Introducing the GTV
The GTV, no compromises here in the driveability department.

The thing about Alfa Romeo is that you want so much from that glamorous badge, You expect sensational styling, fabulous handling and performance to match and that is what you will get!

The GTV coupe was released in 1995, at this time there was no current sporty images present other than the soon to be redundant 155. Already this model was to become a successor to the Bertone GTV coupe which was designed in-house and based on the very successful Tipo structure. There are also subtle differences outside, such as chrome trim around the Alfa shield, or Scudetto, on the front, side skirts, body colour bumpers and side strips and new 16in alloys.
On the open road it's sensational, challenging, rewarding, endearing and very quick. The steering and great grip despite relatively modest 205-section tyres points to a well-sorted chassis as you will find out if you read on. There's no need for traction control, and, accordingly, the GTV V6 doesn't have it.

There is at all times a fabulous engine to play with despite the road conditions.

If you're interested in a GTV to buy... I suggest you get your self down to a main dealer for a road test.....you will not be disappointed.

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Engine
Power Units are varied as shown below. (Depending on the country.)

- 1800cc twin spark 16V (144bhp)
- 2000cc twin spark 16V (150bhp)
- 2500cc V6 turbo 16V (200bhp)
- 3000cc V6 24V (220bhp)

The 24v is currently the fastest production Alfa Romeo engine. These state-of-the-art engines result in a power plant that is capable of producing 162 kW (220 bhp) at 6,300 rpm and a torque figure of 270 Nm (27.5 kgm) at 5,000 rpm.



This will give a top speed in excess of 145 mph and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds while at the same time achieving a fuel economy of only 7.9 litres per 60 miles at 56 mph, If my mathematics are correct.

The styling on the GTV is very unique and streamlined, there are no real protruding panels i.e.: door handles etc to impede on maximum air flow past the car. One good example of this aero dynamic effect is a small sloped grill on the bonnet as shown, unlike earlier models where the focal point has been made by the gaping air intakes like the 155. The V-shaped bonnet is huge and makes up the most of the front of the car which also grabs your attention to the famous badge which itself is dripping with history.

A long rear light cluster adds its most original feature and meets with the boot lid. A third brake light is located within the rear parcel shelf and shines through the rear window, unless you have the EVO rear spoiler fitted.
 
Chassis Info
The front suspension is fairly normal, It comprises Mac Pherson struts and off set springs, lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. But it is at the rear that really is different on the GTV. The rear independent, multiple arm suspension has a quadrilateral geometry with upper triangle/double lower arms and coil springs with of course an anti-roll bar which is mounted onto the vehicle's monocoque. The design of this geometry, and the fine tuning of the suspension bushes, is such that in the initial stages of turning, the centrifugal forces create a small 'rear wheel steer' effect in the opposite direction to the way the front wheels are being pointed, then as the centrifugal forces build up through the corner the rear wheels start steering in the same direction as the front wheels which explains why these cars handle so well.
 
Interior
Forget the two week camping holiday and the golf clubs in the GTV because the spare wheel occupies much of the boot space. Take that wheel out and there is a small hole which looks as if it could accommodate the shopping and a briefcase but fortunately that is about the only negative part I could personally think of.

Straight away you will notice that there's a lot of appealing retro in the dash design . The hooded auxiliary gauges angled towards the driver, the rotating "butterfly valve" air vents and the stubby gearlever in its leather gaiter are all 1960s style. The standard air-conditioning works well, but the CD sound system - designed with satellite navigation function is very complex.

In typical European sports sedan fashion, the driver's footwell is narrow and headroom is limited, especially noticeable for 'six footers' but I am not six foot and I love the interior.

- Model: GTV 3.0 V6 24v
- Capacity (cyls/cc): V6/2,959
- Max power (bhp/rpm): 220/6,300
- Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 199/5,000
- Max speed (mph): 150
- 0-62mph (secs): 6.7
- Transmission: Five-speed manual
- Combined economy (mpg): 24.1
- Length/width (mm): 4,285/1,780
- Fuel tank (gals/litres): 15.3/70
- On sale: Now
- Not forgetting that they all come with the 3 years   or 60,000 mile guarantee.