The American automobile industry faced a monumental loss with the demise of AMC, the fourth not-so-large automaker in the country. However, amidst the downfall of AMC, a bright spark emerged in the form of the Renault Alpine GTA Turbo, which was almost rebadged as the AMC GTA USA. This rare gem of a performance car could have been a game-changer for AMC, but unfortunately, fate had other plans.
The origins of the AMC GTA USA can be traced back to March 1984, before the launch of the Renault Alpine GTA. This sleek two-plus-two coupe boasted a rear-mounted 2.5-liter single-turbo PRV V6 engine that churned out 200 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. With a five-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels, the GTA USA could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds and achieve a top speed of 155 mph, putting it in the same league as the C4 Chevy Corvette of the time.
Renault, being a major shareholder in AMC, saw potential in utilizing AMC’s dealer network to distribute a line of premium Renault vehicles in the U.S. market. The introduction of models like the Eagle Medallion and AMC Premier set the stage for the Renault Alpine GTA to be positioned as a halo car. To make it more appealing to American consumers, the GTA USA underwent significant modifications, including the addition of emissions equipment, reinforced doors, and a revised suspension setup to meet federal regulations.
By December 1986, Renault had built 21 pre-production models of the GTA USA, with plans to produce 500 units by 1987. However, the course of events took an unexpected turn when Renault sold its stake in AMC to Chrysler in March 1987. This move came after the assassination of Renault’s president, Georges Besse, which led to a shift in Renault’s strategic direction. Despite hopes of striking a distribution deal with Chrysler, the GTA USA project was ultimately shelved, with some design elements finding their way into the Alpine A610.
Most of the pre-production GTA USA models have been preserved, with two still housed at the factory and the rest transformed into Alpine models scattered across Europe. One fortunate car made its way to the United States in December 2000, serving as a poignant reminder of what could have been for AMC in an alternate automotive timeline.
While the AMC GTA USA remains a symbol of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, it sparks the imagination of enthusiasts who ponder the what-ifs of automotive history. From AMC versions of Renault models to dreams of a Renault-Alpine F1 collaboration, the possibilities are endless. Despite being relegated to the realm of fantasy, the legacy of the AMC GTA USA lives on as a testament to the creative spirit and innovative vision of the automotive industry.
In the grand tapestry of automotive history, the AMC GTA USA may have been a footnote, but its legacy endures as a reminder of a bygone era when small automakers dared to dream big. And while AMC may have faded into obscurity, the spirit of innovation and ambition that drove projects like the GTA USA lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world.
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