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Alfa Romeo planning Giulia GTA to rival M3, C63

What do you think of when you see the letters GTA? The Grand Theft Auto video game franchise? The GTA Spano supercar from Spain? Alfa Romeo enthusiasts remember it as the ultimate badge of performance from the Italian automaker, but while it's been over a decade since those letters appeared on a production Alfa, the latest rumors suggest they could be making a comeback in the form of a new Giulia GTA. Those who've been following developments from Alfa Romeo will know that the company is planning a successor to the beautifully angular 159 with a new Giulia to slot in above the Giulietta five-door hatch, and according to Auto Express, a new GTA version is in the works. Tipped to be powered by an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 developed by Ferrari for the Maserati Ghibli, the Giulia GTA is rumored to pack around 500 horsepower (give or take 20 horses) underhood. That would give it a solid output advantage over the 425-hp BMW M3 and 451-hp Mercedes C63 AMG and give Fiat Chrysler Automobiles a performance sedan to challenge the upcoming Cadillac ATS-V and slot in below the bonkers 707-hp Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Expect other oily bits to include a dual-clutch transmission and limited slip differential, as well as upgraded brakes, rolling stock and aero components. The last time we saw the GTA badge was on the MiTo GTA concept (pictured above) that appeared at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Alfa was said to be considering a 159 GTA, similarly powered by Ferrari, back in 2007, but the rumors didn't come to fruition. The last production model to wear those letters was the 156 GTA that preceded it, with a 3.2-liter V6 that produced 250 hp. The most famous example, however, was the Giulia Sprint GTA produced in the late 1960s... a legend that Alfa appears keen to revive with this new model. Featured Gallery Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA News Source: Auto Express Alfa Romeo Performance Sedan alfa romeo giulia

Alfa Romeo working on seven-seat, mild-hybrid SUV

Alfa Romeo will kick off its next product offensive with an SUV larger than the Stelvio (pictured) being prepared for launch about two years from now. The people-hauler, built on the Stelvio's Giorgio platform (the same as the Giulia sedan), will be the first brand offering with an electrified drivetrain, and the largest vehicle Alfa Romeo has ever built. A report last year said the coming SUV would probably slot into the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE segment, however, the XL Stelvio has been benchmarked against the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, and a seven-seater model is likely. Alfa Romeo Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli opened up to Auto Express, saying that a larger, heavier SUV could embody brand DNA with the help of "a 48-volt mild hybrid solution." The near-instant get-up of an e-turbo would counteract weight gain expected to be around 440 pounds. Fedeli revealed Alfa Romeo's testing a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with an e-turbo on a simulator, and said they "can achieve around 350 to 400 bhp." Right now, the standard Stelvio produces 280 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter. A larger model that opened proceedings at 350 hp would create enough separation between the Stelvio and a rival like the 333-horsepower Audi Q7 with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Were there a Quadrifoglio version, we'd imagine it would want to outdo the 505-hp coming from the four-leaf Stelvio. After the SUV launches, the next-generation Euro-market Giulietta bows. After that, perhaps a new 4C? This summer, Autoline Network reported that the 4C would die in 2020 due to lagging sales. Yet, according to Auto Express, Alfa Romeo execs are still deciding "whether to completely reinvent the Alfa 4C for its next generation with a new chassis architecture and engine." We know that a heavily tweaked 4C appears next year as a 2019 model, the revisions aimed at getting the coupe closer to what it should have been from the beginning, and Fedeli wants a halo car to pitch alongside Alfa Romeo's Sauber F1 sponsorship. A brand new 4C would be a lot to ask, although it appears the door isn't totally closed. Related Video:

Alfa Romeo shows off Giulia, new logo in latest video

Alfa Romeo made big waves when it introduced the 510-horsepower Giulia last week. While we reveled in the handsome, chiseled looks, stout powertrain, spine-tingling singing voice, and uniquely Italian character, the red four-door distracted us from the company's other big announcement – its new logo. In a video aptly titled "Alfa Romeo is back," we see the sexy supersedan spear across the landscape, taillights blazing a trail and V6 exhaust teasing our ears. Before long, the car disappears, and we get a detailed look at Alfa's new, more modern logo. It's short and sweet, but is also a nice follow up to last week's debut video. For those who need a refresher on the Giulia itself, the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio Verde model is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 that's been built with help from the engine team at Ferrari. On top of that, there's an active front splitter, a perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and a torque-vectoring rear differential. So yes, Alfa's newest sedan sounds like an extremely tidy package. You can read up on everything we learned during the Giulia's debut in our complete coverage from last week. We've got the initial story on the car, dedicated notes from the reveal, and a few bits and bobs from the Alfa Romeo museum. Check out the video up top, and then click over and check out our other Alfa coverage. Related Video: