When discovering this brand new Alpine A110 R, we can’t help but be both sad and happy. Happy to finally discover this radical version of the berlinetta, and sad because it is also the symbol of the end of an era, that of thermal for the Dieppe brand…
But before we feel sorry for this fate, let’s take advantage of this sporty coupé with a devastating look that is just waiting to devour the bitumen of the circuits. Radical, extreme, there are many adjectives to describe this sports car which is not intended to be more powerful than an A110 S, but which has been subjected to a fairly significant diet to offer markedly improved performance. Here is everything you need to know about this New Alpine A110 R 2022.
Not more powerful, but much lighter
34 kilos less, many will think that it is little but in the world of sports cars it is an extremely important weight loss. The proof, with its weight of 1,082 kilos (1,116 kg for the A110 S), this Alpine A110 R sends the 0 to 100 km/h five tenths faster than the A110 S version (3.9 s for the A110 R against 4.4 s for the A110 S)! Quite a performance when you know that this radical version of the berlinetta retains its 4-cylinder 1.8 turbo block and its power of 300 hp.
Alpine has therefore carried out intensive lightening work so that this A110 R really assumes its status as a radical sports car. To achieve this, the Dieppe firm has maximized the use of carbon fiber, a material found in Formula 1. On the outside, this carbon fiber has been used for the hood (unveiled a few days ago at through a sketch), entirely made in this material, which gains 2.9 kg compared to the A110 S, in order to maximize top speed. The rear window is also all carbon. It replaces the rear window and now covers the engine compartment by integrating the third brake light in the middle. The 4-cylinder is no longer visible from the passenger compartment and the interior mirror has therefore been removed, saving more weight. But rest assured, if you can no longer see the engine, you will still hear it a little more! Another change visible on the outside, the rims of this A110R. Made to measure with the supplier Duqueine, the latter are made of carbon and offer a weight saving of 12.5 kg compared to an A110 S. Different between the front and the rear, these lightened rims improve performance of the vehicle and helps to cool the brakes. Yes, because with a top speed of 285 km/h, or 10 km/h more than an A110S and its aero kit, the braking system obviously has to be able to keep up.
Inside also carbon fiber is present. If the dashboard remains identical to the other versions, the Sabelt Track monocoque seats also gain weight, 5 kg. They are now fitted with 6-point harnesses, saving more than a kilo compared to a conventional belt and providing much greater comfort and support to unleash the beast’s 300 horsepower on the circuit.
As you will have understood, it is by picking up pounds here and there that the French manufacturer manages to make this A110R lose 34 kilos, which gains in performance. But the work was even more in-depth and the research carried out for the F1 environment made it possible to play on the aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Inspired by racing
In Formula 1, if at the time the power of the engines of each team could make the difference, today everything is decided in the wind tunnel, on the aerodynamic work of the vehicle. On this A110R, many aero parts have been redesigned such as this new gooseneck rear wing, but also the flat bottom and the diffuser. Thanks to this work, the Alpine A110R gains 29 kg of load, which allows it to be even better balanced and to pass even stronger in fast curves. Better still, if the support reduces the top speed, Alpine managed to reduce this drag by 5% to display this top speed of 285 km/h. Thank you F1!
The weight/power ratio could be lowered to 3.6 kg/hp, thus this radical version of the berlinetta manages to complete the 1000 m standing start in 21.9 s. For comparison, its competitor the Porsche Cayman needs 3 seconds more, simple information…
Always with the aim of aerodynamic optimization, the bonnet is equipped with two air ducts and is intended as the key element of the accentuated radicalism of this A110 R. The front end retains the same carbon blade as the A110 S but this time with air intake shutters integrated into the shield, contributing to air resistance and maximizing V max. The diffuser has been redesigned to save weight again but also to generate a rapid airflow in the underbody while limiting aerodynamic turbulence. On the sides, new carbon skirts have been integrated to extend the floor outwards.
Adjustments worthy of preparation for the next Formula 1 Grand Prix, which will take place this week in Japan, a week after the disappointment of Alpine in Singapore. Like what we can not always be efficient. The most important thing is to get up even stronger.
Even more efficient on the circuit, and still approved for the road
A real circuit car, it also remains approved for the road. The torque remains unchanged with its 340 Nm available at 2,400 rpm. If we would have liked a power gain, impossible for reliability reasons no doubt, the A110 R still offers 300 hp under the hood and a red zone at 6,300 rpm. The presence of adjustable shock absorbers and an exclusive chassis mean that the ride height can be reduced by 10 mm.
The braking system is logically more efficient. Still fitted with high-performance Brembo brakes, the Alpine A110 R is equipped with 320 mm diameter bi-material discs to slow down the wheels of the vehicle, fitted with 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tires. R18 front and 245/40 R18 rear.
Mentioned above, the sound of the Alpine has been increased by 3 decibels thanks to the elimination of the exhaust valve and an optimized double pipe geometry. Less breath noise, a more hoarse sound that should make enthusiasts shiver. Everything we are looking for!
Unveiled in Racing Blue Matte, the same as the Formula 1 A522, this A110 R is truly the radical berlinetta of its generation.
Any idea of the price?
If the brand did not wish to communicate on the prices of this A110R, our colleagues from the Argus were able to obtain a figure, or rather a 6-digit number… €105,000, that seems to be the price of this radicalism, ie more than €30,000 more than an A110 S. It’s expensive, very expensive even, but in this radical version it unquestionably outclasses its competitors, and in particular the Porsche Cayman.
In addition, small consolation, it retains a contained malus thanks to a low level of CO2. Still have doubts about this New Alpine A110 R? So come to the Paris Motor Show on October 18 to discover the star of this show.
Orders are open from this month of October, the first deliveries are scheduled for the beginning of 2023.
Find our video presentation of this Alpine A110 R:
Specifications of this New Alpine A110 R
- 1.8 4 cylinder 16s engine
- Power: 300 hp
- Power to weight ratio: 3.6 kg/hp
- 0-100km/h: 3.9s
- Torque: 340 Nm from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm
- Max speed: 285 km/h
- Chassis: recalibrated springs and anti-roll bars, specific axle geometry, 10% stiffer coil springs, specific anti-roll bars, adjustable spring/shock absorber combinations, ride height reduced by 10 mm with possibility of reducing by another 10 mm on the circuit
- Empty weight: 1,082 kg
- Sports exhaust system
- Brembo high-performance braking system, 320 mm diameter bi-material discs front and rear
- 18 inch full carbon rims
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tires, 215/40 R18 front and 245/40 R18 rear
- 2-way adjustable Sabelt Track carbon monocoque driver’s seats with black carbon fiber-microfibre mix upholstery and gray stitching
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