ALFA ROMEO 156 GTA 2001-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

In 2001, Alfa Romeo introduced a special version for its mid-size range: the GTA, which took its name from the 1965 GTA model.

Alfa Romeo launched the 156 range at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. Four years later, it launched the most powerful version, named GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerita). It wasn't just more powerful, but it showed its muscles on special outside details. Alfa Romeo sold the first 159 GTA at a bid at the Frankfurt Motor Show for charity, just two weeks after 9/11, 2001.

The designers replaced all the bumpers and rocker-panels from the standard Alfa Romeo 159 package. They replaced it with an air-splitter at the front, inspired by a Formula 1 car's nose-wing. On the sides, the rocker-panels took their aerodynamic role seriously and streamlined the air along with the bodywork and over the rear fenders. Alfa Romeo could just stop there, but it didn't. It changed the rear bumper as well, with a few aerodynamic details on the lower apron. Then, to complete the sporty image, it placed twin chromed tips on the exhaust.

With its leather-clad interior, sports-bucket seats with integrated headrests, and aluminum trims and pedals, the Alfa Romeo 156 GTA stood apart from the rest of its siblings. The whole atmosphere was sporty, and the high-bolstered seats promised good side support during hard cornering. In the back, the Italian carmaker profiled the bench for two adults and provided enough legroom and headroom for them.

But the real change was under the hood, where Alfa Romeo installed a 3.2-liter V-6 engine. It was tuned to provide 250 hp and mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. As an option, the Italian brand offered an option for its Selespeed (automated) gearbox with paddle-shifters.