In a surprise twist, Alfa Romeo’s local arm has confirmed that a small run of just five Giulia Quadrifoglio GTAm models are destined for New Zealand shores. And, sadly, they’re all sold out.
The announcement is a curious about-face from Alfa Romeo. Last December, the firm announced the model wouldn’t be heading our way. “We have no current plans to bring the GTA or GTAm models to New Zealand at this stage,” an Alfa Romeo NZ spokesperson told NZ Autocar at the time.
Fast forward to today, and it’s a different story. “I can confirm we have secured a small number of the Alfa Romeo GTAm’s arriving in country Q1 next year. All vehicles have been customer sold,” said an Alfa Romeo spokesperson.
“Each of the customers were offered the unique experience of personalising their vehicle by selecting brake callipers, seat belts, interior stitching and roll bar. The GTAm also comes with the exclusive experience pack including personalised race helmet, racing suit and shoes, Goodwool car cover and more.”
There’s an easy explanation for the change of heart. While the spokesperson didn’t answer why models had become available, it’s likely that they’re a result of the GTAm’s addition to Australia’s Alfa Romeo line-up. Pricing for the model hasn’t been confirmed, but we suspect it’ll be in the realm of $300,000.
Alfa Romeo announced the Giulia Quadrifoglio GTA and (more hardcore) GTAm last March, each featuring a more powerful 396kW version of the ordinary Giulia Quadrifoglio’s Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 engine. The GTA got a fairly comprehensive visual makeover, via a more aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser, and hungrier side-skirts. The GTAm, meanwhile, was even more track orientated in its appearance.
A generous rear wing, and larger front and rear bumpers all feature. The guards were pumped out to accommodate a 50mm increase in track width front and rear. It also gained a carbon fibre bonnet, roof, front bumper, and rear wheel arches; all in the pursuit of weight savings (about 100kg is saved, all up).
A titanium Akrapovic exhaust system makes one of the best-sounding engines on the market sound even better, and new springs, shock absorbers, and bushings trade in some of the standard Quadrifoglio’s suburban abilities for more track capability. The GTAm also comes with centre-lock wheels — the only production Alfa Romeo to do so.
We lie and wait regarding the slick Italian super sedan’s pricing. In the meantime, if any of those five GTAm owners would be willing to let some NZ Autocar journalists loose with their pride and joy, please give us a call…
