While most of the car industry embraces nerdy digital gimmicks and turbocharged engines, the Alpine A110 decides to become a proper antidote to the Zeitgeist. Inspired by the melody of the original rally legend A110 from the 1960s, the modern A110 is definitely not trying to win the German grand touring wars by heavy spec sheets. Instead, Alpine is much more focused on the, sad to say, almost extinct goal of pure, unaltered driving pleasure. Thanks to an all-aluminum chassis and a compact footprint, Alpine is able to keep curb weight astonishingly low, often going below 1,100kg depending on the trim. This phenomenal weight, the very essence of the car, allows it to carve corners with a grace and poise that modern supercars, ‘burdened’ by hybrid batteries and superfluous safety tech, simply cannot match. The A110 is a refreshing return to the ethos of “less is more”. Each and every gram saved, translates to more driver feedback, more a mechanical harmony
Engineering Excellence: The Mid-Engine Heartbeat
The A110’s engine is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it is located behind the two-seat cabin. A small engine like that would usually seem underwhelming for a premium sports car, but the precision and difficulty in engineering such a car makes it seem more spectacular. The standard model has 252 hp, and the S and GT variants have just under 300 hp. Additionally, the car’s weight leads to an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, meaning it can do 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 to 4.5 seconds. The power goes to the rear wheels from the seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission which gives instantaneous shifts. The mid-engine design ensures great weight distribution. The car is able to rotate around the driver’s waist which gives an exceptional experience of control.
Performance and Technical Specifications
| Feature | Alpine A110 (Base) | Alpine A110 S |
| Engine Type | 1.8L Turbocharged I4 | 1.8L Turbocharged I4 |
| Horsepower | 252 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 340 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.5 Seconds | 4.2 Seconds |
| Curb Weight | 1,102 kg | 1,109 kg |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 275 km/h |
Interior Craftsmanship and Everyday Usability
The sparsely equipped competitors’ interiors A110 still manages to impress. They still offer tracking capabilities, along with a French custom made sensory experience. The A110 is not too big, and still makes intelligent use of quality materials. These include soft leather, quilt with carbon, and dinamic soft materials. Among the many highlights, Sabelt bucket seats offer maximum lateral support. Also, they offer even unexpected comfort, on longer journeys. Infotainment system and smartphone connectivity. The focus remains on the physical touchpoints, which are the steering wheel paddle shifters, the big red starter button, and the toggle switches.
The A110 may only offer storage for two small trunks, but it stands out as a “daily-able” sports car. Its compliant suspension and small size allow upper and lower handling on tight city streets as well as descending tight mountain passes.
The Driving Experience: a Lesson in Feedback
Driving the Alpine A110 is a lesson in driving. While most modern performance cars employ stiff suspension as a way to hide their weight, the Alpine is soft and supple by design, and that softness allows for a greater degree of body roll. The body roll not only helps the driver understand how much grip is left on the road, but it also improves steering responsiveness. The car feels alive on a winding B-road; it breathes with the bumps and waves, and it isn’t a machine that urges you to hold back. It lives for the delicate steering that guides you to the edge of the road and rewards you with a beautiful snap crackle and pop as you drive. It is a machine that rewards delicacy and control, making a trip to the grocery store feel special.
Aesthetics and Aerodynamic Sophistication
A110 stands out with its unique combination of retro and modern design. Thanks to its wind tunnel tested design, the A110 is able to maintain its ancestor’s signature quad-headlight front and wrap around rear window. A110’s underbody and rear diffuser design is also a staple of modern engineering. Its ability to maintain clean, uncluttered styling is a major advantage over competitors who add rear wings as reverse-mounted coffee cups, smoke stack style exhausts, and aggressive design features to show “aerodynamic” thinking. Plus, they do it as a way to shout “speed!” With a purpose built shape that breaks from the line of competitors, the A110 looks fast standing still, yet subtle and clean.
FAQs
Q1 What makes the Alpine A110 different from a Porsche 718 Cayman?
The Alpine is significantly lighter than the Porsche, weighing roughly 300 kg less. This gives it a more delicate, agile feel on the road, whereas the Porsche feels more planted and robust.
Q2 Can you take the Alpine A110 on long road trips?
You might be able to hit the road for a long journey, but storage for luggage will be a problem. You’ll sit comfortably, but in the back there is only a small storage compartment. For the front you may have a small suitcase, but it’ll probably be a soft bag. So if you’re planning a trip, save it for a weekend escape.
Q3 Do you get a manual in the Alpine A110?
The A110 option is only a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. However, this is a good option because it is designed to optimize the power delivery of its small turbocharged engine.
