28.10.2004 Through a mist of dry ice, a bright 'Alfa' red cover was swept aside at the Auto Africa Expo to reveal the Alfa GT's gorgeous lines to South Africans for the first time

The stylish Alfa GT Coupe has been presented to the South African public at the continent's leading car show, the prestigious Auto Africa Expo.

First launched in 1996, the biennial motor show is held at the 73,000 sq metre Expo Center in Johannesburg. It has grown in importance rapidly, reflecting the equally fast emerging local automotive sector, and is the strongest of platforms from which to launch a new product.

The standard here this year is as high as ever, from load luggers to exotic sportscars, new products grab the attention everywhere. However, the new Alfa GT holds its own, and is undoubtedly set to become one of the stars of the show.

Styled by Bertone, the Alfa GT marked a long awaited return to the segment from the sporty Italian brand. First previewed in Geneva last year, it is now rolling out across Europe to widespread acclaim.

The GT will available, in 'Distinctive' trim, on the South Africa market from early next year. Two engine options will be offered, the legendary 3.2-litre V6 and the new 1.9 M-Jet 16V. The models will retail for R329 000 and R259 000 including VAT respectively. Customers will be able place their orders at Alfa Romeo dealers around the country at the end of October.

The Alfa GT is the lastest cog in an ambitious programme to increase the sporty brand's presence in Africa, currently being undertaken by Alfa Romeo South Africa.

Earlier this summer they launched the Alfa 147 GTA, while the Auto Africa Expo 2004, being held at Johannesburg, also sees the introduction of the TI- branded range.

At the same time Alfa Romeo have returned to the South African race tracks, scene of famous past glories, with a trio of 147 GTA racers, that have really captured the imagination locally. Despite these being brand-new cars, and having missed the opening round of the series, Alfa Romeo Squadra Corse, are now leading the 2004 Vodacom South African Production Car Championship as it enters the closing stages.

Into all this attention is now thrust the GT Coupe, a car that succeeds in packing the results of Alfa's superlative engineering heritage into a shape inspired by a sense of style and flair that could only be Italian. The stylists were also able to call on a great Alfa Romeo tradition that has produced models that remain benchmarks for the category: from the 1900 SS to the Giulietta Sprint, from the Alfetta to the Giulia Sprint.

With a length of 4.48 metres, width of 1.76 metres and a height of 1.37 metres, the Alfa GT Coupé is aggressive and compact (its wheelbase is 2.6 metres), with a shape marked by certain distinctive traits that define its strong personality and render it immediately recognisable as an Alfa.

The Alfa GT represents a brand new concept in sportiness, where comfort and elegance combine. The aim of the car is to offer all the driving satisfaction of a top-performing coupé without ever compromising over comfort and practicality, as often happens with this type of car. Suffice it to say that the luggage compartment offers a capacity of 320 dm3, one of the best results for this segment.

Like the exterior shape, the interior of the Alfa GT is as sporty as Alfa Romeos get. The steering wheel, pedals and gearbox, for example, are designed for maximum vehicle control. The instruments are also functional and easy to read, even at night.

Red lighting is used, as this is easier for the eyes to focus on as they adjust from the dark road to the bright dashboard. A multifunction display gives access to several menus (each with their own submenus) that speak the motorist's language and provide access to a large range of functions plus the trip computer.

The centre of the Alfa GT facia also houses a built-in radio and all the controls for the sophisticated-looking automatic dual zone climate control system. The radio, complemented by a CD/MP3 player (Plus a CD changer on the 3.2 V6 version) also offers outstanding sound quality and was designed and built for the passenger compartment. It consists of eight speakers and delivers a power output of 4x40 Watts. The Alfa GT adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this equipment array that makes it a new benchmark in its segment.

Examples include: VDC, Xenon headlights, six airbags; radio controls on the steering wheel, Bose® Hi-Fi system and 6 CD-changer; Cruise Control (for stress-free driving); 16" and 18" alloy wheels.

All these creature comforts are complemented by luxurious interiors. The new sports coupé offers two interior specifications: a classic sports specification with black facia and panels and another brighter and more stylish specification that is still very sporty and features a two-tone black on grey colour scheme.

The facia and door panel trim features a natural appearance with a special satinised effect. The top-quality, good-looking seats are specific to each version. The trims are pleasant to touch and blend in well with the extensive grosgrain surfaces typical of Alfa Romeo cars.

Customers can choose leather trim (available in black, blue, red, tan and grey). One factor shared by all the interiors is top quality, fine-grained Prestige leather with a natural look and beautifully soft to the touch. The new model features a leather-trimmed gearknob on the diesel and the powerful 3.2 V6 24v.

The Alfa GT has inherited all the attributes of the Alfa 156. Beginning with its specially configured suspension layout: high double-wishbone at the front, McPherson at the rear with transverse rods of different lengths. The 110 kW (150bhp) 1.9 M-Jet 16V is exclusive to the Alfa GT. Customers who want the very best in terms of performance and sportiness can choose a version equipped with a powerful 176 kW (240bhp) 3.2 V6 24 valve engine. The new sports coupé comes in 12 body-colours.

Two distinct versions for your very own Alfa GT. Both offering great value for money and, above all, heirs to a motoring tradition that Alfa Romeo helped create and has now taken one step further: the stylish sports coupé.

Here, in a mist of dry ice, a bright 'Alfa' red cover was swept aside to reveal the Alfa GT's gorgeous lines to South Africans for the first time. This car will be a very welcome addition to the continent's roads, and is without doubt one of the stars of Auto Africa Expo.

additional material & photos by Shaun Churchyard in Johannesburg