The 156 GTA: Performance Specifications
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. It was available in two formats: the 156 GTA saloon and the 156 Sportwagon GTA.
Power is provided by a 3.2-litre V6 engine which produces 247 hp (184 kW). This engine is also shared with the 147 GTA hatchback, which is based on the 156 platform. The GTA is capable of hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) in as little as 6.3 seconds, and it can reach around 250 km/h (155 mph).
Buyers could choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or a Selespeed automated manual gearbox. The Selespeed gearbox can be operated either via a traditional shifter stick, which functions like a sequential manual gearbox, or via paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. It can also operate in a ‘automatic’ mode.
Exterior updates included larger 17-inch alloys to cover the brake disks and more powerful multi-piston calipers from Brembo. The styling changes also incorporate a new front airdam, vented side skirts, and an updated tail section, finished with a twin tailpipe design.
Internally, the changes were described as minimal, although the car did include several extras such as sports seats, alloy pedals, a new shifter, and a different steering wheel.
To support the increased power, the suspension system was updated. The ride height was lowered, and the settings for the springs and dampers were altered. Mechanical reinforcements include beefier anti-roll bars, special strut and steering links, and reinforced lower beams on the front double wishbones. The rear suspension attachment points were also relocated.
Steering was modified to be significantly faster. The GTA features 1.7 turns from lock to lock, compared to 2.1 turns on the standard 156. Alfa claimed that this resulted in the most direct steering among any mass-produced car.
Read the full guide: Alfa Romeo 156 GTA
