Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm Guide: If You Don't Know Now You Know

In the world of performance cars, few badges carry the weight of history and racing pedigree quite like the Alfa Romeo GTA. Standing for "Gran Turismo Alleggerita" (the Italian term for "lightened grand tourer”), the GTA moniker has represented the pinnacle of Alfa Romeo's road-legal racing technology since 1965. Today, that legacy lives on in perhaps the most extreme road-going Alfa ever created - the Giulia GTAm.

If you don’t already know about the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm, you will after this enticing read!

15 Facts You Need to Know About the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm

1. The "m" Mystery: While many assume "m" in GTAm stands for "modified," the most accepted interpretation is that it represents "modificata", which is the Italian term for a more extreme, track-focused version.
2. A Very Happy Birthday Present: The Giulia GTAm was created as Alfa Romeo's gift to themselves for their 110th anniversary in June 2020, with the aim of creating one of the greatest Alfa Romeos of all time.
3. Extremely Limited Production: Just 500 GTA variants were built worldwide, with only 19 GTAm models delivered to the UK, and a mere 3 of those in the stunning Montreal Green finish!
4. Three-Variant Strategy: Alfa Romeo actually produced three different GTA versions: a four-seater without a wing, a four-seater with an aero kit, and the GTAm – the most extreme, track-focused two-seater ever produced by the manufacturer.
5. Most Powerful Alfa Romeo Ever: Fitted with a 540-hp (533bhp) 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine, the GTAm is the most powerful road car Alfa Romeo has ever produced, featuring an engine with specific upgrades including new conrods, piston oil-jets, and enhanced cooling.
6. Formula 1 Aerodynamics: The entire aero package was developed in partnership with Sauber Engineering (Alfa's F1 partner) and fine-tuned with input from F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen.
7. Motorsport Firsts: The GTAm is the first production sports saloon in the world to feature centre-lock wheels, a technology typically reserved for race cars.
8. Weight-Saving Innovation: To reduce weight, the side and rear windows are made of shatterproof Lexan Polycarbonate instead of glass, door handles are replaced with fabric pulls, and extensive carbon fibre is used throughout.
9. Four Doors, Two Seats: Despite being a focused track car, the GTAm maintains four doors while removing the rear seats, instead replacing them with a bench featuring a fire extinguisher and storage for the included crash helmets.
10. Complete Racing Experience: Each car comes with a numbered Bell helmet (matching the car's production number), a full Alpinestars racing suit, and access to the prestigious Accademia di Guida Alfa Romeo driving academy in Italy.
11. Bilingual Warnings: The adjustable carbon fibre front splitter includes warnings in both Italian and English, reminding drivers not to step on it and that it's for racetrack use only.
12. Exhaust Theatrics: The centrally mounted Akrapovič titanium exhaust system not only saves weight but delivers a distinctive, spine-tingling soundtrack unlike any other four-door car.
13. Widened Stance: The car's track is substantially widened (25mm at the front wheel tracks and 50mm at the rear), transforming both its appearance and cornering dynamics.
14. Carbon Ceramic Standard: Unlike many performance cars, where carbon ceramic brakes are an expensive option, they come standard on the GTAm.
15. Collector's Status: The final cars in the production run (like #498 featured here at Romans International) are especially sought after by collectors, ensuring the GTAm's place as a future classic.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm: The Resurrection of a Legend

When Alfa Romeo decided to celebrate its 110th anniversary in 2020, they didn't opt for a limited-edition badge or a special paint job. Instead, as a birthday present to themselves, they created a modern homage to one of their most successful racing cars of all time - the original 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA.

Limited to just 500 units worldwide across all three GTA variants, the GTAm is exceptionally rare, with just 19 examples delivered to the UK. Even more exclusive are the colour options - of those 19 UK cars, just three were finished in the stunning Montreal Green paintwork.

Engineering Excellence: The Alleggerita Philosophy

True to its name, the GTAm embodies the "Alleggerita" philosophy with fanatical dedication. During the design process, Alfa Romeo's engineers targeted a weight reduction of approximately 100kg compared to the two other Giulia GTA versions.

