2021 Alpina B3

The 2021 Alpina B3 is essentially a modified version of the BMW M340i xDrive. Or rather, it's a bridge between the more executive-centric M340i and the hooliganistic M3. Imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger in a suit.

Pricing feels fairly fairly placed and sits comfortably between the two. Listing in the B3 is $142,900 (before options and on-road costs), which is about $31K above the M340i ($111,900) and $12K below the M3 Competition ($154,900).

But there are a lot of variables in it, and while the dollars per kilowatt quotient suggests the B3 is the highest ($420/kW versus the $413 M3 and $392 M340i), the thing to remember is that Alpina is always about more than what's under the hood machine.

What do they say, exclusivity comes at a price.

2021 Alpina B3 important details

3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine

Power 340kW @ 5500-7000rpm

Torque 700Nm @ 2500-4500rpm

Weight (tare) 1860kg

Drive Type All-wheel drive

Eight-speed Automatic Transmission

Power to weight ratio 182.8kW/t

Price (MSRP) $142,900 plus on-road costs

From an exterior perspective, the B3 uses the 'Luxury Line' bumpers and chrome grille that surround non-M Bimmers, but adds a deep front splitter, with embossed Alpina lettering, as well as a boot lip extension spoiler for added downforce at speed.

Aerodynamics play a pretty strong role in the attention paid to the B3, as there's a wind deflector in front of the wind deflector on the sunroof to help reduce buffeting when you're passing over the Autobahn at 200km/h and beyond, with the heat of the sun.

Our car was equipped with stunning 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels ($4091), and silver Deco stripes, which have been an integral part of the brand's visual appeal since the 1980s.

Paired with BMW's signature Sapphire Black metallic paint ($1615 and one of 12 options), the B3 conveys a sophisticated yet athletic persona and is a much more mature-looking vehicle than the beefier, more muscular M3.

And yes, as a purist, you can still opt for the Alpina Blue metallic and have the deco stripes in gold.

Inside, the layout and trim are very BMW-like, with the 3 Series' excellent cabin being the main reason why it won the 2021 Midsize Luxury Car of the Year award. There's good visibility, good space in both rows, decent amenities for rear passengers, and even a 480L boot.

Although a full Lavalina leather interior is available (a $14,874 option), the B3 still includes a thick-rimmed steering wheel covered in premium leather, stitched in signature blue and green thread. Our black Vernesca leather seats also have nice contrast stitching.

Lavalina is sourced from special cows raised near the Alps in Southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for cow lovers out there. I don't want to get into how well it was looked after before it was turned into a comfortable chair, but I imagine the surroundings look like Milka's chocolate logo, albeit less purple.

For a little extra luxury, our car had the top of the dash covered in BMW's Sensatec faux leather ($897 option) and added some neat Alpina logos on the seats as a way to make the car feel spesh.

There are also Alpina floor mats and a neat alloy plaque on the console, marking ours as B3 number 94.

Other than specific trims, they're all comfortable and feel premium, but perhaps more importantly, they're all high-tech, and they all work.

BMW's driver technology, from the central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster to the detailed head-up display and driver assistance functions, is well implemented and makes using the already impressive 3er as a base a very fortunate position for Alpina.

The cluster graphics are rendered in a blue and green branding theme, and for better or worse, it's all BMW from then on. Same interface, same menu, same functions.

On the plus side, you get a Harman Kardon sound system and BMW Connected telemetry as well as apps and connectivity functionality, but on the downside, you don't get adaptive headlights unless you 'subscribe' to them. I don't agree with that as a concept, especially at this price point, regardless of who's in the hood.

This makes things simple and easy to use and offers a full-featured technology and in-car safety platform with the right choice and bespoke options. But it doesn't add a layer of 'specialness' that might broaden Alpina's appeal into the tech space.

It won't take much time. A few font and color changes here, a few graphic updates there, and just a few small coding features that will represent the car on the preview screen with Alpina stripes. Or perhaps a unique interior lighting combination to tap back into the brand's blue-green persona?

My point is that the small flourishes that identify Alpina as 'not' a BMW throughout the cabin should, in this day and age, also extend to its technology offerings.

