Alfa 159 GTA gets Ferrari V8 power

Alfa look set to go hunting RS4 and M3 scalps with their new 159 GTA, seen testing here at the Nurburgring thanks to Auto Express. In order to take on the mid-size saloon big guns from Germany the Alfa is going to need some serious muscle.

The soon to be released E92 M3 V8 matches the Audi RS4 kilowatt for kilowatt with both Germans having 309kw V8's at their disposal.

The hot rumour of the hour is that Alfa have ditched their 3.2-litre turbocharged V6 (based on the Holden Alloytec block) and swapped in a 4.3-litre Ferrari designed V8 as found in the Maserati Gran Turismo coupe. Note the bonnet bulge and covered fender vents in the picture.

In detuned form you could expect an easy 309kW from the Italian V8 and we repeat…that is detuned. It is believed that the V8 is the preferred choice as it produces less torque than the turbocharged V6 which allows Alfa to fit their existing 6-speed manual and Selespeed clutchless manual gearboxes without fear of them being reduced to shrapnel like pieces of alloy.

If the V8 is given the green light expect a 0-100km/h time of five seconds dead and an exhaust note to mortgage your house or sell your kidneys for. An estate (wagon) version is expected to go on sale alongside the saloon. It is anticipated that the Alfa 159 GTA will go on sale in Europe during 2008.

We will bring your more details as they become known.

Source : AutoExpress