Alpine A110 S
CAR /
IMPRESSION
June 27, 2022
Test Drive the New Alpine A110—Exploring the Differences Between the "110 GT" and "110 S" | Alpine
Alpine A110 | The Alpine A110
Test Drive the New Alpine A110
The new Alpine "A110" has undergone a minor change. The lineup has been streamlined, and we test-drove the latter two of the newly established three grades: "A110," "A110 GT," and "A110 S," to confirm the differences in their characters.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
A True Successor to the Tradition of "Proper" European Sports Cars
A sports car isn't just about power. Those who understand this might truly appreciate the Alpine A110. This French-born sports car, with its agility, excellent acceleration, and stylish design, is a valuable presence that challenges the trend towards larger displacement engines.
Alpine Japan began accepting orders in February 2022, with deliveries finally starting in June for the A110 series. This minor model change brings an upgraded engine and a streamlined lineup.
The A110's excellence lies in its fundamental sports car design. That is, it prioritizes handling over displacement or horsepower, and lightness over size. It is one of the few true successors to the tradition of "proper" European sports cars up to the 1970s.
While using a compact 1,798cc 4-cylinder engine, it produces 300ps, along with precise steering and agile handling thanks to its mid-engine layout. It features a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Its styling, reminiscent of the original A110 that debuted in '62 and dominated rally championships through the early '70s, conveys a sense of purpose designed for speed. The interior offers practicality, including space for luggage behind the seats.
Above all, the car's best attributes are its excellent acceleration and cornering capabilities. Its relatively compact exterior dimensions of 4.2 meters and a body weighing around 1.1 tons, achieved through the extensive use of aluminum, are also hallmarks of the A110.
The two models we drove were the "A110 GT" and "A110 S," from the three available grades. Both share the same maximum output of 221kW (300ps) and peak torque of 340Nm, but differ in their chassis, including the suspension system.
The A110 GT uses the "Alpine chassis," common with the base A110 model. In contrast, the A110 S is tuned for circuit performance, featuring the "Chassis Sport" setup with higher spring rates, dampers, and anti-roll bar stiffness.