2021 Alpina B3 at a glance

Fuel consumption (claimed combined) 9.9L/100km

Fuel consumption (when testing) 15.2L/100km

Fuel tank size 59L

Tow rating 1800kg (braked)

Boot volume 480L

Length 4719mm

Width 2068mm

Height 1440mm

Wheelbase 2851mm

Spinning a 12.0m circle

Five-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2019)

3-year guarantee, unlimited km

Service fee $1750 (5 years)

Price (MSRP) $142,900

Color as tested Black Sapphire

Options as tested Metallic paint ($1615), 20-inch Alpina Classic alloy wheels ($4091), sunroof ($2153), power boot ($897), Sensatec dash ($897)

Competitors Maserati Ghibli S | Mercedes-Benz CLS

But what's more interesting is in the area where Alpina has done wonders for a regular BMW product. Things have evolved quite a bit from the carby and camshaft represented on the logo.

As mentioned previously, the S58's 3.0-liter twin-turbo produces more modest power than the M3 ( 340kW to 375kW ), but the team at Buchloe has increased the torque output from the M3's 650Nm to 700Nm at higher speeds. very flexible 2500-4500rpm.

This gives the Alpina B3 a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.8 seconds (quicker than the lighter, rear-wheel-drive M3's 3.9 seconds), which is achieved thanks to an upgraded ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and upgraded all-wheel-drive. drive platform.

Luckily, Alpina now offers a beautiful set of milled alloy paddles (a $502 option) for shifting gears, replacing the ugly buttons embedded in the steering wheel.

With this, the B3 becomes much more exciting to drive - not sharp and vicious like an M-car, but powerful and smooth like a high-speed train.

All this boost reflects a hunger for fuel, and we saw thirst levels of around 20 liters per 100 km around town. Things get into single digits on the motorway as the car finds its cruising efficiency, and it's worth noting that the car was still very new when we drove it, but I'd suggest you can expect to see higher than the claimed 9.9L/100km combined cycle.

I also think that fuel economy is not the reason people do or don't buy a well-tuned German electric sled.

At urban speeds, there's manageable responsiveness and trackability, but I found it a bit of a stretch. Sure, there's an immediate sense of capability under the hood, but without the turbos getting up to pressure, the car just feels as if it's taking a breath (and fuel) and simply preparing for what's to come.

As the car accelerates above 2500rpm, you start to hear the air passages open and know that all the available oxygen (and fuel) is being drawn in so the speed increases slightly.

Drop the chain and that torque band becomes a push zone where speed limits are applied very easily. There are no overly theatrical growls or barks from the quad pipes, just the muffled rumble of a university physics lecture at work.

You need to be at the top of the rev range to experience the full capabilities of the B3. It's not an explosive drive to get there, more a sustained and unyielding attack of power, but at 4500rpm onwards, things get moving and the quest is a straight-up sprint.

The response is good in this zone, but keeping it there requires great use of the paddle shifters to control the ZF's timing - that and you need a lot of roads.

Drop too far or too early, and you'll find a short gap at the bottom of the tachometer where the car collects its thoughts only to begin the climb again. Balancing all of this is part of the challenge. Don't get me wrong, it's cool!

The big wheels and very slim 30-profile tires don't offer much comfort, and the ride difference between the Comfort and Comfort-Plus doesn't seem to matter much.

Very communicative on the road, mostly in a good way. It feels very solid thanks to the all-wheel drive, but still makes you feel connected to everything going on around you. Steering feedback and traction adjustments all clearly transmit the chain to your hands, giving you a sense of engagement, as well as confidence.

However, there's no tail-out force at Victoria's speed limits, as the B3 struggles to put the power down, even with some selectable steering angles. It maintains speed very well through sweeping corners, but you can feel that the B3's 1860kg mass will make it feel out of place when ridden like a dedicated lightweight hill climber.

Bigger hits translate quickly, and the car moves to let you know it's not satisfied with less-than-perfect runway choices. Luxury isn't the word I'd use to describe the ride, but as someone who specifically chooses big wheels (on a BMW no less) for the way they look, not the way they ride, I'd still suggest you pony up 20-inch rollers to complement the Autobahn's munching stance Your Alpina.

