It is at Alpine’s very confidential facilities in the Paris region, that the brand gave us an appointment, shortly before the summer. Apart from the R designation notified on the invitation card, few clues allow us to imagine what awaits us behind these closed doors. But the meeting place is not trivial. This is where some of the engineering work that we will later find on the Formula 1 circuits takes place. Which makes us imagine that the young French brand has prepared a slightly spicier recipe for its unique road model. After a quick introduction, and after having signed a contract on the highly confidential nature of what was to follow, here we are in the presence of the Alpine A110 R, the most radical version of the little Dieppe, and which completes the range. , without time limit or production. yum.
The R is therefore the runway girl, the purist of the range. She oversees all other versions being by far the most radical. A very generous use of carbon, completely redesigned aerodynamics, a more radical interior and a color, Bleu Racing Mat, which it shares with the Formula 1 A522. In the confined space of the meeting place, surrounded by highly technical parts, this R version imposes Lower and visually widened by the laws of aerodynamics, this A110 looks like something straight out of a touring car championship, a kind of unmarked GT4. Still, this version was designed for those who wanted more intensive use on the track… while still being able to get there on the road. For this, a group of engineers is at our disposal to explain the technical improvements introduced in the already very efficient A110. And that begins, of course, with relief.
At first glance, this A110 R “seems” lighter. And for good reason, carbon is ubiquitous and very conspicuous. The very imposing front hood adds character to the face, but also improves top speed and contributes to aerodynamic optimisation. The rims have been developed specifically for this A110 R. More elaborate at the front, they provide better brake cooling. Those at the rear, more aerodynamic, allow better drag control. The rear window has also been replaced with a large piece of carbon fiber. These pieces, designed, developed and manufactured by the specialist Duqueine, impress by their lightness once in the hand. The rims alone saved more than 12 kg. In total, this R version manages to save 34 kg on the scale compared to an A110S of the same power. A value that may seem low, but the goal is above all to lower -even more- the center of gravity.
The other great line of work was the optimization of the aerodynamic part. To do this, the Alpine A110 R benefited from work in the wind tunnel with tools as advanced as those used in Formula 1. The goal was to find an optimal relationship between aerodynamic support and resistance. Obviously, to guarantee maximum dynamism and grip in the winding (including the fast ones), without prejudice to high speeds. Flat bottom, redesigned diffuser, widened and lengthened, side wings, aerodynamic suspension arms… The A110 R inherits the best in the field. At the rear, the fin is the same as that used on the A110 S. But it rests on different masts, is less steep, with a lower angle of attack.
The improvements also affected the chassis, lowered 10 mm for the occasion (compared to an A110 S). You can also opt for an additional 10mm thanks to configurable dampers. In addition, the latter benefit from a gradual hydraulic adjustment (20 notches), which allows “adjusting the force-velocity law in compression and relaxation” according to Alpine. Roll is even more controlled thanks to stiffer bars by 10% at the front and 25% at the rear. Also on the tire side, the A110 R is seriously equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks. The braking system, entrusted to Brembo, is provided with 320mm discs at the front and rear. They have a cooling system designed specifically for this R, with air ducts mounted directly on the upper arms of the front axle.
On board, the interior of the A110 is preserved, enhanced here by Sabelt seats, also in carbon and offering optimal support. Alcantara is obviously de rigueur in this interior that doesn’t seem to have sacrificed everything for performance. For the rest, we find the classic mechanics of the Alpine A110S, specifically the 300 hp 1.8 (here the power-weight ratio rises to 3.6 kg/CV). It still develops 340Nm of torque from 2,400rpm. On the other hand, this A110 R accelerates more strongly with a 0 to 100 km / h achieved in 3.9 seconds and the top speed has run amok to reach 285 km / h. The Alpine teams took the opportunity to let us hear the sound of this new version (which benefits from a specific double-walled exhaust line to preserve the other parts from the heat). A very typical alpine sound, which is actually more hoarse.
This Alpine for purists and amateur riders thus arrives in the range and will take its first steps, in public, during this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. You will not be limited in time or production. On the other hand, now it dares with the six-figure price since it is displayed at €105,000 for the French market.
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