Alpine A110S Debuts With More Power, harder, faster, stronger.
Sorry, Americans. This is only for Europe. Alpine refusing to bring the A110 sports coupe to the US.
The mid-engined European two-seater returned the Alpine name to roads back in 2017, and now the line-up is gaining a third version.
The Alpine A110S joins the A110 Pure and A110 Légende as the most expensive – and most powerful – of the bunch. According to the automaker’s chief engineer, Alpine opted to make its first A110 versions with the same ethos of the 1970s cars which inspired them. As such, “just like that classic model they’re playful and fun to drive,”.
The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now gets 288 horsepower, up almost 40 hp over the earlier cars. Torque is 236 lb-ft, and sticks around at its peak for 1,400 rpm higher than in the regular A110. A brake-based electronic differential balances the output between the rear wheels to maximize traction. The powertrain lets the A110S hit 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 miles per hour (260 kilometers per hour).
In addition to boosting the output, Alpine gives attention to the meaner model’s handling. The ride height is 0.1575 inches (4 millimeters) lower than other A110 variants. The springs are 50 percent stiffer, and the anti-roll bars are 100 percent firmer. The A110S rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires with a specific compound for this vehicle. It comes standard with 12.6-inch (320-millimeter) Brembo brakes, which are optional on other Alpines.
The result, Alpine promises, is better high-speed stability, more responsive steering, and improved handling precision. The ESC has been retuned, and you can still turn it off altogether if you prefer.
As for the styling, there are new GT Race wheels with a dark finish, carbon fiber and orange flag detailing on the rear pillars, and orange brake calipers. Gris Tonnerre matte finish paint is an exclusive option for the A110S. A carbon fiber gloss-finish roof is optional, and cuts almost 4.2 pounds, while there’ll also be optional lightweight Fuchs forged alloy wheels.
Inside, there’s orange stitching over black Dinamica faux suede. The Sabelt seats weigh just 28.88 pounds (13.1 kilograms) each. The carbon fiber and orange emblem also makes an appearance in the cabin.