But in my opinion, at high speeds, the Michelin produces quite a lot of road noise. Sticky rubber collects and discards gravel or debris strewn across local asphalt, and familiar rough roads convey that ubiquitous rumble into the cabin. All part of the engagement event, of course… But it makes me miss the smooth, unrestricted Autobahn of enjoying this car in its natural habitat.

Perhaps Alpina should offer an exchange program where, once we can travel again, Australian owners can borrow the German equivalent of a B3 to understand what they've bought, while also seeing what we're missing.

And I'm not just talking about roadside currywurst for lunch.

So what about B3?

In terms of value, a car like the Alpina has always been a wild card. Sure, it's more expensive than the M340i, but when was the last time you saw someone do a double-take and take a photo of one of the cars parked on the street?

To me, the B3's nature puts it more in line with cars like the Maserati Ghibli S GranSport ($175K) or Mercedes-Benz CLS ($165K). A car that has important strengths, but also makes a bit of a personal statement to you (and others). The car is also not measured in dollars alone.

Living in BMW town and claiming you can buy two 320i's for the price of a B3, or that the M550i gives you more car for less money, seems moot. Neither of those options gives you something pulled from the main production line and put together just for you, according to your wishes.

But if you're in the know, you also know that the B3 is better suited to Europe's high-speed intercity road networks, where running executive errands for two bucks and change (using sunroof wind deflectors) is where this machine is most used. At home.

Cruising around town on an uneconomical cycle, just waiting for the blue pavement to reach out and damage your wheels, seems pointless in a car like this, but in a way it makes you appreciate the opportunities of the open road more.

The Alpina B3 2021 continues Bovensipen's 56-year legacy of offering designer wolf yarn in sheep's clothing. A complete package, taking the best of the G20 3 Series, with refinements that provide a mature and sophisticated alternative to BMW's M3.

Not something for everyone, and in turn not something for just anyone.

This may be the ultimate answer for BMW superfans - a little secret from automotive culture that stands out even when standing still. And if my car-watching neighbor is anything to go by, the secret is starting to come out.

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Alpine A110R (2023)

Alpine A110R – the ultimate version of the small French sports car and the one with the hardest core. Looks like those sit-ups are paying off.

The diet is the same because even though the standard A110 is light, the R is just barely enough. It weighs just 1,082kg, which means around 34kg has been extracted using a series of carbon fiber bits, a custom R exhaust with 3D printed tips, and no sound deadening.

The carbon items include the odd-looking but serious hood, roof, and rear window panel, as well as the very odd and mismatched seats and 18-inch wheels. There are also additional carbon aero pieces, including a new front lip, side skirts, rear wing, and diffuser. The first thing to note is that the A110R does have some suspension changes to match its race car-like appearance. It sits 10mm lower than the A110S and the springs are also firmer.

The result certainly feels stiff, but what's amazing is that it never goes off track due to bumps in the road and generally seems unfazed by the worst conditions our roads have to offer. Impressive for a track-ready sports car. Plus, the ride height and damping can be adjusted if you need to loosen it up.
This highly anticipated new version completes the A110 range. Extreme, lighter, sleeker, and more motorsport-inspired than ever before - 'radical' is the only way to describe the car that is now the crown jewel of the A110 range. The ultimate expression of lightness and performance, the Alpine A110 R is designed to be a sensation on the racetrack yet remains certified for the open road.

The first major difference with the A110 R is seen in the extensive efforts made to reduce overall weight to 1,082kg – 34kg lighter than the A110 S. Its aerodynamic performance has been improved for greater downforce and reduced drag. For the first time in the A110 range, several parts (e.g. the hood, rear window, and diffuser) have been redesigned specifically for the new model. Exclusive upgrades made to the chassis, along with the 1.8L 300HP engine, and race car interior, add a radical feel that makes the driving experience more intense than ever.

