Alpine chose weight savings and chassis strengthening over engine tuning, and it paid off well

The revival of Alpine’s long-lost nameplate, the A110, has been a great adventure for the French carmaker. Following quite a few limited edition models since its re-introduction in 2017, Alpine is launching another version called the A110 R. This version of the A110 is lighter than ever, with increased aerodynamics and upgraded brakes for better capability on the track. Truth be told, it is far better than the A110 S, which debuted earlier in 2021.

Alpine claims it has managed to bring the curb weight down to 2,385 pounds, shaving off a total of 75 pounds from the A110 S. To do this, the Renault-owned brand extensively used lightweight materials like carbon fiber to keep the weight in check. The A110 R features a carbon fiber hood with dual intake vents, and it comes in at 6.4 pounds lighter than that of the A110 S. In addition, the 18-inch carbon fiber wheels are also asymmetrical. If you look closely, the spokes on the front wheels are more prominent than on the rear. The wheels together shed a total of 27.5 pounds.

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But that is not the end. Alpine has installed more exclusive carbon fiber parts across the exterior, like the front splitter, side skirts, and the rear wing. In addition, the rear glass panel has been replaced with a carbon fiber engine cover. The A110 R sports a newly designed dual-exhaust system, which helps isolate exhaust gases without affecting other essential engine components.

Alpine made the exterior of the A110 R a pure track-bred iteration of the A110 S, which was also the same ideology applied to the cabin. Inside, the A110 R has fitted, Sabelt Track monocoque carbon fiber seats that are 11 pounds lighter. The seats come with a six-point harness and better bolstering to keep you in place while you enjoy twisties.

If you are familiar with the A110 S, you will find the engine specifications of the A110 R to be similar. That is because it is powered by the same 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot, which puts out an identical 300 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Alpine claims that the A110 R can do naught to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, which is exactly 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor, but also a second faster than its arch enemy, the Porsche 718 Cayman S. Also, this new kid on the block has a higher top speed rating of 177 mph (six mph increase over the A110 S).

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While Alpine did not modify the A110 R's powertrain, it did tinker with the chassis. The car's suspension has been stiffened, while the ground clearance has also been dropped by 0.4 inches. Still, since the suspension is adjustable, you can bring down the ground clearance another 0.4 inches for extreme handling prowess on a racetrack. Of course, high-performance cars must have reliable stopping power, so Alpine outfitted the A110 R with 320-mm steel rotors and Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, there is no option for carbon ceramics. Alpine stated that the bookings for the A110 R will start in November 2022 and that it will be priced well above $75,000.

After working predominantly as a freelancer at CarHP/CarIndigo, Amreetam joined the TopSpeed team as a journalist in September 2021. In a world where SUVs are booming, he favors sedans and adores BMWs and Mercedes, with a special spot for Lexus and Genesis. He is currently pursuing Master of Arts in History and is 23 years old.