In recent years, Alfa Romeo has lost its way. Nobody knows that better than Alfa Romeo itself, which plans a switch back to a rear-wheel drive, performance-oriented lineup. And one of their cars could take on the biggest game of all: the BMW M3.
The UK's Auto Express reports that Alfa Romeo has a "secret weapon" in the form of a new Giulia GTA sedan, which they say could pack 480 to 520 horsepower and will be aimed at the M3 and other high-end Euro sedans.
Power will apparently come from a version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 in the Maserati Ghibli. The magazine also says Alfa is aiming to make it lighter than the new M3. A limited slip differential and a dual-clutch gearbox standard.
I feel like this one has more truth to it than most new car rumor reports, especially since Alfa themselves announced a new mid-size car for 2015 that includes a performance version. And for folks who don't want the hot GTA version, they'll have other options:
While the Giulia GTA is likely to cost close to £50,000, the standard car should start from as little as £22,000, and will feature a more wallet-friendly line-up of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 118bhp to 200bhp. A hot 350bhp six-cylinder diesel, based on the Ghibli unit, is believed to be in development, too.
Good to have you back, Alfa Romeo.