The weight-saving measures are both extensive and intensive, as we outline below:

• Ultralight carbon fibre materials are fitted throughout the hood, front bumper, front wheel arches, rear wheel arch extensions, and drive shaft
• In addition, aluminium is present in the engine, doors, suspension system, and other composite parts for extra weight reduction
• Lexan polycarbonate side and rear windows prove lighter than traditional glass panels
• The rear seats have been completely removed in the GTAm, replaced with a bench featuring a fire extinguisher and storage for the Alfa Romeo crash helmets that come with the car
• Sabelt carbon fibre monocoque racing seats with six-point harnesses replace the standard seating found in the GTA variants
• The door handles are replaced with fabric door pulls in true racing tradition
• Bespoke 20-inch centre-lock wheels (the first production saloon sports car in the world to feature them)

A Heart Tuned for Performance

At the core of the Giulia GTAm beats an enhanced version of the Quadrifoglio's Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6, but with significant modifications, including:

• Engine output increased to 540-hp (533bhp) - creating an additional 30-hp over the standard Quadrifoglio engine, making it the most powerful car Alfa Romeo has ever produced
• New engine internals, including upgraded conrods and piston oil-jets
• Enhanced oil cooling and increased turbo boost
• Centrally-mounted Akrapovič titanium exhaust system that delivers a soundtrack worthy of its performance

The powertrain modifications aren't just about headline figures; they're about delivering usable performance across the rev range. The engine delivers a staggering 442 lb-ft of torque, propelling the GTAm from 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds with launch control activated.

Formula 1 Aerodynamics: The Sauber Connection

What truly sets the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm apart from other high-performance saloons is its genuine Formula 1-derived aerodynamics:

• The manually adjustable front splitter (which kindly reminds you in both Italian and English that you must not step on it and it's for racetrack use only)
• The enormous rear wing with adjustable settings for different tracks and driving conditions
• The larger side skirts, diffuser, and front air dam work together to create genuine downforce
• The entire package was fine-tuned with input from F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen

These aerodynamic enhancements create substantially increased downforce, particularly at high speeds, enabling the GTAm to corner with extraordinary stability and precision.

Racing DNA in Every Detail

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Giulia GTAm is how it embraces its racing heritage without apology. While many modern performance cars try to balance everyday usability with occasional track capability, the GTAm is unapologetically focused on delivering the most authentic driving experience possible. From behind the wheel, the GTAm feels like a thoroughbred race car that's been thinly disguised as a road vehicle.

Every GTAm purchase comes with an experience package that includes a personalised Bell helmet in GTA livery (each numbered according to the car - with our featured example being number 498 of the 500 produced), a full Alpinestars racing suit, and attendance at a dedicated driving course at Accademia di Guida Alfa Romeo in Italy - further emphasising the car's track-focused purpose.

The Driving Experience: Brutally Brilliant

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm delivers a driving experience unlike any other modern sports saloon. Its brutal acceleration, pin-sharp handling and the visceral sound of the V6 create a sensory overload that few production cars can match.

What's particularly remarkable is how the car manages to remain civilised enough for road use, despite its track-focused nature. While the ride is undeniably firm and the cabin is noisier than the standard Quadrifoglio, the GTAm retains enough of its road manners to be driven to and from the track - it’s a true dual-personality machine.

A True Collector’s Piece of Automotive Machinery

With a price tag around £157,000, the Giulia GTAm offers something truly unique in today's market - a saloon car with the soul of a GT3 racer. The GTAm is not simply a special edition; it's a collector's piece that embodies Alfa Romeo's racing heritage in a way few modern cars can match.

When Alfa Romeo set out to make one of the greatest Alfas of all time as their 110th birthday present to themselves, that's exactly what they achieved with the Giulia GTAm.

Take a look at our exclusive walkaround video below where you can experience the full engine and exhaust sound!

If you don't know, now you know! Take a look at our exclusive YouTube short featuring the stunning Montreal Green GTAm - you'll thank us for it.

Interested in experiencing extraordinary performance for yourself? Contact the team at Romans International today to discover our selection of the world's finest performance and luxury vehicles in the heart of Surrey.