Taking just 3.9 seconds to go from 0-100 km/h, the All-new Alpine A110 R pushes the boundaries of sports cars. Building on the brand's commitment to motorsport, the design phase involved direct input from top-level experts and is more than ready to beat the times when taken to the racetrack. Built-in France at Jean Rédélé's Dieppe Alpine Factory, the new car marks the start of a new chapter of the brand's expertise in motorsport.
The lpine A110 R is a radical expression of sports car performance. The essence of the automobile's origins lies in the search for perfect aerodynamics built on an optimal balance between increased downforce and reduced drag.
Go straight off the track

Several features inspired by the world of motorbike racing were directly added or adapted to the All New Alpine A110 R to optimize handling at top speed. It benefits from the latest wind tunnel technology and equipment used in Formula 1. Newly designed rear gooseneck spoilers, flat undercarriage, and diffuser, in addition to full carbon fiber rims, provide greater stability all around. corners and at high speed. The A110 R offers greater back-end aerodynamic downforce than the A110 S Aero Kit, with an additional 29kg of weight at top speed, ensuring greater balance when taking fast corners. At the same time, drag has been reduced by 5% (track attitude) increasing top speed to a record 285km/h.

Adjusted aerodynamic balance

To improve the stability and high-speed performance of the all-new Alpine A110 R on the racetrack, the design phase was guided by a fundamental goal: unlocking the vehicle's full potential through an optimal balance between downforce and drag. As such, the front has been fitted with the same carbon fiber lip as the A110 S, but the air intake valve has been integrated into the front guard, further reducing overall air resistance and increasing the car's top speed. 

Optimized diffuser

For a stylish yet technical touch, the diffuser has been redesigned for a bold look and an unmatched driving experience. Designed using carbon fiber and glass fiber, weight reduction is a perfect part of the aerodynamic equation. Now wider than before as it stretches towards the rear, this creates a rapid flow of air through the undercarriage causing a greater pressure drop. Vertically positioned side flaps reduce aerodynamic turbulence. A fairing has been added to further isolate the diffuser from interference coming from the spinning wheel. Changes have also been made to the fins: larger and lower than before, their shape has been changed to direct the airflow towards the diffuser. Finally, engine covers on the rear suspension arms help increase the effectiveness of the diffuser and flat card.

Gooseneck spoiler mount

The rear spoiler is mounted on a 'swan neck' mount which adds a sporty look and better aerodynamic performance. Even though the shape is the same as the spoiler on the Alpine A110 S, several features on the All New A110 R make it unique. Pushed further back, with less lean for a smaller approach angle, this is a key aspect of the car's performance in terms of optimal downforce and drag. The gooseneck mount improves the performance of the spoiler while reducing airlift on its underside. Given its location in a low-pressure environment, the system is very sensitive to any disturbance that could alter its effectiveness.

New side skirt

The Alpine A110 R has been equipped with unique carbon fiber side skirts to lengthen the lower part. A larger surface area means less turbulence along the length of the car as it reduces disturbance to the underside of the car. The back of the skirt rises in front of the rear wheels, reducing rearward airflow and protecting the rear wheels from ambient air. Better stability is guaranteed! Aesthetically, the new skirt connects the front lip to the rear diffuser for a more grounded look.

Double wall exhaust

Alpine engineers and thermodynamics experts also worked on the exhaust. The A110's iconic dual exhaust has been given a 3D-printed double wall to isolate exhaust gases and protect other parts around it. The way it works is simple: the outer walls remain cooler than the gases passing through the center of the exhaust, thereby creating a balance between the inside and outside.

LIGHTER - MORE RADICAL

Although the Alpine is already synonymous with 'light', engineers have developed it even further, for better performance on the circuit, and increased driving pleasure on the open road.

The strength of carbon fiber.

Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber – widely used in Formula 1 – both inside and out, the all-new Alpine A110 R weighs just 1,082kg, making it 34kg lighter than the A110 S. With the weight/power ratio reduced to 3.6 kg/ PS, he can run the full 1,000m from a standing start in just 21.9 seconds, making him one of the best in his category.

hood

Carbon fiber is mostly used in the bonnet of the All-new Alpine A110 R. The bonnet which is made entirely of carbon fiber not only has a sportier appearance with more character but also weighs 2.9 kg lighter and provides increased overall performance, including the speed highest. The bonnet also has two air intakes to improve aerodynamics, making it a key feature of the car's bold design, giving it a more radical feel.

