Alfa GT debuts Downunder

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Alfa Romeo Brera concept car didn't make it to the Sydney motor show last weekend but the equally appealing GT coupe did.

The production-ready GT was the surprise replacement for the Brera. It was such a last-minute decision that even the show's official programme featured the Brera.

"Outside Germany, Australia is the first place in the world to see the final production version of the Alfa GT," said Alfa Romeo Australia chief Kevin Wall.

The two-door GT is expected to go on sale in New Zealand late next year. Alfa importer Ateco Automotive New Zealand will disclose its price nearer the launch.

The car is based on the platform of the 156 Sportwagon and powered by the same high-performance 3.2-litre V6 found under the bonnet of the GTA 147 hatchback and GTA 156 sedan.

The GT made its first appearance as a styling exercise at the Geneva motor show in March and the production version was unveiled at Frankfurt last month.

It was styled by Italian design house Bertone, which called on previous Alfa models like the 1900, Giulietta, Giulia and Alfetta. The GT is 4480mm long, 1760mm wide and 1390mm high, with a wheelbase of 2596mm. The shield/grille is slightly bigger on the GT than other Alfa models.

Standard equipment is likely to include a radio with MP3 player and voice activation phone system.