Alfa Romeo used the prestigious Paris Auto Show to launch the latest model in it's resurrected GTA line - The 147 GTA, a small hatchback based on the acclaimed 147 model.

This model, which features the 250 bhp 3.2 Liter V6 out of Alfa's 156 GTA, sits on vastly revised underpinnings designed to cope with the increased level of performance. The V6 engine propels the 147 GTA to a 6.3 second 0-6 sprint and a top speed of 153 mph.

The GTA V6 achieves its performance by changing the crankshaft and pistons to increase the engine capacity to 3.2 litres (over the standard 3.0 liter V6) and lengthening the stroke to 78 millimetres. Cooling enhancements, including an engine oil cooler, ensure longevity. These changes produce an engine that has a broad torque band and is capable of pulling well from as little as 2000 rpm in top gear. It is also clean, meeting the tough Euro 4 emissions standards.

The engine is mated to a reinforced close-ratio 6-speed gearbox. The current manual gearbox will be joined in 2003 by a Selespeed version. Developed by Magneti Marelli, the Selespeed system has a Formula 1-derived operating system that makes for swifter gear shifts at both low and high speeds.

Alfa Romeo states that this model fulfills to promise of the entire GTA line: to create a car for everyday use that could, under the right circumstances, ensure customers the performance, behavior and driving sensations of a car built for racing.

Exterior changes to the car were minimal, including subtly flared fenders and a revised rear end featuring a functioning aerodynamic extractor and dual exhaust tips with 17" x 7.5" alloy wheels and 225/45-17 tires. Notable by their absence in a sporting model are visible spoilers or other add-on styling effects. 10 body colors are available on the GTA, including the outstanding Nuvola White, an iridescent shade exclusive to the model.

The 147 GTA features as an enhanced cockpit versus the base 147 model, with either cloth or two-tone leather sport seats and revised instrumentation and plastic trim.

The 147 GTA's suspension has been adjusted to cope with the increased weight of the V6 over the 4 cylinder engines it replaces. Like the standard 147 models, a double wishbone front suspension was used, with the MacPherson struts at the rear. The package provides uprated springs which are both stiffer and lower than the standard 147, along with reinforced mounting points and beefier stabilizer bars.

The GTA also features a raft of alphabet-soup electronic aids including ABS and also EBD to assist braking, SR to limit wheel spin on acceleration, VDC for stability control when cornering, MSR to modulate brake force when downshifting, and a TCS (Traction Control System) that is only effective 40 kph.

The French Show featured two New Alfa 156 models - equipped with the 2.0 JTS and the new 140 bhp 1.9 JTD 16v engines respectively.