Alfa Romeo is bringing back its GTA nameplate as an homage to the 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA. The new GTA, which stands for ‘Gran Turismo Alleggerita’, alleggerita is Italian for ‘lightened’, takes the Giulia Quadrifoglio to the next level of performance. The 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo engine sees power increase to 540hp, up from 510hp. The GTA weighs 220 pounds less than the standard Giulia Quadrifoglio thanks to extensive use of ultra-light materials. The 1965 GTA weighed just 1,642 pounds and was powered by a 170 hp engine.

0-100 km/h for the new 3,350 pound GTA takes just 3.6 seconds with the use of launch control. A GTAm will also be available with no rear seats, two front racing seats, along with a roll-bar and six-point seat belts. Only 500 GTA and GTAm’s will be built.

The GTA also features active aerodynamics, to increase downforce, thanks to Alfa Romeo’s Formula 1 expertise with Sauber Engineering. The Sauber Aerokit improves downforce through the side skirts, rear spoiler and active front splitter. A new titanium Akrapovic exhaust system is integrated into the carbon fibre rear diffuser. Also new are the 20-inch centre lock wheels which are specific to the GTA. To improve handling, the front and rear wheel tracks have been increased by 50mm. The revised suspension system has been fitted with a new set of springs, shock absorbers and bushings.

The interior features Alcantara trimmed dash, door panels, glove compartment, side pillars and central trim on the seats. The GTAm also includes Alcantara where the rear bench seat used to be, leaving room for a fully upholstered ‘basin’, with mouldings designed to hold race helmets and a fire extinguisher. The GTAm has no rear door panels. All four doors are opened from the interior with a belt in place of the handle.

The 500 owners of the GTA and GTAm will receive a personalised experience package, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, Alpinestars race suit, gloves and shoes and a personalised Goodwool car cover. Owners can also take part in a GTA driving course created offered by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.