How a German racing driver sees the Alfa Romeo GTAm

The acronym GTAm perfectly embodies her passion Alfa Romeo for racing and motoring. The new Giulia GTA and GTAm collector's models, which will be produced in just 500 units, have an impressive technical arsenal, including a top-of-the-range 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo engine with 540 bhp, extensive use of lightweight materials and highly sophisticated aerodynamic performance. But how much of this can impress a racing driver like Germany's Christian Menzel, who among other things has also won the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring?

Menzel, 50, is known for his harsh criticism, especially when he has a car in his hands that was created to provide the ultimate driving experience. Compared to the Quadrifoglio Verde, the GTAm has an increased output of 30 horsepower, but according to Menzel that's not the point to focus on. "Reducing the weight by about 100 kilos is much more important to me", the German driver noted after testing the car at the TRIWO test centre. "Low weight is a priority for a sports car and through this you can achieve optimum handling. You feel it in every braking, in corners, in acceleration, everywhere."

The Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm does not use carbon fibre to reduce weight in the engine cover and roof. The front bumper, front fenders, rear adjustable spoiler, as well as the seats and transmission shaft are made of this lightweight, yet durable material. At the same time, extensive use is made of aluminium and polycarbonate plastic for the rear windows, another option from the racing world, as is the extensive use of Alcantara® in the interior. The increased engine power, combined with the reduced weight, offers thunderous performance, with 0-100km/h acceleration taking just 3.8 seconds, and depending on the rear spoiler setting, top speeds of over 300km/h are possible.

What it says about the motor

Having raced and achieved his greatest successes in atmospheric set racing, Menzel was initially sceptical about the GTAm's turbo engine. "For me, the response and sound of an engine is of primary importance to get the sporty feeling from a car. Η GTAm managed very well thanks to the two in-line turbo of V6 engine that delivers powerful thrust in all conditions. At the same time the exhaust system is quite discreet in its choice of NORMAL of D.N.A., but once you select the RACE η GTAm sounds like a real race car."

But how does the Giulia's chassis react to the increased performance of the GTAm engine and the greater aerodynamic load offered by the package developed in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN F1 Team drivers - Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi - and Sauber? After several laps around the Horsdsfeld circuit, Menzel reports: "The chassis and the electronically adjustable shock absorbers work perfectly. Combined with the tyres Michelin Cup, with which the GTAm, traction is at an extremely high level. The stability offered by the car's aerodynamic package also contributes to this. But to speak with more confidence on this point I would have to drive the GTAm on the Nordschleife circuit of the Nürburgring", Menzel added with a smile.

After a day at the wheel of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm collector's car, Menzel ends up: "I grew up in Nürburgring and I was lucky enough to see the classic Giulia GTAm racing on the Nordschleife. I have linked the acronym GTAm with the races and I think that the Alfa Romeo brought his unique spirit to today in an ideal way. Not just with a few letters on the luggage compartment door, but with specific technical changes in relation to the Quadrifoglio. Η Alfa Romeo GTAm is an authentic sports car and my expectations because of the name were completely met."