Reviving the GTA Legend
When Alfa Romeo unveiled the 147 GTA at the Paris Motor Show in October 2002, it wasn’t just another hot hatch. It was the revival of one of Alfa’s most storied badges: GTA, or Gran Turismo Alleggerita. First used in the 1960s on the lightweight Giulia Sprint GTA — a car that dominated touring car racing — the moniker had last appeared on a one-off 155 GTA prototype in the mid-1990s. Now, for the first time in decades, Alfa customers could once again buy a GTA road car.
The 147 GTA joined the 156 GTA saloon and Sportwagon in Alfa’s performance lineup, all powered by the legendary “Busso” 3.2-litre V6. It was aimed squarely at rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Ford Focus RS — but with Italian flair and mechanical passion that set it apart.
Chassis and Dynamics
The 147 GTA was built on a shortened version of the 156’s platform, with a 100 mm reduction in wheelbase behind the front seats to create its compact hatchback proportions. The GTA variant featured a unique aluminum alloy rear subframe (lighter than the steel item used in regular 147s) and heavily revised suspension.
At the front, double wishbones were paired with reinforced beams, stiffer springs, new shock absorber settings, and a thicker anti-roll bar. The rear used a MacPherson strut layout with offset coil springs, transverse links, and geometry changes to improve grip. Ride height was lowered, damping stiffened, and bushings retuned compared to the standard 147.
A quicker 1.7-turn steering rack (versus the 2.1 ratio of normal models) gave the GTA sharp response, while Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) was fitted as standard — always active to tame the car’s front-wheel-drive layout.
Braking was handled by a Brembo system with 305 mm ventilated front discs and 276 mm rears, later upgraded in 2003 to 330 mm with radially mounted calipers. The GTA rolled on 17-inch alloys wrapped in 225/45 ZR17 tires.
The Busso V6
Under the bonnet sat the soul of the GTA: Alfa’s 3.2-litre, 60° V6, hand-assembled at Maserati’s research centre in Modena. With an aluminum block, four valves per cylinder, Bosch Motronic management, and drive-by-wire throttle, it produced 250 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Mated to a six-speed manual or optional Selespeed semi-automatic, the 147 GTA sprinted from 0–100 km/h in around 6.1–6.3 seconds and reached a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph). Power delivery was accompanied by the unmistakable howl of the Busso V6, one of the greatest-sounding engines ever built.
Styling and Aero
Walter de Silva and Wolfgang Egger at Alfa’s Centro Stile gave the GTA a purposeful yet restrained look. Compared to a standard 147, it was 43 mm longer, 35 mm wider, and 30 mm lower.
At the front, wider fenders made room for the big wheels, while a new bumper incorporated larger intakes, canard-style spoilers, and repositioned fog lights for better airflow. Subtly flared arches, deep side skirts, and clear indicator lenses added aggression along the flanks. At the rear, a reshaped bumper housed a diffuser-style extractor and twin exhaust pipes, complemented by a discreet roof spoiler.
The effect was muscular but not overdone — a car that looked as fast as it drove.
Interior and Equipment
Inside, the GTA blended sporting intent with comfort. High-backed seats with integrated headrests, ribbed centre sections, and big bolsters kept occupants secure. Aluminum pedals, GTA-branded sill plates, and recalibrated gauges reinforced the performance theme. A new three-spoke steering wheel and darker “Puma grey” trim added distinction.
Standard equipment was generous: dual-zone climate control, cruise control, front and side airbags, electric windows and mirrors, and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player. Options included leather upholstery in multiple finishes, multi-spoke alloys, Xenon headlights, sunroof, sat-nav, and the Q2 limited-slip differential, which enthusiasts strongly recommended for harnessing the V6’s power.
Specifications (2003 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA)
-
Engine: 3.2-litre, 60° V6, 24 valves, naturally aspirated
-
Displacement: 3,179 cc
-
Bore x Stroke: 93 mm × 78 mm
-
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
-
Power Output: 250 bhp @ 6,200 rpm
-
Torque: 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm
-
Transmission: 6-speed manual (standard), Selespeed semi-automatic (optional)
-
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, ASR traction control, optional Q2 limited-slip diff
-
Chassis: Galvanised steel bodyshell with aluminum rear subframe
-
Suspension:
-
Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, reinforced beams, thicker anti-roll bar
-
Rear: MacPherson struts with offset springs, transverse links, anti-roll bar
-
-
Brakes: Brembo discs — 305 mm vented front / 276 mm rear (later 330 mm front)
-
Wheels/Tires: 17 × 7.5-inch alloys, 225/45 ZR17 tires
-
Dimensions:
-
Wheelbase: 2,546 mm
-
Length: 4,213 mm
-
Width: 1,756 mm
-
Height: 1,412 mm
-
Weight: 1,360 kg
-
-
Performance:
-
0–100 km/h: ~6.1–6.3 sec
-
Top Speed: ~246 km/h (153 mph)
-
Production and Legacy
Built from 2002 until October 2005, the 147 GTA was produced in just 5,029 units, of which 1,004 featured the Selespeed gearbox. While not as commercially successful as its rivals, it gained cult status thanks to its charismatic engine, sharp steering, and distinctive Alfa styling.
Today, the 147 GTA is cherished as one of the last true Busso-powered Alfas. In an era when many hot hatches relied on turbocharged fours, Alfa dared to shoehorn a soulful V6 into a compact body. The result was flawed but unforgettable — a hot hatch that roared with passion rather than perfection.
