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A new lightweight version of the Alfa Romeo Brera is being planned

Alfa Romeo’s revival is set for a massive boost with the arrival of a lightweight GTA version of its forthcoming Brera coupe.

Our spies caught wind of the new, more focussed flagship at an official Alfa Romeo presentation, and the new car is expected to arrive in 2007.

The GTA will be marked by a dramatic new look, an extensive weight saving programme and more power. But there will be a price to pay - as much as £50,000 if our sources are to be believed.

The GTA’s powerplant was thought to be a new 4.2-litre V8 engine, fed by Fiat’s new ‘Multiair’ variable valve timing system, which is claimed to offer a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy. But this rumour was dismissed by a senior Fiat source, who told us that the original meaning of the GTA moniker was GT ‘Alleggerita’ – or ‘lightened’ – so the GTA will find its pace from light weight rather than big power.

Aluminium and carbon fibre trim and aluminium panels, probably including the bonnet, should cut weight by around 120kg. There is likely to be a few more bhp, with over 300bhp possible from a new 3.5-litre version of the 159’s 3.2-litre V6. This would be fitted with direct-injection, something that is said to offer particularly strong torque.

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