on wheels

Developed by the Alpine team together with its supplier, Duqueine, the unique custom-made rims on the all-new Alpine A110 R are also made entirely of carbon fiber and were designed with three objectives in mind: to increase the car's performance by reducing it. heavy; to optimize its aerodynamics; and provide better cooling for the brakes. As such, the wheels are 12.5kg lighter than the A110 S. More open at the front and more closed at the rear, the wheels are given a unique design with finely tuned dynamic performance, optimized drag, and improved brake cooling.

the back window

Although various technical characteristics reinforce the sporty feel of the All-new A110 R, its design gives it a bolder character. The rear window, made entirely of carbon fiber, is the highlight of the rear of the car. The new rear window now extends past the engine compartment and features a third stop light in the center. It also has two intake valves that supply air to the engine and features the Alpine brand's iconic snowflakes.

chair

The single-shell Sabelt® seat on the all-new A110 R is made entirely from carbon fiber and helps lighten the car by 5kg. The driver and passenger seats are equipped with 6-point safety harnesses. They embody the feel of a sports car and guarantee unique comfort and support when cornering and driving at high speed.

PERFORMANCE - READY TO BEAT THE CLOCK

Thanks to its blend of unprecedented agility and performance, the all-new Alpine A110 R is a true race car certified for the open road, designed to beat the times in any condition.
From 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds
Powered by a 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, the all-new Alpine A110 R has the perfect set of muscle under the hood that is built for performance. Maximum torque of 340Nm is available from 2,400rpm and a maximum power of 300HP at 6,300rpm. With the Launch Control automatic start function, this new sports car can accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a maximum speed of 285 km/h. With performance like that, this car is clearly at the forefront of the A110 range.

Exclusive stasis

The custom adjustments and features on the all-new Alpine A110 R chassis are a game changer, giving the car unprecedented performance on the racetrack. The clearance has been lowered by 10mm compared to the A110 S. Adjustable shock absorbers mean they can be lowered 10mm further for the best riding experience. The stiffness of the unique anti-cant bars has been increased by 10% at the front and 25% at the rear compared to the A110 S. The same also applies to the suspension springs which are 10% stiffer at the front and rear. for much greater body support. Specially designed shock absorbers feature hydraulic adjustment for a personalized riding experience. The 20-click ring can be used to adjust the compression/expansion ratio, meaning the rider can get the most out of a circuit-riding session.

High-performance tires

The all-new Alpine A110 R is standardly equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tires (215/40 R18 at the front and 245/40 R18 at the rear). When combined with the car's exclusive chassis, these high-performance tires can be used both on closed circuits and open roads. Compared to standard tires, semi-slick tires provide better cornering stability and control (reinforced structure, 15% more grip, greater track longevity, and more transverse acceleration). Overall, that means an improvement of 0.5 seconds per km on the race track.
 

Strong braking system

The Brembo high-performance braking system on the All-new A110 R is equipped with 320mm diameter composite discs at the front and rear. To perform at the level required by the speed and behavior on the track, the engineers designed an exclusive cooling system for the brakes, with four specific parts. Scoops are installed on either side of the upper arms of the front axle and ducts installed in the fairing, under the car, serve to better direct air towards the brake discs to cool them. Their combined input means a 20% improvement in the brake cooling system.

Personalized driving

Like other cars in the range, the all-new Alpine A110 R offers three customizable driving modes for greater enjoyment: Normal, Sport, and Track. Accelerator and engine responsiveness, power-steering sensitivity, gear shifting, and ESC sensitivity all change according to the selected mode. The specific use of each mode is as follows:
Normal - a combination of smooth everyday driving with low fuel usage.
Sport-optimized engine and gearbox management for dynamic and sporty driving: reactive accelerator, specific deceleration, fast gear changes, with the possibility of multi-downshifts and rev-up (intelligent slowing like a double clutch) between each downshift.
Track -optimized for track driving, with faster gear changes controlled exclusively via the steering wheel paddle shifters. This mode includes special ESC settings to push the car's limits while on the track. There is an 'ESC off' mode for expert drivers.

