The Alfa GT Coupé is being reborn as a low-cost rally car aimed at privateer drivers' and it will be eligible for a brand new category, the "Rally Trofeo GT", set to be contested by "Gran Turismo" cars, which is set to be launched by the CSAI in Italian rallying next year. The aim of the CSAI, the official governing body of Italian rallying, is to bring the powerful and spectacular GT cars back to the rally stages, creating a new era of machines that can thrill spectators. Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin are all amongst the evocative and prestigious brand names that the CSAI is looking to lure into the new series with this initiative, which will target "gentleman drivers" and with development and running costs kept strictly under control, and car modifications limited.

The inaugural "Trofeo Rally GT" series will be contested over seven rounds next year, the majority of which also form part of the Italian National Rally Championship (CIR), at a stroke giving the new championship increased prestige. The provisional calendar will comprise of the Rally Mille Miglia (Brescia), Targa Florio (Palermo), Rally del Salento (Lecce), Rally San Martino di Castrozza (Trento), Rally Sanremo (Imperia), Rally Como (Como) and the Rally Marca Trevigiana (Treviso).

There will be three classes each of which will be based around the car's horsepower: the largest class will be for cars with over 351 bhp, a middle class will be for 251-350 bhp machines, while the smallest class is to be set aside for cars with up to 250 bhp available. It is in this last class where the brand new Alfa GT will be eligible. Fitted with the punchy 1.9-litre Multijet 16v engine, tuned to competitive rallying requirements, the Alfa GT rally machine has been prepared with full factory support to the rules of the new category.

The first example of the new Alfa GT rally car is on show in Bologna this week, part of a presentation which aims to promote the exciting new championship.
 

This car has been prepared by Antoinelli Sport, the outfit who have raced the "SuperTouring" Alfa 156 with much success in the Italian Touring Car Series during recent years, while also making several appearances in the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The "Rally Trofeo GT" Alfa GT 1.9 JTDM features a new front spoiler arrangement that is fitted under the existing production bumper and up over it on either side. It allows for maximum air intake, particularly with its integral brake inlets, while its tough, thick plastic composition also provides front end protection from the stresses of the rally stage. Headlight covers also feature, while the show car has a huge quad bank of auxiliary spotlights fitted on the bonnet. The car - in Bologna in tarmac trim - sits on chunky 17-in OZ Racing spoked alloy wheels and Michelin tyres. At the rear a new bootlid spoiler has been fitted while the large single round tailpipe betrays an exhaust system designed especially for this car's requirements.

Inside, the Alfa GT is simply a stripped out rally machine. It features a full multi-point roll protection cage, Sabelt 'bucket' race seats and five point harnesses, and a regulation fire extinguisher. The car's original dashboard has been replaced with a small new light composite one which features typical rally digital instrumentation, while the door internals have also been removed. Also present are rows of throw switches, alloy pedals and footrest, a brake balance valve, and a quick shift gearlever.