The GTA (for Grand Tourisme Alpine) is a sporty automobile model produced by the French manufacturer Alpine and launched in 1985 as the successor to the Alpine A310. It is the first Alpine produced 100% by Renault.

It has been suggested that this article be merged with Renault Alpine GTA/A610. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2022.

This article may be a rough translation from another language. It may have been generated, in whole or in part, by a computer or by a translator without dual proficiency. (August 2022)

Alpine GTA
Overview
Production	GT : 1509 V6 Turbo : 4591 Le Mans : 325 Europa Cup : 69 Total : 6494
Powertrain
Transmission	Propulsion

Versions

Alpine wants to launch a complete range. Three models are initially planned (the Europa Cup is only intended for competition with very rare exceptions).

V6 GT

Presented in November 1984, it is the base version. With a C_x of 0.28, and an SC_x of 0.48, the V6 GT set a record for aerodynamics at the time for a car in this category.

V6 Turbo

Introduced in September 1985. With a larger rear spoiler grille to improve cooling. The C_x increases from 0.28 to 0.30. Like the Renault 25 V6 Turbo, the GTA benefits from the 2.458 cc V6 PRV turbocharged engine.

• 
  Alpine GTA V6 Turbo in red titien.
• 
  V6 Turbo rims.

GTA USA

Very quickly, Renault and Alpine consider exporting the GTA to the United States through the American Motors Corporation subsidiary. A model derived from the V6 Turbo is therefore designed and finalized to adapt to local constraints. In compliance with North American regulations, it loses its front lights under the canopy in favor of retractable optics, its bumpers are more protruding and deformable, side lights are inserted into the bumpers and integrated into adhesive protections. The front bumper grille is widened to improve cooling. The front turn signals are orange (except on some models retrofitted for homologation in France). A third brake light is inserted under the rear spoiler. The GTA USA benefit from a major redesign of the chassis. The tubes of the front structure are replaced by pressed sheet metal. Energy dampers for the shields are added. The sides are reinforced with bars in the doors and doubled side reinforcements. Many of the developments made for the GTA USA chassis will be reused on the A610.

But at the beginning of 1987, the withdrawal of Renault from the American market forces to abandon everything a few days before the launch of the production. 21 models were built and 12 will be sold to privileged amateurs.

This article needs to be updated. (June 2022)

Europa Cup

Presented in July 1985. Model conceived for the one-design races, organized during the curtain raiser of the Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place in Europe, hence its name. Of the 69 cars manufactured in 1984, 1986 and 1987, it is estimated that only seven will remain in "civilian" version. They all left the production lines of the Alpine factory in Dieppe with their registration certificate, but to recover the VAT, some Europa Cups were deprived of it.

Limited editions

Le Mans

The Le Mans is released in February 1990. It is planned to build 300 units. 325 will be built until February 1991. It adopts the catalyzed evolution of the V6 Turbo, and its power drops from 200 to 185 hp. It is equipped with a body kit derived from the one proposed by a German tuner. The fenders are widened, and the front turn signals migrate from the fender tips to the bumper. The fenders and front mask are formed in one piece and rocker panels are added. It has specific ACT wheels "BBS style" with a false central nut. Only three colors are offered: Alpine Blue (No. 488), Imperial Red (No. 570) and Beetle Green (No. 592). This body kit will give the outline of its successor, the A610.

In 1990, Alpine is obliged by French regulations to clean up its engines. Contrary to the Renault 25 V6 Turbo which sees its power going from 182 to 205 hp, the V6 Turbo of the GTA goes from 200 to 185 hp. Alpine fans cry treason when they see this difference in treatment between the two cars. However, the V6 PRV of the Alpine is not strictly identical to that of the Renault 25 since it had to be adapted, in particular for the implementation of the gearbox. With a totally different engine environment, the engineers cannot optimize the GTA's pollution control at a reasonable cost without reducing power. The sales volumes of the Alpine do not allow such investments. Apart from the top speed, which drops from 250 to 240 km/h (160 to 150 mph), the decrease in performance is not noticeable. Only the stopwatch makes the difference with the V6 Turbo not depolluted.

With the help of the Danielson SA company, the after-sales service nevertheless develops a simple and inexpensive engine preparation intended to calm the discontented. The engine management is optimized and the power increases from 185 to 210 hp. The registration was modified accordingly. The Danielson "Le Mans" has almost the same performance as the non-catalyzed V6 Turbo. In acceleration, it can be as fast as a Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2 or a Ferrari 348 TB (from 100 to 140 km/h (62 to 87 mph) in 9.3 s in fifth gear). This preparation cost at the time 16 000 FRF in addition to the 375 000 FRF of the basic car.

• 
  Alpine GTA Le Mans in blue Alpine.
• 
  Alpine GTA Le Mans in imperial red.
• 
  Alpine GTA Le Mans ACT rims.
• 
  Le Mans logo.

In popular culture

Video games

• Forza Horizon 3 (2016)
• Forza Motorsport 7 (2017)

References

На других языках

[de] Renault Alpine GTA

[fr] Alpine GTA

[it] Alpine GTA