We tested the Alpine A110 R: a sublime sports car that has reached perfection thanks to an expensive and balanced diet

With the approach of summer, many people have decided to go on a diet to lose weight and engage in sports activities in order to feel better. This is exactly what the Alpine A110 did to achieve this very special version called the Alpine A110 R. This car managed to lose 34 kilos and improve some aspects of its configuration. After having tried it, I am convinced that it is a real success. Let me explain to you in detail.

Alpine continues to progress as a brand, focusing on a single model in its product line, at least until the recent arrival of the announced SUV, the A290 Beta prototype of which was recently unveiled. The cornerstone of the brand remains the A110, which was presented in 2017 and which already has three versions as well as several specific finishes, in addition to some special editions.

The initial 252 HP A110 was quickly supplanted by the A110 S , which improved the concept on which the legendary brand was relaunched, increasing its power to 300 HP.

Now here comes the A110 R , the ultimate, sporty, radical and most special version of them all. This car is destined to become an unmistakable cult and collectible icon. We have started.

Improved diet and key points

In January I started going to the gym and I remember my first meeting with the instructor where I expressed my goal of losing weight. With insight, he advised me to lose the weight needed to achieve balance.

This same principle was applied to the Alpine A110 S to create the version we are talking about today. Starting from the base lightness of the A110 S, a car weighing 1,116 kilos, we managed to reduce 34 kilos in key areas. This has been complemented by specific tuning, tailored to the unique approach of this new car.

Let's start with the wheels, which are undeniably the most remarkable element. What sets the 110 R apart is the inclusion, as standard equipment, of carbon fiber wheels on both axles, a feature unheard of in cars in your segment or level.

Typically, the few carbon fiber wheels that hit the market were only found on extremely expensive and exclusive cars, such as the Koenigsegg Regera hypercar, to give a point of reference.

The French specialist Duqueine has designed a wheel set for the A100 R that offers a weight advantage in the unsprung parts. This system reduces the total weight by 12.5 kg, which plays a crucial role in the dynamic behavior of the car. The front tires benefit from a weight reduction of 6.6 kilos, while the rear tires register a reduction of 6.9 kilos.

Those who are very attentive will have noticed that the designs of the back and the front are different. The front parts are designed in a more open way in order to promote better air circulation towards the braking equipment, which is the most stressed. On the other hand, the rear parts seem to be more closed to improve aerodynamics.

Either way, each rim is made up of two distinct elements: a carbon core and an outer piece that covers it. It is this external part that varies between the front axle and the rear axle.

If we take a look at the front cover, we can see that this part of the A110 R is also made of exposed carbon fiber, which helps reduce its weight by 2.6 kg. It is equipped with two air ducts to improve aerodynamics and give it a very aggressive appearance, contrasting with the color of the bodywork.

Another change concerns the rear window, which is now entirely made of carbon. It replaces the traditional rear window and covers the engine compartment.

It incorporates the third brake light in the center and has two intake grilles to supply air to the engine. It features Alpine's signature graphic pattern, known as "snowflake". Improvements have also been made to the airflow in the engine compartment to improve its aerodynamic efficiency.

The inclusion of this additional element saves 4 kilos, but it also has an impact on the interior of the vehicle. This is why the interior mirror has been removed. It would make no sense to install it when the rear window is obstructed. To see the rear during manoeuvres, we rely on the reversing camera and the side mirrors.

If you notice, there is no interior mirror

Other elements were also removed in addition to this part, such as the passenger compartment/engine compartment bulkhead and the engine cover. In total, these removed parts reduce the weight of the car by 8.9 kg.

The aerodynamics have been particularly taken care of

It is common to say that cars of this type benefit from technology developed in Formula 1. In this specific case, this applies to their aerodynamic development, because the same wind tunnel was used as that of the Alpine F1 team.

The design of each component of the car has been redesigned in order to achieve exceptional aerodynamic performance. Before spending 40 hours in the wind tunnel, more than 150 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations were carried out for the complete vehicle. A specific study was carried out in collaboration with the Formula 1 engineering team on the wing, where thousands of configurations were designed, simulated in CFD, then validated in the wind tunnel. The Alpine A110 R thus benefits from the technologies and development tools used in Formula 1. Thanks to this extensive research, the optimal balance between ground pressure, aerodynamic drag (drag force) and brake cooling has been found, placing today the

In this version, the balance between downforce and aerodynamic resistance differs significantly from other Alpine models. The aerodynamic distribution has been modified to favor the rear of the car more: the A110 R is equipped with a significantly higher rear stand than the A110 S with the Aero Kit, which translates into a saving in load 29 kg at top speed. This modification optimizes stability during fast and high-speed turns.

