30 Jun 04
Just as important when it comes to making the best of all that go is the suspension system, which has had a major rework to ensure that all four (fat) tyres stay in touch with terra firma. In short, it has been extensively redesigned to provide the ideal geometry to keep as much rubber in touch with the road as possible, and to prevent the shock absorbers from seizing solid when they're worked very hard, a potential problem with high performance cars. Maintaining stability under braking and acceleration has also been a priority, as has the minimisation of unwanted rear wheel steering effects, the redesign here benefiting from experience gained in the European Touring Car Championship. Further modifications include reduced friction in the system, enabling it to function more effectively and, as you might expect, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars and a lower ride height, these last measures doing much to prevent the car running wide in corners.
Another means of preventing the car running wide is to slow down of course, and the GTA benefits from substantially upgraded brakes, there being Brembo four-piston callipers up front, and bigger discs all round. Further protections include ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and ASR traction control - but not electronic stability control, the engineers reckoning that there is currently no system compatible with the GTA's sportier manners.
Alfa has also sharpened up the already quick steering of the 156, so that there are now just 1.75 turns from lock-to-lock, though it's as well to remember when in a tight spot that the GTA's turning circle is abysmal. The steering wheel itself is retrimmed, in tandem with a number of small alterations to the cabin intended to improve quality. The facia moulding has been retextured to this end, there are more chrome highlights, the centre console has been redesigned and there is a now a small screen housed within the air diffuser on top of the dashboard. The screen dispenses trip computer details, radio tune details and when it's ordered, the navigation telephone and messaging information that is the Connect option. The most obvious interior alteration, however, is to the seats, the front pair being completely redesigned high-back items with integral head restraints, extra bolstering and adjustable under-thigh padding. These chairs are unique to the GTA, as are the alloy pedals and footrest.
