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1987 Renault GTA

by Joe Krepps

In 1987, the final, full year for the AMC/Renault 'alliance', a limited run model was produced. Dealers in the South-central PA. area recieved 2-3 each of the Renault GTA, not "Alliance GTA." This difference is important because while some sources say the car is built as a 'remembrance' of Renault Cup Racers, I believe it is more likely a method of naming it so that it fits in with SCCA Autocross classes. It can run in a completely stock, less than 100HP class, unlike a Ford Escort GT or a VW Golf GTi, which are considered upgraded models of Escorts and Golfs.

The car is 'standard' equipped with the following:

2.0 liter 4 cylinder, 82x93mm, unique to the GTA.
- 95 HP @ 5250 RPM
- 114 Ft./Lbs @ 2750 RPM
Close ratio 5 speed
195/50 VR 15 Michelin XGT on Ronal 15x6 alloy wheels
Gas struts & shocks, .94" front sway bar & 1.02" rear sway bar
Power steering, 3.2 turns lock-to-lock
Power brakes w/9.4" vented disc in front, 8.0" drum in back
Leather wrapped steering wheel from European R5 Turbo
Cloth seats with side bolsters and see-through headrests
Front air dam/Rear spoiler/'Ground Effects' style lower body side
moldings/Interior trim items

Base price: $9000

Options:

Convertible
A/C $700
Sunroof $342
AM-FM Cass. w/Eq. $626
AM-FM Cass. $367
Cruise control $188
Keyless entry $106
Rear defroster $144
Fog lights $83
Tinted glass $102
Light group $67
Clock $64
Protection Group $29

EPA Estimated mileage 26/30

Curb weight: 2161 lbs.

Performance:

0-60: 9.6 sec.
1/4 mile: 17.3 sec.
Skidpad:
- Car & Driver .85g
- Motor Trend .87g
- Factory .89g
- some claim by shaving tires & altering camber, .91g
Top Speed: 101 MPH

The wide tires/stiff suspension make the car 'darty' on uneven back roads. Consumer Reports said it was one of the worst cars they'd ever driven in snow, especially considering it's front wheel drive. I bought a set of 4 used Encore wheels and put M+S rated tires on from Oct.-May, the Michelin XGTs don't seem to last more than 20k miles, so why run up mileage if they're too cold to work?

Although I never 'Auto-crossed' the car, from a rolling start, the car IS quicker than figures suggest, just ask the V8 powered 'Muscle Cars' I've tied/beaten. On a warm day, the car is just stuck to the pavement.

The original shocks/struts are, IMHO, too stiff for everyday driving. I've had to re-weld the passenger-side upper shock mount because of damage, otherwise the car has been remarkably trouble free in spite of my short trip/intense mileage. Perhaps in it's last year on our shores, most of the kinks were worked out.

If you ever get the chance to drive a GTA, don't pass it off as a hopped-up Alliance! If you have any questions/comments, please contact Joe Wagner (jwcool404@hotmail.com).

Sources:

Motor Trend, "Sports Cars of the World" Spring 1987
Car and Driver, "Hotshot Shootout!" March 1987
Consumer Reports
My original window sticker

Finally: According to Car & Driver figures, the '87 Corvette w/stock suspension & motor had the same skidpad number + it didn't put out as much HP or torque for it's size as the GTA's (and I can carry twice as many people, use my trunk, drive in snow, get real-life gas mileage and keep my insurance cost under the GNP of Bora-Bora)!

Endgame: Renault and Jeep