At first glance, it may seem that the rear wing is identical to that of the A110 S equipped with the Aero kit. However, it is actually the same piece placed in a significantly different way. This configuration includes gooseneck mounts, resulting in a wing setback of 18mm and a rise of 46mm.

In addition to the spoiler, this rear part of the vehicle is remarkable thanks to its carbon and fiberglass diffuser specially designed for this model. It has a slender shape directed towards the rear of the car, with curvatures and twisted wings, helping to generate faster airflow under the vehicle. This creates more vacuum, helping to improve downforce and reduce drag at the same time.

Don't step on it, like on airplane flaps

The aerodynamic development of this version is not limited to this, as specific carbon side skirts are placed between the front axle and the rear axle, thus widening the flat bottom of the car. This increases downforce and reduces turbulence throughout the vehicle, especially in the lower section.

These side skirts protrude considerably from the plane of the car, and a small inscription has been added to warn that they must not be stepped on, otherwise they could break. In the event of breakage, this could lead to considerable costs.

Some of you may have noticed that the air intakes are held at the side windows. The air intake located on the left side remains unchanged and continues to supply air to the engine. On the other hand, a modification has been made on the right side with the addition of a deflector that guides the air towards the engine, thus allowing the necessary components to be cooled and optimizing the use of the air entering the compartment. engine.

In addition, the suspension has been improved to provide better precision and adapt to the changes made in terms of weight and aerodynamics of the Alpine A110 R. So far we have gone through all the elements that have been modified to reduce its weight and improve its aerodynamic efficiency, but it is also worth mentioning the other modifications aimed at increasing its precision and adaptation to these changes.

The suspension of the Alpine A110 R can be adjusted in both directions, which adds 1.2 kilos compared to the A110 S. However, these adjustments offer the following advantages:

1. Height: The A110 R is 10mm lower than the A110 S. For track-only use, the height can be changed and lowered an additional 10mm using the shock's threaded body. After each track session, the car must be reset to its original position for legal road use.

2. Hydraulic adjustment of the shock absorber: This adjustment, inspired by the world of competition, makes it possible to adjust the ratio between the effort and the speed of compression and rebound in 20 clicks. This makes it possible to choose from different options to configure the vehicle according to the preferences of the driver. Each click has a direct impact on the car, changing the balance of the chassis. Settings range from 1 (firmest) to 20 (softest). These adjustments affect both compression and rebound of the suspension.

As far as driving sensations are concerned, contrary to what one might expect seeing the carbon fiber monocoque structure seats (weight reduction of 5 kilos) and the Sabelt 6-point harness (weight reduction of 1 .5 kilos) as soon as the door is opened, the Alpine A110 R does not behave at all like a hard, rigid and uncomfortable torture machine.

We were able to test the unit which had been imported directly from France (hence its license plates), and it was installed in the standard position of the road chassis. This means it sat 10mm lower than an A110 S and retained remarkable stability. It was possible to lower it another 10 millimeters by touching the suspension.

The R model offers four driving modes: Normal, Sport, Track and Off. In normal mode, it's amazing how well it performs to the usual standards. The sound of the 1.8 turbo four-cylinder engine is barely audible, giving the impression of driving an A110 S.

It presents a remarkable smoothness and silence, almost indistinguishable from ordinary cars, if we put aside the peculiarities specific to this version, such as the harnesses or the absence of an interior mirror.

However, the true character of this version is fully revealed when the Sport mode is activated. The sound increases in intensity, creating a true racing atmosphere that immerses you in the action.

The steering becomes more precise and responsive, the electronics reduce throttle response lag, and in general, every element gives you heightened excitement. Events unfold at lightning speed, with a direct and intense connection between driver and machine.

The steering wheel, which is extremely compact and almost perfectly round, is covered in alcantara, while the gearshift paddles are firmly fixed to the steering column. Upshifts and downshifts become an addictive game, made even more dynamic by the 7-speed gearbox.

It is renowned for its remarkable lightness, which allows it to take turns with surprising ease. In addition, it managed to completely eliminate the slight tendency to understeer that I observed during my test of the A110 S.

This vehicle has exceptional overall balance, with an excellent connection between the front axle and the rear axle. This inspires great confidence when it comes to high-speed driving. In addition, this car offers extreme precision in steering movements, which always gives the impression that you can take it wherever you want.