Typical Alpine sporty sound

An easily recognized roar as a signature sound that lives up to the Alpine name! The exhaust system with post-injection and double-wall exhaust pipes on the All-new A110 R offers a more defined sound. Improvements made to the shape of the double-wall exhaust and the elimination of exhaust valves make the car emit a much more harmonious sound. Noise from excess air has also been reduced, bringing the car's sound more in line with Alpine characteristics. A completely overhauled interior soundscape results in a more intense experience and heightened engine feel. Noise enhancement from the engine has been improved through the replacement of the glass partition with a lighter aluminum partition, the addition of tie rods, the removal of the engine silencer, and the continued presence of an intake resonator in the intake tract,
Outstanding energy efficiency
The all-new Alpine A110 R offers unique fuel efficiency. By far the lightest in its class and with aerodynamics that combine low drag and high downforce, the new sports car offers maximum fuel efficiency in all driving conditions resulting in very low CO2 emissions (1/3 less than competitors) and reduced CO2 emissions. fuel usage!

DESIGN CREATED BY MOTORCYCLE RACING

The bold and unique sporty style is immediately felt in the interior and exterior of the All-New Alpine A110 R. The atmosphere of a racing car says: calm down and get ready for the unique sensation that this car can provide.
Racing car atmosphere
The interior of the Alpine A110 R is made entirely of microfiber fabric - even the door panel trim! Red tie-down straps have been used instead of traditional door handles as a nod to the world of motorsport. The steering wheel is also covered in microfiber with gray stitching. A clever blend of aesthetics, authenticity, and efficient design, for a truly sporty interior.

Racing-like carbon fiber seats

The single-shell Sabelt Track seat on the A110 R is inspired by the world of motor racing. With a unique carbon fiber design, microfiber upholstery, and gray stitching, these cars embody the world of sports cars. Equipped with 6-point competition harnesses, this seat ensures optimal support for the driver and passenger. The seats also feature a 'Seat Belt Reminder' warning. The driver's seat can be adjusted front to back and up to down, while the passenger seat is fixed for added comfort. The letter 'A' on the headrest reflects Alpine's unique brand identity.
Carbon package, for a more radical identity
New parts such as the front and rear hoods, new diffuser and side skirts complete the expected look of the all-new Alpine A110 R. Clear and deliberate choices, such as the frosted rear hood, make the overall design full. characters and emotions! The carbon package has been developed with supplier Carl Composite.
The 'R' is in every detail!
A unique plaque combining the silhouette of the car and mounted on the console, designed specifically for the model.
Color A522
The launch color of the All-New Alpine A110 R, Racing Matte Blue, is the same as that used on the Formula 1 A522. Blue, but also red, carbon fiber, and microfiber: all colors and materials that take inspiration from the Grand Prix starting grid and the unique sensation of the track. The roof is 100% carbon fiber with a gloss-black finish.

Real-time performance data

The standard model is equipped with the 'Alpine Telemetrics on-board telemetry system which uses pressure gauges and histograms to display real-time technical data regarding turbo pressure, gearbox temperature, torque, power, steering wheel angle, and accelerometer. The integrated chronograph can be used to measure and record performance during sessions on the track.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.8L 4-cylinder engine
300HP
Weight/power ratio: 3.6kg/PS
0-100km/h: 3.9 seconds
Maximum torque: 340Nm @ 2,400-6,000rpm
Top speed: 285km/h
Chassis: recalibrated springs and anti-roll bars, specific axle geometry, 10% stiffer coil springs, specific anti-roll bars, adjustable spring/shock absorber settings, 10mm lower ride height, possible 10mm further lowering when at the racetrack
Curb weight: 1,082kg
Sports exhaust system
Brembo® high-performance braking system, 320mm composite front, and rear discs
100% carbon fiber 18" rims.
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect semi-slick tires (215/40 R18 at the front and 245/40 R18 at the rear).
Sabelt® Track seat in single-shell carbon fiber (top-bottom / front-back adjustable for the driver) with black carbon fiber-microfiber blend upholstery with gray stitching
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Alpine A110 "Pure" 2019 UK

Alpine's first new car since the A610 in 1991 needs no introduction, suffice it to say that when the all-aluminum, mid-engined, double-wishbone Alpine A110 arrived last year, it was like a grenade thrown into the sports car segment which is very affordable. The Alpine A110 is a brilliant sports car that rivals everything from the Porsche 718 Cayman to the Audi TT. The French company took a lot of heat when trying to recreate the magic of the original 1960s car, but the result is an incredible driving experience and stunning looks.

