{"id":185569,"date":"2016-04-01T11:02:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T11:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.supercars.net\/blog\/?p=185569"},"modified":"2025-09-13T16:26:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T16:26:07","slug":"2003-alfa-romeo-147-gta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/2003-alfa-romeo-147-gta\/","title":{"rendered":"2003 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Reviving the GTA Legend<\/h2>\n

When Alfa Romeo unveiled the 147 GTA<\/strong> at the Paris Motor Show in October 2002, it wasn\u2019t just another hot hatch. It was the revival of one of Alfa\u2019s most storied badges: GTA, or Gran Turismo Alleggerita<\/strong>. First used in the 1960s on the lightweight Giulia Sprint GTA \u2014 a car that dominated touring car racing \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

The 147 GTA joined the 156 GTA saloon and Sportwagon in Alfa\u2019s performance lineup, all powered by the legendary \u201cBusso\u201d 3.2-litre V6<\/strong>. It was aimed squarely at rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R32 and Ford Focus RS \u2014 but with Italian flair and mechanical passion that set it apart.<\/p>\n

Chassis and Dynamics<\/h2>\n

The 147 GTA was built on a shortened version of the 156\u2019s 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<\/strong> (lighter than the steel item used in regular 147s) and heavily revised suspension.<\/p>\n

At the front, double wishbones<\/strong> were paired with reinforced beams, stiffer springs, new shock absorber settings, and a thicker anti-roll bar. The rear used a MacPherson strut layout<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

A quicker 1.7-turn steering rack<\/strong> (versus the 2.1 ratio of normal models) gave the GTA sharp response, while Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)<\/strong> was fitted as standard \u2014 always active to tame the car\u2019s front-wheel-drive layout.<\/p>\n

Braking was handled by a Brembo system<\/strong> 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<\/strong> wrapped in 225\/45 ZR17 tires.<\/p>\n

The Busso V6<\/h2>\n

Under the bonnet sat the soul of the GTA: Alfa\u2019s 3.2-litre, 60\u00b0 V6<\/strong>, hand-assembled at Maserati\u2019s 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<\/strong> and 221 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Mated to a six-speed manual or optional Selespeed semi-automatic, the 147 GTA sprinted from 0\u2013100 km\/h in around 6.1\u20136.3 seconds<\/strong> and reached a top speed of 246 km\/h (153 mph)<\/strong>. Power delivery was accompanied by the unmistakable howl of the Busso V6, one of the greatest-sounding engines ever built.<\/p>\n

Styling and Aero<\/h2>\n

Walter de Silva and Wolfgang Egger at Alfa\u2019s 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The effect was muscular but not overdone \u2014 a car that looked as fast as it drove.<\/p>\n

Interior and Equipment<\/h2>\n

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 \u201cPuma grey\u201d trim added distinction.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>, which enthusiasts strongly recommended for harnessing the V6\u2019s power.<\/p>\n

Specifications (2003 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA)<\/h2>\n