For the rest, the engine is very responsive and offers a torque of 340 Nm between 2,400 and 6,000 rpm, which allows you to benefit from many possibilities. Thus, it is not necessary to constantly reach very high revs or be in an optimal speed range, which makes driving this car more pleasant and less stressful than in other sports cars.

It's possible to accelerate quickly out of corners with confidence, as the 300 horsepower engine is well controlled and doesn't seek to cause undue rear-end disturbance unless you force the dose. This makes it possible to quickly reach high speeds without problems.

The car feels stiff, with a low driving position, but that doesn't cause any noticeable discomfort. Even in 'Track' mode, engine noise is still perfectly bearable, and you'll be captivated by the crackle it produces when you release the accelerator and the car continues to move forward, or even when downshifting.

The seats in the Sabelts, in my opinion, are the most radical I've ever found in a sports car. Compared to the seats of a Porsche 911 GT3 or a BMW M3/M4, they offer a much higher level of comfort. Although their rigid carbon fiber structure does not allow the angle of the backrest to be adjusted, once the optimum position in relation to the steering wheel and the pedals is found, they prove to be comfortable.

The presence of a rigid carbon structure is compensated by several soft cushions, which, thanks to their significant thickness, effectively absorb the weight of the occupants and prevent them from having the impression of being seated in an electric chair.

It is also worth stressing the importance of homologated road harnesses, which condition the entire safety system.

However, in this car comfort is greatly affected by another element. I'm talking about the seat belts, specifically the six-point harnesses, which are surprisingly the only restraints available in this model.

Unlike the Porsches where the harnesses are combined with a classic seat belt, which complies with road regulations, this car has only one element: the harnesses. What is surprising is that these harnesses are approved for use on the road, whereas in other cars driving on the road with harnesses would result in a fine.

And it is thanks to these harnesses that you are firmly attached to the seats, which greatly influences the comfort of the car, and I would even say sometimes safety. For what ? Because for some harnesses to do their job, they have to be tight enough to keep the body still. Without it, in the event of an accident, it would be easy for the body to move forward, with the risk of hitting the steering wheel.

In this particular configuration, when the harnesses are properly adjusted, the natural movements that one must perform while driving are considerably restricted. I will give you a concrete example that happened to me. When in a high-speed passing lane, it is common to drive the vehicle forward slightly and turn your head to get a good view of the traffic coming behind through the exterior mirrors, in order to decide how to steer on. the road.

However, in this car this is not possible due to the fact that the harnesses hold the driver at shoulder height, thus limiting the degrees of forward movement available in a car fitted with conventional seat belts. .

Also, if you are strapped in but have not closed the door, it may be difficult to reach the red fabric strap provided for closing the door by touching it with your fingertips. Without this element, it would be practically impossible to close the door without having to unbutton it again, which can be very inconvenient.

This red tape is used to close the door once you have fixed the harnesses

It also has an impact on other daily activities, such as taking a ticket at the entrance to a car park or retrieving small items such as a mobile phone or wallet from the passenger compartment. In this case, as in racing cars, you have to forget them to have them at hand.

In addition, the Alpine A110 R surprises with its ease of use on ordinary roads. Despite its low height, it does not touch bumps or steep slopes thanks to its good angles of attack. It is not necessary to add a front axle lifting system, which avoids additional weight.

In conclusion, during the four days I had the Alpine A110 R in my hands, I covered many kilometers. I was aware that this might be the last time I would drive such a special and exclusive car, given that very few units will be produced for true Alpine enthusiasts.

It is a car that defies all expectations in terms of performance. Its speed, lightness, precision and balance are remarkable at all times, making its ride irresistible.

In addition, thanks to its 1.8 turbo engine and its reduced weight, its consumption remains remarkably low. It never exceeded 10.8 l/100 km, which is an impressive record, especially since the Normal mode was very rarely activated during the entire driving time.

It's true that there are still a few elements in this version of the Alpine A110R that are somewhat outdated, despite a starting price of 107,000 euros. For example, the central screen has a low resolution (although it now displays telemetry data), the controls for adjusting the radio volume resemble those of a Dacia, and the key takes the form of a card, similar to that of your father's Megane. However, apart from these details, there is no denying that the Alpine A110R is an excellent lightweight sports car.

In an era where electrification and automation dominate, this car is a breath of fresh air for enthusiasts of authentic and mechanical cars. It is certain that in a few years, this Alpine A110R will become a real treasure prized by collectors.