21st century technology that provides new levels of emissions, economy and, as illustrated by the class-leading engine output of 121 kW, performance.
The Alfa Romeo 156 JTS also maintains the 156's reputation for outstanding style and value for money which, along with a uniquely able chassis, won it the coveted 1998 European Car of the Year title.
With the 2001 European Car of the Year, the Alfa Romeo 147, joining the 156 on the Alfa Romeo motor show stand, Alfa is in the unique position of having two European Cars of the Year in its range and on its stand at the show. This is a clear indication of the range-wide ability that Alfa Romeo offers.
The Alfa 147 has redefined its market sector, with its traditional Alfa Romeo values of style, value and performance, and at the same time outstripped Alfa Romeo's sales plans for it in Australia.
Completing the Alfa Romeo stand at the Brisbane International Motor Show will be the classic Alfa Romeo Sports cars, the Spider - in its latest 3.0 litre V6 form - and the Alfa Romeo GTV, plus the Alfa Romeo 166 which combines luxury and performance in a car that could only come from Alfa Romeo.
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