The Alpine A110 series, which, like the Phoenix, rose from the ashes in 2017, introduces a new variant, the A110 R, to fully utilize the model's dynamic capabilities and provide its clients with a track vehicle that can also drive down the street with the performance and comfort of a real sports car. Since its rebirth that year, the new A110 has been suggested in many variations, with the A110 S standing out in terms of features and equipment beginning in 2021. Work on this has been done on four pillars: lightweight, chassis, aerodynamics, and design, with the goal of enhancing its performance on the road and on the circuits.
The first feature that sticks out is the abundance of carbon fiber, which has allowed it to keep its weight under control, placing it at 1,082 kilograms, 34 less than the S version. It can be found on the front hood, which has two air ducts to improve aerodynamics; the rear window, which is opaque and has two intake grilles to supply air to the engine; the wheels, which provide a weight reduction of 12.5 kilos compared to the A110S; and the front and rear spoilers, not to mention the seats.
Length: 4.18 meters
Width: 1.79 meters
Height: 1.23 meters
Wheelbase: 2.41 meters
Weight: 1,082 kilos
Trunk: 100 + 96 liters
Engine: 1.8 T 300 hp gasoline
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3.9 seconds
Maximum speed: 285 km/h (pending homologation)
Consumption: 6.7 litres/100km
Emissions: 153 gr/km
Numerous features have been updated to improve aerodynamics and high-speed handling using Formula 1 wind tunnel development techniques. The carbon rear wing with gooseneck mounts is less steep and somewhat further back than the S version, with a lower angle of attack, and increases the weight on the rear axle by 29 kg at peak speed. The front has the same carbon sheet as its range sibling, but with integrated air intakes in the bumper that add 14 kilograms to the front axle weight. A wider and longer carbon and fiberglass diffuser at the back delivers increased airflow towards the underneath of the vehicle with higher negative pressure in that location, completing the aerodynamic enhancements. The chassis height is 10mm lower than the S and may be reduced by up to 10mm more for track use thanks to the adjustable dampers. The stabilizer bars are stronger (10% front and 25% rear), and the springs are firmer by another 10%, with adjustable compression and rebound dampers (a total of 20 positions).
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (215/40 front and 245/40 rear) are placed on 18-inch rims that are wider open in the front for better brake cooling. This pair provides higher stability and grip, depending on the brand, and allows you to save 0.5 seconds per kilometer on the track when compared to regular tires. Brembo brakes have four-piston calipers and 320-millimeter bi-material discs to minimize weight on both axles. Cooling has been enhanced with shells put on the upper arms of the front axle and ducts linked to the car's fairing that guide airflow to the discs, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency.
There has been no news on the motorization front. The engine is the same as in the S version: a 1.8-liter 16-valve four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The improvements at the chassis and aerodynamics levels are visible in the improved performance of its sibling. It achieves 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds with "launch control" and has a peak speed of 285 km/h (4.2 sec. and 275 km/h in the S variant).
It has three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Track, which affect the throttle response and gearbox speed. Track mode is meant for the circuit, with faster shifts conducted solely via the steering wheel paddles and a unique calibration of stability control to boost track limits, which may also be turned off. The interior is entirely microfiber, with red fabric handles for opening the doors that harken back to the era of "motorsport" as well as a steering wheel cover and carbon seat padding. These are Sabel Track monocoques with racing-style 6-point safety harnesses. The letter A is stitched on the headrests to remind you of the new version's distinct identity. or the most "burned" the box contains real-time data on turbo pressure, gearbox temperature, engine torque, power, steering wheel angle, and an accelerometer.
We must go back to 1955, when a workshop manager called Jean Redelé developed a vehicle based on the Renault 4 CV for mountain races in Dieppe, a city in northern France, and achieved excellent results. It was the birthplace of Mountain, which was named after the alpine races in which the A106 competed as the brand's debut car. The "sporty" A106 featured a 0.7-liter engine that developed 43 horsepower and could achieve 153 kilometers per hour while weighing just 530 kilos. The A108, based on the mechanics of the Renault Dauphine, was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1960, with engines reaching 60 hp and 3, 4, and 5-speed gears.
The first A110, commonly known as "Berlinette" debuted in 1961 and was based on the mechanics of the Renault 8. It had a tubular steel frame and a fiberglass body, and its engines varied from 95 to 125 horsepower (from the R8 Gordini) (based on the aluminum block engine from the Renault 16 TS). It attained a top speed of 210 km/h with this engine, due to its light weight of only 620 kg. The A110 is the brand's most recognizable model, and it is responsible for the company's widespread popularity and competitive success. In the 1970s, he was a frequent winner, most notably his victory in the 1973 Monte Carlo rally and the manufacturers' championship in the newly formed World Rally Championship that year. Although Alpine's primary plant was in Dieppe, it was also hand-assembled at the Renault facility in Valladolid, which began with the A108 and shifted to the A110 in 1960. There were 6,892 units built here until 1977 when the final item created of this car legend departed its chain.
Orders may already be placed in October, albeit you will have to dig deep into your pockets because this variation is far more expensive than the aforementioned A110 S. Alpine has specifically requested the following figure:
Alpine A110 R – 103,000 euros
For the time being, we are left with the urge to be able to test the A110 R's capabilities on the road. We hope to see it soon and tell you all about it.