Encouragingly, Alfa insiders are also making great claims for the adjustable nature of the GTA's on-limit handling. Alfa has always wanted a two-pronged attack on the performance sector. The 156 GTA is the refined grand-tourer with a sporting edge and the 147 will be the ultra-responsive, back-to-basics sports car aimed squarely at the committed enthusiast. Expect it to smoke to 60 in a tad under six seconds and run on to 155mph. The 147 GTA will be offered with either six-speed manual or the latest Selespeed sequential transmissions and should cost around £23,000 when it hits the UK.

The increasing trend for highly developed performance flagships continues worldwide. Despite attempts by various groups to make driving an anti-social activity it seems the death of the performance car has been greatly exaggerated.