This Overlooked Alfa Romeo Is The Most Alluring Way To Shatter Your Heart | Carscoops

      The 156 GTA was intended to compete with BMW's E46 M3, but it fell short and lasted only three years. Nevertheless, it remains a rare, albeit flawed, treasure.

      **By Andreas Tsaousis**

      **PROS:** Timeless design, exceptional V6 sound, precise steering, and impressive handling.

      **CONS:** Front-wheel drive dulls performance, lacks a limited-slip differential, high maintenance expenses.

      There are instances in life when everything aligns perfectly—sometimes those moments involve a set of keys, a stunning Italian landscape, and a car that has something to prove.

      In 2002, in Palermo, Sicily, I had the chance to drive Alfa Romeo’s 156 GTA on a segment of the famous Targa Florio, once the toughest race on public roads in Italy. Despite the excitement, there was also considerable apprehension due to the narrow and winding path leaving little margin for error.

      All my concerns disappeared when I first laid eyes on the press cars, shining brilliantly under the Sicilian sun, ready for journalists to take the wheel. Just a few years into my career, I was about to experience Alfa's response to BMW’s dominant E46 M3—a daunting challenge I was keen to witness.

      **QUICK FACTS**

      **A BMW M3 Rival with Front-Wheel Drive and 100 HP Less?**

      I must admit, I didn't anticipate it succeeding. Spec-wise, the Alfa fell short compared to the renowned BMW. The third-generation M3, released in 2000, featured a naturally aspirated inline-six engine tuned by the M Division, generating 343 hp—nearly 100 hp more than the 156 GTA’s V6, which produced 247 hp, despite both having a 3.2-liter capacity.

      Moreover, the BMW was rear-wheel-drive and standard with a limited-slip differential, while the Alfa was front-wheel-drive and frustratingly lacked one, despite its considerable power. Additionally, the missing VDC, Alfa’s Electronic Stability System, was an odd omission, particularly since the facelifted 156, launched the following year, included it as standard.

      When I inquired with Alfa Romeo executives about this during the 2003 facelift launch, they explained that the regular 156s were tailored for average drivers who needed stability control as a key safety feature. They claimed the GTA was created from the onset without this in mind, targeting only driving enthusiasts (or something to that effect; it was 22 years ago, and I don't recall the exact phrasing).

      I suspect my grimace signified that I found this reasoning inadequate, prompting them to assure me that I, along with my fellow journalists, would uncover the brilliance of Alfa’s engineers the following morning.

      **Designers Truly Accomplished That**

      After a delightful dinner of pasta and fine Italian wine, I had a refreshing night's rest and was eager to explore what the 156 GTA had to offer. Upon arriving at the garage that Alfa Romeo had set up to showcase the character of its sports sedan, the first sight to greet us was a pristine, meticulously restored Giulia GTA. In the mid-1960s, it created a sensation for its Bertone-designed body and exceptional handling, alongside its racing success.

      This same designation was then applied to the top-tier 156—what does it actually signify? Gran Turismo Alleggerita; the first two words need no translation, but the third means “lightened” in Italian. Next to this classic was the press fleet, so after we admired the Giulia—which we couldn’t drive—we proceeded to the 156 GTA.

      I didn’t require an executive in a sharp Italian suit to tell me the 156 GTA looked stunning, complete with its distinct front spoiler, air intakes, wider wheel arches, lower ride height, and beautiful 17-inch phone dial wheels with 225/45 tires; multi-spoke “Superturismo” rims were also available.

      **What Makes It Special**

      Our Editor had taught us to read the press kit and highlight key points ahead of time, so we wouldn’t ask foolish questions at launches. Thus, I was already aware that the GTA boasted a significantly sportier suspension with modified geometry and stiffer bushes, a reinforced lower crossbar to enhance chassis rigidity, larger diameter stabilizer bars, and Brembo brakes featuring 310 mm front and 276 mm rear discs, along with a quicker steering system—with an astonishing turning ratio of just 1.7 turns.

      Before entering the car, I appreciated the body of this gorgeous Italian machine, soaking in every detail from the front bumper’s air intakes to the wider sills and those phone dial wheels. Alfa managed to elevate Walter da Silva’s dazzling design, transforming the 156 from an elegant sedan into a striking beauty.

      Then, I lifted the hood and admired the “Bussone” (affectionately named after engineer Giuseppe Busso) 3.2-liter V