With the A110 R, Alpine pushes the limits of its mid-engine model further towards racing. The special series, limited to 100 units, weighs 1082 kilograms, which is 34 kilograms less than the previous top model, the A110 S. A new front end, an optimized diffuser and the rear wing ensure more driving stability at high speeds and reduce air resistance. The result: 3.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 285 km/h.
When developing the A110 R, the engineers relied on wind tunnel technology from Formula 1. The goal was a balance between contact pressure and air resistance. To do this, they equipped the front end of the A110 R with the carbon fiber spoiler lip, the aero kit of the A110 S and integrated air intake openings that produce an additional 14 kilograms of downforce at the front. At the same time, they reduce drag by around five percent.
The diffuser has also been thoroughly revised. The aerodynamic element, made entirely of carbon and glass fiber, is characterized by a larger width. This causes a faster air flow and thus more vacuum below the vehicle. Vertical flaps, as well as the inner lining of the wheels, reduce disruptive air turbulence. In addition, underbody fins channel the airflow to the diffuser. The effectiveness of the diffuser and the flat underbody is also increased by the shrouded rear suspension. As a further aerodynamic measure, special side skirts made of carbon fiber enlarge the underbody.
The rear spoiler is attached to so-called gooseneck brackets. Not only do they ensure a sporty look, they also ensure greater aerodynamic efficiency by reducing the lift on the underside of the spoiler. The shape of the wing is the same as its counterpart on the A110 S, but is positioned further back and has a lower angle of attack, which reduces drag. The bottom line is that there is 29 kilograms of additional contact pressure at the rear of the vehicle at top speed.
In the case of the exhaust system, a powerful and harmonious sound is produced by changing the shape and eliminating the exhaust flap. The driver and front passenger can fully enjoy an unfiltered sound thanks to the lighter bulkhead to the engine compartment and the removal of the noise insulation.
The A110 R also achieved an increase in lightweight construction. Because of the extensive use of carbon fiber inside and out, the new Alpine weighs just 1082 kilograms. With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg/hp, it covers 1000 meters from a standing start in just 21.9 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its category.
The new top model of the series uses the performance level of the 1.8-liter turbo engine with 221 kW/300 hp at 6300 revolutions per minute (rpm), already known from the A110 S. The four-cylinder coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission already mobilizes its maximum torque of 340 Nm at 2400 rpm and accelerates the two-seater with Launch Control from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. At 285 km/h, the A110 R also sets a new record for the A110 model portfolio.
The wheels developed for the A110 R together with the French racing prototype manufacturer Duqueine are also made entirely of carbon fiber and are therefore 12.5 kilograms lighter than their counterparts on the A110 S. A sports chassis optimized for use on the racetrack transfers the power to the asphalt. For use on the race track, these include: Hydraulically adjustable shock absorbers, with which the body can be manually lowered by ten millimeters when the wheels are removed. At the same time, the rebound and compression stages of the dampers can be varied 20 times using a click ring for maximum performance on the race track. The rigidity of the anti-roll bars increased by ten percent at the front and by 25 percent at the rear. The springs all around are also designed to be ten percent stiffer.
The chassis is complemented by standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tires (215/40 R18 at the front and 245/40 R18 at the rear) with road approval. Compared to standard tires, they have 15 percent more grip. All in all, they bring a time advantage of 0.5 seconds per kilometer in racing.
To increase driving pleasure, the driver can vary the engine, transmission, steering and gas pedal characteristics, the exhaust sound and the intervention parameters of the Electronic Stability Program ESP. There are three different driving programs to choose from, including one for the racetrack with faster gear changes via the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Experienced drivers can deactivate the ESP for fast lap times and targeted drifts.
The interior of the Alpine A110 R, including the steering wheel and seat shells, is completely lined with microfibre fabric. Instead of the usual handles, there are red straps for closing the doors, a borrowing from the world of motorsport. A plaque on the center console indicates the model’s exclusive character. The standard equipment includes, among other things, the on-board telemetry system “Alpine Telemetrics”, which displays boost pressure, transmission temperature, acceleration values, torque, power, steering angle and other technical data in real time. The integrated chronograph can be used to measure and record lap times on the race track.
The launch color “Matt Racing Blue” corresponds to the color scheme of the current Alpine Formula 1 car A522. The all-carbon roof is painted gloss black. The A110 R can be reserved via the Alpine app from October 5th. (awm)
Some technical data Alpine A110 R Limited Edition
Engine: 1.8-litre in-line four-cylinder with turbocharging and four-valve technology
Power: 300 hp; Power-to-weight ratio: 3.6 kg/hp
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 3.9 s
Maximum torque: 340 Nm from 2400-6000 rpm
Top speed: 285 km/h
Empty weight: 1082 kg
Chassis: Newly calibrated anti-roll bars, coil springs that are ten percent stiffer, shock absorbers with adjustable rebound and compression damping, the body has been lowered by ten mm, a further ten mm lowering is possible for the race track
Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slicks 215/40 R 18 front and 245/40 R18 rear on 18 inch carbon fiber rims