Video: The 12,000rpm Touring Car

09th April 2021

Henry Biggs

We might be used to bikes and Formula 1 cars revving to five figures, but a touring car? Three decade ago that's exactly how Alfa Romeo took on the might of the German manufacturers on their home turf in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touring Car Championship or DTM).

Fresh from winning the 1992 Italian Superturismo Championship, Alfa Romeo decided to further develop the 155 GTA to take advantage of the relatively loose rules of DTM. The Busso V6 was turned lengthwise to allow for four-wheel-drive, a magnesium crankcase housed a six-speed gearbox and the engine itself benefitted from titanium valves and dry sump lubrication. As a result Nicola Larini won 11 of the 20 championship races with team mate Alessandro Nannini taking a couple more. But never mind the stats, just listen to it scream!

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Fighting a Porsche 962 at Lime Rock