Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas is now the proud owner of number 1 of the just 500 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA’s that are going to be built. He took delivery of his GTAm at Alfa Romeo in Turin, Italy. The limited-edition Giulia GTA is the most powerful Alfa Romeo ever built.

“I’m clearly a lifelong car enthusiast, but most of all I love the Alfa Romeo brand,” said Valtteri Bottas. “It is an honour for me to be an ambassador of the brand and now to become a customer, an owner of one of the 500 Giulia GTAs. It’s a technically excellent vehicle, realized in collaboration with Sauber Engineering by leveraging the expertise and technical know-how that comes directly from Formula 1. For car and motorsport enthusiasts, it represents so much more. It revives one of the legends of motorsports, the 1965 Giulia GTA, and perfectly embodies the brand’s DNA, passion for motorsport, driving pleasure, and a unique and distinctive styling appeal.”

The new GTA, Gran Turismo Alleggerita or ‘Lightened Grand Touring’, is inspired by the 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA which was based on the Giulia Sprint GT.

“This is a special moment for Alfa Romeo,” said Cristiano Fiorio, Alfa Romeo Formula 1 Manager. “Valtteri Bottas is an exceptional professional. A long career in F1 studded with 10 grand prix wins is evidence. His desire to join the inner and exclusive circle of Giulia GTA customers fills us with pride. In a world of business often driven by contractual obligations, today we are celebrating something different. Valtteri has shown us that sometimes passion drives our choices. Welcome Valtteri to the heart of Alfa Romeo.”

Understandably, Bottas opted for the more aggressive and track focused GTAm (Modified) which turns the GTA 4 seaters into a 2 seater with 6-point safety belts and a roll-bar. Removing the rear seats reduces the car’s weight by 55 pounds. The GTA loses 220 pounds compared to the Quadrifoglio by using a carbon fibre driveshaft, hood, roof, front bumper, front wheel arches, rear wheel arch inserts and, on the GTAm, the front seat shells. Aluminum and other lightweight composite materials are used in the engine, doors, suspension systems and side and rear window frames. The GTA weighs in at just over 3,300 pounds.

Based on Giulia Quadrifoglio, the Giulia GTA and GTAm have a more powerful version of the 2.9 litre V-6 Bi-Turbo engine. Horsepower rises from 505 in the Quadrifoglio to 540 hp in the GTA and GTAm. Launch Control results in 0 to 100 km/h, or 0 to 62 mph runs in just 3.6 seconds.

The fortunate 500 individuals who buy a GTA will receive a Bell helmet with a unique GTA inspired design, an Alpinestars race suit, gloves and shoes, and a custom Goodwool car cover. The Alfa Romeo customer experience also includes participation in the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy. The Giulia GTA costs the equivalent of just over a quarter of a million dollars Canadian.

In this video, Arnaud Leclerc, the Head of Alfa Romeo Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Klaus Busse, the Head of Design EMEA, and Fabio Migliavacca, the Head of Product Marketing EMEA share the backstory of the Giulia GTA on Alfa Romeo’s 110th Anniversary in 2020.

Photography & Videos By Alfa Romeo