2004 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe JTS

The results are quite impressive, despite its small displacement. A total of 166 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque

Although it produces 166 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, the JTS engine is tuned more towards refinement than performance. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

are produced thanks to a sky-high compression ratio of 11.3:1. Even though the engine's high rev limit and chrome-tipped exhaust pipe suggest a raspy, thrumming noise, don't get your hopes up. The JTS unit has been tuned to be quiet, biased toward a "comfort-oriented customer," according to Alfa boss Daniele Bandiera.

When hooked up to the Selespeed sequential gearbox it takes 8.4 seconds to pull the GT to 100 km/h. The only drawback is that the zippy acceleration compromises top speed, which is a low-ish 217 km/h. The JTS engine can also be had with a traditional five-speed manual transmission. All other engines receive a six-speed manual: no other options have been announced as of yet.

Front wheel driven sports cars are often disregarded by enthusiasts for their inherent at-the-limit handling disadvantages. Luckily for the GT, despite the fact that the front wheels are in charge of putting power to the road, it is said to have a wonderful chassis to fall back on. As mentioned before, the same underpinnings used on the 156 sedan are found under the GT coupe; however, they've been improved

Despite being front wheel drive, the GT's handling is reported to be pretty good. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

upon. In order to accept the more powerful V6 and torquey turbodiesel, the unconventional double-wishbone and strut combination features revised geometry and different mounting points. When you add this to a steering rack that's now two and a quarter turns to lock instead of two and a half, the GT Coupe becomes a precision-built tool for carving up curvy roads.

Though adequate in terms of moving the car along, the engine does not overpower the front wheels according to test reports. Torque steer isn't a problem either, and wheel spin (if any) is put in place via traction control. If ever the situation gets out of hand, Alfa's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) should intervene, however, with those fat high-performance tires it will be difficult to exceed the car's limitations.