GTA

GRAND TOURISME ALPINE

In production between 1985 and 1990 the Alpine V6GT and V6GT Turbo was sold in UK as the Renault GTA. It was the successor to the A310 and the first car launched by Alpine under full Renault ownership. Larger than the A310 the GTA updated the silhouette of the A310 but with an improvement in aerodynamics making it one of the most aerodynamic cars of its time. It used the V6 PRV engine in rear-engined layout and the extensive use of polyester plastics and fibreglass for the body made it lighter and quicker than a number of rivals. Passenger room was increased over the A310 making the rear seats more useful and the level of equipment was improved.

In contrast to the A310 the body was moulded in a large number of small panels rather than one single piece, all made in Dieppe using the latest automated production techniques. The production of the central backbone chassis was outsourced and then transferred to Dieppe for assembly. Like previous Alpines, to reduce costs many of the mechanical and electrical components were sourced from the extensive Renault ‘parts-bin’.

The first model introduced was the naturally aspirated 2849cc V6 GT and followed some months later by the 2458cc V6 Turbo with a larger rear spoiler grille to improve cooling. The Turbo significantly out sold the GT (in the UK market by about 4 to 1). Throughout its production life the GTA received improvements such as anti-lock brakes becoming an option in 1988 and a catalytic converter equipped version of the turbo being offered from 1989. In early 1987 a catalytic converter was added for the Swiss market and in 1988 anti-lock brakes became available. In early 1990 the limited edition 2458cc Le Mans was introduced with fibre glass wheel arch extensions, redesigned bumpers and side sill extensions creating a more purposeful look, completed by larger 3 piece split rim wheels and a one piece front with smaller headlights. A model was also made for the American market, this car being fitted with larger bumpers and a re-profiled front incorporating pop-up headlights. 21 cars were produced before Renault withdrew from that market.

The car was never designed for general competition, but, to promote it following the GTA’s launch the Europa Cup model appeared in July 1985, a limited-edition full race car intended for a single-make racing championship. 69 cars were built and the cars raced as a support series at European F1 events between 1985 and 1988. The cars had larger brakes, modified suspension and cooling and a more powerful engine delivering over 300 bhp. 

In all 1505 GT V6, 4643 V6 Turbos, 21 V6 Turbo USA and 273 V6 Le Mans were built. Of these about 100 GTA V6, 500 GTA Turbo and 26 GTA Le Mans were right hand drive.

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