Alfa Romeo GTV6
The Alfa Romeo GTV6, introduced in 1981 as a revision of the Alfetta Sprint GT and Alfetta GTV, arrived with Alfa's new big six-cylinder engine stuffed under the hood of a car designed for Alfa's brilliant four cylinder. As a result the hood received a bulge to clear the top of the intake plenum on the larger V6 block and became the most pronounced feature of this exciting sport coupé. Since the body was largely a revision of the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Alfetta Sprint GT, it retained its wedge-shaped mid-1970s lines until the end of production in 1989 (Europe) and 1986 (North America). The new six-cylinder engine received rave reviews from the motoring press and found its true home in the GTV6 where it could stretch its legs far better than in the less-sporting Six sedan. During its lifespan the GTV6 went through a number of revisions to gear ratios and received an updated interior for 1984, and improved gearchange in 1985, but it retained its unique rear-mounted transaxle and deDion rear suspension.
All right hand drive vehicles for the South African market were asembled in South Africa, in Fiat's Uitenhage plant in the Eastern Cape. (This is reflected in Alfa Romeo serial numbers - all RHD vehicles in South Africa have their serials beginning with ZA)
South Africa was therefore one of only two markets to have a turbocharged (AiResearch Garrett, 80 mm dia, fed with a NACA intake on the bonnet) version of the GTV6 - the fastest production vehicle for sale in the Republic apart from the larger BMW's and Mercedes-Benz sports sedans, and considerably less expensive. An estimated 750 were assembled before all production ceased in 1986. The South African market also got a 3.0 L GTV-6 that predated the debut of the factory's 3.0 L engine in 1987. Approximately 200 were built in South Africa for racing homologation.
Alfa Romeo Callaway Twin Turbo GTV-6
Following its success with their turbocharger kits, this led a commission by Alfa Romeo to produce a higher end version of its 2.5 liter GTV-6 coupé. Thirty examples were built between 1983 and 1986. In addition to numerous small component upgrades, the Callaway GTVs included a much revised suspension, larger brakes and a twin-turbocharger system, boosting performance to near-exotic levels.
Reeves Callaway (who later turbocharged Chevrolet Corvettes) modified about 30 GTV-6s to Callaway Twin Turbo specification for Alfa Romeo, Inc., the North American importer of Alfa Romeo cars.
The car's performance caught the attention of Dave McLellan, Chief Engineer of the Corvette, and would lead to the Callaway-Corvette association it became famous for.
1984 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Maratone
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