It feels like a special car on the road and certainly delivers on the comfort factor, although some might find the premium qualities of its German rivals more appealing. Plus, there aren't many alternatives as light, fun, and as capable as the Alpine A110. There is only one body style, one engine (albeit in two different states), and one gearbox. This means that whatever trim you choose, you'll be happy with a stylish two-door coupe body with a 1.8-liter turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. All are rear-wheel drive, and all weigh less than 1,200kg, while power options include the standard car's 248bhp or the 296bhp output that comes with the GT and S versions.

Standard A110 version features

Part-leather/microfiber bucket seats and 17-inch alloy wheels, while the GT features larger 18-inch alloy wheels, six-way adjustable leather comfort seats, and high-gloss carbon fiber interior trim. The top-end S variant is more focused on performance and adds a sports chassis with reinforced anti-roll bars, larger Brembo brakes, 18-inch matt black 'GT Race' alloy wheels, and aluminum pedals.

The Alpine A110 is amazing to drive, with engaging handling and plenty of grip

When Alpine – and parent company Renault – set out to revive the legendary brand, the main focus was on making a light, attractive sports car. We have now provided several examples, both in Europe and the UK, and we are pleased to report that most of these efforts have been successful. The Alpine A110 is a very exciting car to drive.

Weighing just 1,098kg, it's much lighter than rivals such as the Porsche 718 Cayman and Audi TT RS. Because there's less weight to tow, there's also less power produced – the tiny 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine pales in comparison to Audi's 395bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit. The Alpine's motor isn't as characterful as its German rival, but it sounds good, and it's more fun to rev than the muted flat-four in the latest Cayman.

Low weight has huge benefits in terms of handling. A double-wishbone suspension and powerful Brembo brakes aid handling, while the rear-mounted engine offers perfect balance. There is even a flat underbody that makes the car more stable when driving.
Although some may criticize the fact that the Alpine is not available with a manual gearbox (all cars are equipped with a seven-speed DCT transmission), this little sports car feels very sophisticated and very fast.

There are three driving modes:

Normal, Sport, and Track, which changes the steering, exhaust, traction control, and gearbox settings. You cannot change the suspension settings. But even though it doesn't offer adaptive dampers, the car rides beautifully on British roads. The grip is also excellent.

Insurance Group

Insurance brackets are high for the Alpine A110, but mostly in line with competing models. It is in the same group 44 as the Porsche Cayman S, which is one group higher than the Audi TT RS. That equates to an annual premium of around £665 for the average male driver in his forties with three penalty points.

Depreciation

Expert data shows that the Alpine A110 achieves strong residual values, with an average of 64 percent of its original selling price retained over a typical ownership period of three years and 36,000 miles. The fact that so few were built means the long-term value is even higher than the Porsche 718 Cayman.

Although the emphasis is on keeping weight to a minimum, the Alpine gets a well-trimmed cabin and plenty of technology

Since it is a small and light sports car, the Alpine's cabin is quite compact. However, it's covered in quilted leather, and there's a lot of technology on offer.

Each car gets a set of digital dials, the appearance of which changes according to the car's driving mode. The optional sports seats offer excellent support without being too firm, while the raised center console provides a sporty ambiance and a feeling of encirclement. in the cabin.

The higher-powered A110 S is expensive but offers Brembo brakes, an active sports exhaust, and bespoke 18-inch black alloy wheels. Inside, you get brilliant bucket seats, a Focal stereo, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and DAB are all included, with the 2021 facelift model now featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S version also includes interior flash-like orange stitching throughout the cabin and aluminum pedals, but there's only one standard paint color – Glacier White, so if you want to spec a different color, you'll have to pay for it.

For those who crave more exclusivity, Alpine offers an Atelier personalization program where buyers can access new body colors and special finishes for their car's rims and brake calipers.

Boot

Even with two boots, there isn't much room to carry a bag or suitcase. The front trunk measures 100 liters but is quite shallow and can only accommodate a briefcase or laptop bag. The 96-litre rear boot is much deeper, but you'll still struggle to take more than a soft sports bag or weekend shopping back there.

