Alfa Romeo GT

Alfa Romeo GT at a glance

Bertone wanted to build the GT in its own factory, but Fiat refused, so production went to Pomigliano d'Arco next to the 147 and, later, the 159. The coupé shares its dashboard, climate control and much of the wiring with the 147 hatchback, and its bonnet, mirrors and front wings come from the 147 GTA. It sat beside the Brera in Alfa's range from 2005, the cheaper and more practical of the two. Other Alfa Romeo models are listed in our Alfa Romeo catalogue.

Generations and model history

The GT had one generation. Changes during production were small and mostly limited to new engines, a limited-slip differential and special editions.

• March 2003: public debut at Geneva; production starts on 28 November 2003.
• October 2006: the 1.9 JTD Q2 arrives with the Q2 limited-slip differential, meant to reduce understeer and torque steer, along with a new Black Line trim.
• 2008: the limited Cloverleaf edition with a body kit, lowered suspension and 18-inch wheels, offered with the 1.8, 2.0 and 1.9 JTDm.
• 2010: production ends on 16 June 2010. The last GT built was a Quadrifoglio Oro for Japan, one of 60 with the 2.0 JTS and Selespeed.

Bertone also developed a four-seat GT Cabrio in 2003. It never reached production and was shown publicly only on 6 April 2011.

Engines, gearboxes and performance

The V6 belongs to Giuseppe Busso's engine family, first built in 1979. The 3,179 cc version was used in the 156 GTA, 147 GTA, GTV and Spider, the 166 and the Lancia Thesis as well; in the GT it is rated at 177 kW (240 PS), against 184 kW (250 PS) in the 156 GTA. Wikipedia's table lists the 1.8 Twin Spark at 1,747 cc.

Three gearboxes were offered: a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and the five-speed Selespeed automated manual. Front suspension uses double wishbones and the rear is a MacPherson-type layout with parallel arms. The standard brakes are 284 mm ventilated discs at the front and 276 mm discs at the rear; the V6 gets 330 mm front discs. Need the hp figures in kW? Use the power converter.

Dimensions, space and practicality

The GT is a genuine five-seater rather than a 2+2: the rear bench is full width. The V6 sits lowest at 1,355 mm, the diesel highest at 1,366 mm. With a 320-litre boot and a split-folding rear seat, it is more practical than most coupés of its time, and roomier in the back than the later Brera, a 2+2. Check whether it fits your space with our garage fit tool.

Fuel economy and running costs

The diesels are the clear choice for high mileage: 6.1 l/100 km combined is half of the V6's 12.4 l/100 km, and in town the gap is even bigger. The 2.0 JTS uses slightly more fuel than the 1.8 Twin Spark in the official test while being quicker by almost two seconds to 100 km/h.

Trims and equipment

Standard equipment included power steering, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, cruise control, heated mirrors and six airbags, among them curtain airbags. Options included rear parking sensors, heated seats, leather, a 10-CD changer, satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Market editions were plentiful: the Black Line from 2006, the 2008 Cloverleaf, a UK Special Edition 1.9 JTDm with leather and the Q2 differential, a French Centenario with a rear camera and Blue&Me, a Dutch Run Out Edition of only 12 cars, and a 100th Anniversary Limited Edition of 130 V6 cars for Australia and South Africa.

Safety

ABS with brake force distribution and hydraulic brake assist was standard, while VDC stability control and ASR traction control were available. We found no Euro NCAP test of the GT itself in the sources used; it shares its platform with the 147 and 156. For crash-test results of other cars, see our safety section.

Reliability and known issues

The sources we used do not list documented faults or recalls specific to the GT, so we do not repeat anecdotal claims. As a used car, it shares most mechanical parts with the 147 and 156, which keeps parts supply straightforward.

Rivals

Photo gallery