The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA turned an award-winning saloon into a 250bhp V6 flagship. It was offered as both the famous four-door and the rarer Sportwagon, with the final large-capacity form of Alfa’s classic Busso engine.
1. The standard 156 won European Car of the Year
Launched in 1997, the 156 won the 1998 award. Hidden rear handles and a shield grille made the saloon look more like a coupé.
2. The GTA badge returned in 2001
The historic initials meant Gran Turismo Alleggerita, but this was a luxurious road flagship rather than a stripped homologation special.
3. The 3.2 Busso produced 250bhp
Its 3,179cc V6 made 300Nm and drove the front wheels. Alfa quoted 0–100km/h in 6.3 seconds and 250km/h.
4. A six-speed manual was standard
Some markets also offered Selespeed, an automated single-clutch manual. It should not be confused with a modern dual-clutch gearbox.
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5. The Sportwagon was not designed as a huge estate
It prioritised style and lifestyle versatility over maximum cargo volume, but its rarity and proportions now make it especially desirable.
6. The chassis was extensively revised
A wider track, quicker steering, firmer suspension and Brembo brakes made the GTA more than an engine transplant.
7. Front brake size changed during production
Early cars used 305mm discs; later examples received 330mm hardware after the smaller setup proved marginal under repeated hard use.
8. It never received a factory mechanical LSD
Many owners fit a Q2-type differential to improve traction and replace the original open unit, whose failure can damage the gearbox casing.
9. It kept the original 156 styling
The GTA sat outside the later mainstream facelift cycle, preserving de Silva’s first design in its most muscular factory form.
10. Its engine marked the end of an era
The 3.2 was the largest mainstream version of the Arese-built Busso V6. Later Alfa V6s used a different, GM-derived architecture.
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Sources
- Official Alfa Romeo/Stellantis 156 GTA material.
- Unusual Cars 156 GTA guide
