Meet the new Alpine A110S, the top-of-the-line model that’s been amped up on all fronts. The mid-engined sports car‘s 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been tuned to deliver 292 PS at 6,400 rpm, which is up by 40 PS (courtesy of an increased boost pressure) compared to the standard tune of 252 PS. The new car weighs just a tad heavier at 1,114 kg, compared to the base 1,080 kg.
It boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 3.8 kg/PS (compared to 4.3 kg/PS) and sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, or a tenth quicker than its “lesser” derivatives. Top speed is still limited to 250 km/h. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the car comes with a brake-based e-differential system that delivers optimal agility around the corners with minimal wheelspin.
The increase in performance calls for a slight revision to the suspension geometry, and the coil springs which wrap around the new dampers are now 50% stiffer. Ride height is down by four millimetres, and the bump stops have been tuned for ultimate body control. The anti-roll bars are 100% firmer, though hollowed to minimise weight gain.
New GT Race wheels and special Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres have been fitted as standard, and this includes the larger 320-mm Brembo bi-material rotors (optional on other A110 models) with orange calipers. Alpine says the ESC has been reconfigured for better precision and stability, especially in Track mode. ESC can also be fully disengaged.
Track mode is part of three driving modes, with the other two being Road and Sport. Each mode changes the behaviour of the powertrain, steering, suspension, ESC threshold, and digital instrument cluster display.
Other distinguishing details include carbon-fibre and orange flag details on the rear pillars and blacked-out Alpine script across the tailgate. The matte grey paint you see here is optional, and it’s called Gris Tonnerre.
Inside, orange stitching replaces the signature blue stitching found in other A110 versions. Black Dinamica upholstery now grace the roof lining, sun visors, door panels, and the lightweight Sabelt sport seats (it weights 13.1 kg apiece). The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and Dinamica with an orange 12 o’clock marker and stitching to match.
The foot pedals are made from lightweight aluminium, while the cabin is neatly set off by carbon-fibre and orange flag emblems to match those found on the exterior. Customers who fancy more lightweight materials can opt for the carbon-fibre roof in gloss finish, which further reduces the car’s weight by 1.9 kg.
Other options include lightweight Fuchs forged alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre finish for the Sabelt seats. Standard equipment include a Focal audio system, Alpine Telemetrics and front and rear parking sensors.
Alpine’s managing director, Sébastien Erphelin said: “The A110S delivers an intense Alpine driving experience. From the very inception of the Alpine project, it has been our intention to offer different versions of the A110 with handling and performance characteristics of their own. Like all A110 models, it is easy to drive and live with day-to-day. The A110S is welcoming of all drivers regardless of their skill level, too.”
As for pricing, the Alpine A110S starts from 66,500 euros (RM313k) before options. European customers can now place their bookings, with deliveries starting before the end of the year.
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this Renault Alpine just too good for Lotus. Sigh
french lotus, but better , TC euro should consider bringing it in
TC Euro still have last year stock of Megane RS unsold. How to sell Alpine here? Old men in TC have no idea how to sell cars to young people.