ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW ALPINE RANGE

Alpine, famed for sports and racing cars, was founded in 1955,  and this season the name has graced the F1 circuits around the world. The company was relaunched in 2017 with the new A110, and the range has been updated with three distinct new versions, with uprated performance, and more equipment than ever.

The sleek new range now consists of the A110, offering a pure and typically Alpine driving experience with 252bhp, the luxurious new A110 GT and the more focused A110 S. The A110 GT and A110 S receive sharper engine calibration with 300bhp and bespoke chassis setups delivering a more intense drive. All three models come with a new and upgraded multimedia system with enhanced connectivity and telematics. There is a series of equipment packs to allow customers to specify their Alpine with more features, from convenience packs to sports seats upgrades The A110 S can be specified with an aero kit featuring carbon elements for added downforce and enhanced performance with 274kph (170mph) top speed.

Looking at the three models, the entry model has been renamed simply as the A110. Agility and acceleration are unparalleled thanks to a combination of a lightweight and balanced chassis and its mass has been optimally spread out, 44 per cent at the front, 56 per cent at the rear with the engine in a central-bac1k position and it is lighter at 1,102kg unladen. It comes with the Alpine chassis and sport seats, and its communicative dynamics and efficiency in all circumstances provide driving pleasure. The distinctive features of the New A110 GT include the Thunder Grey launch colour, enhanced with subtle GT badging on the back and the door sills and this version offers an unparalleled blend of performance and elegance with its Alpine chassis and 300hp powertrain. The sleek exterior silhouette, sophisticated interior and sharp mechanical features deliver a tantalising combination. Standard features bring enhanced comfort and convenience, including Park Assist with front and rear sensors and rear-view camera, plus adjustable leather comfort seats with blue overstitching.

The exterior design of the A110 S provides more than a clue as to its sporty, intensely Alpine driving experience. Exterior equipment includes chromium black Alpine lettering, bright 46cm (18 inch) GT Race rims with black detailing, 215/40 R18 front tyres and 245/40 18 rear tyres, and orange brake callipers. Additional S badging completes the added detailing over the rest of the A110 range, while optional carbon aerodynamic body kit details are available, as well as Fire Orange paintwork with contrasting Deep Black roof. The A110 S delivers on its visual promise with an uncompromising mechanical specification, 300hp, uprated sports chassis, brakes and exhaust to deliver an enthusiastic and exhilarating drive on any road. The A110 S is also available with optional Michelin PS Cup 2 Connect semi-slick tyres, while the optional aero kit pushes the top speed up to 274kph (170mph). The kit is comprised of a carbon rear spoiler improving aerodynamic support, a carbon front blade and longer front fairings under the car to step up the efficiency of the rear diffuser and flat floor. With the aero kit fitted, the New A110 S can deliver its full potential on track. Its stability at its enhanced top speed comes from the 60kg extra load on the front wheels (from the carbon blade) and 81kg extra load at the back (from the carbon spoiler), adding up to a total of 141kg extra downforce.

The interior comes with top-of-the-range fittings including adjustable Sabelt Sport seats, aluminium Sport pedals, and a microfibre covered interior with orange overstitching if the driver opts for the microfibre pack and racing seats. The orange seatbelts, all-microfibre seat upholstery and fittings to add a harness are unique to this model. Clearly not only would this version be satisfying for road driving, but would be ideal for track day. Looking at performance, the A110 GT can sprint from rest to 100kph (62mph) in 4.2 seconds, while the entry level model can cover the same tarmac in 4.5 seconds.

Ian Lynas