Backed by the Renault group, reliability should be good – but the Alpine is missing some familiar autonomous safety technology

Alpine didn't appear in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, while parent brand Renault finished 20th out of 29 in the manufacturers' chart. However, the A110 will be sold at eleven Alpine centers across the UK, so it will get a dedicated dealer network.

Safety equipment includes switchable ESP, emergency brake assist, hill start assist, driver and passenger airbags, and LED headlights. However, it doesn't get the latest autonomous safety aids of regular Renault passenger cars, such as automatic emergency braking. Euro NCAP has not carried out crash tests on the A110 and is unlikely to do so, given the special nature of the vehicle.

Guarantee

 It's the same set-up you'd get on a Renault Clio or Megane, with the Alpine also offering light sports car buyers the chance to get additional protection for an extra cost.

Service

There are only eleven Alpine Centers in the UK, so servicing your A110 may prove a little more complicated than with a Porsche Cayman or Audi TT, as both of these competitors have access to a much larger dealer network. However, Alpine provides maintenance agreements to help spread the cost of necessary service work.

Satellite navigation, stereo and infotainment

The Alpine comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. The display is quite responsive, although the menus on the Porsche 718 Cayman are more logical and the system is easier to operate on the move due to more physical buttons.

 producing surprisingly good sound for the lack of firepower, while DAB radio and Bluetooth are both included.

The neat-looking digital instrument cluster changes depending on the driving mode you're in, with more or less information and driving data displayed as needed. The S version also adds Alpine Telemetrics, which allows the driver to access technical information such as fluid temperature, acceleration measurements, and lateral/longitudinal forces.

Two-door coupes are hardly known for their practicality, but the Alpine is worse than most

OK, so it's unlikely you'd buy a two-door sports car with high hopes for practicality, but the Alpine suffers both in terms of cabin storage and boot space. There are two boots, but neither is too big – offering space for a laptop bag or weekend shopping. Poor interior storage and a lack of space put this down further, although Alpine offers an optional Storage package, consisting of a cargo net behind the driver's seat and a storage box.

Size

At 4,180 mm long and 1,798 mm wide, the Alpine is smaller than the Porsche 718 Cayman and Audi TT. Combined with good visibility, the car feels easy to position making it very rewarding to drive, even on narrow B roads. 

Legroom, headroom, and passenger space

The Alpine is a two-seater, so this part is largely irrelevant. However, it's worth noting that the interior of the A110 is quite cramped, with the high center console making things feel quite cramped. However, if you're not the claustrophobic type, most adults should be comfortable.

Engine, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit is available with standard power of 248bhp and 320Nm of torque, while the GT and S versions offer 296bhp and 340Nm over a wider rev range. Its rivals offer more power but make no mistake, this is still a very fast sports car.

Alpine claims the 248bhp A110 can sprint from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, and our test recorded a time (0-60mph) of 4.6 seconds. The previous S version with 288bhp was a tenth of a second quicker, while the upgraded GT and S were over two-tenths quicker.

In triple tests against the Porsche 718 Cayman S and Audi TT RS, its German rival completed the same sprint in 3.9 seconds and 3.5 seconds respectively.

However, the Alpine's low curb weight makes it strong in gear. This also helps agility through tight corners. Each model is electronically limited to 155mph.

Lightweight engineering makes the Alpine A110 surprisingly affordable to operate

By minimizing weight as much as possible, Alpine has managed to create a sports car with incredible performance, which doesn't cost a fortune to run. Based on new fuel efficiency and emissions testing, Alpine claims the A110 will officially return 35.1mpg (34.5mpg for the GT and S), and although we only managed 34.4mpg on our test, that's much better than the Porsche 718 Cayman Latest S (24.6mpg). mpg as tested) or the Audi TT RS (23mpg) can do it. This equates to a huge difference in annual fuel bills. The CO2 figure is 152g/km (153g/km for GT and S versions).

However, the high price means you'll pay more annual road tax than hot hatchbacks and fast coupes – although rivals Porsche and Audi also incur the same surcharge.

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Alpine Develops Own EV Sports Car

Alpine and Lotus have decided to cancel their partnership on an electric sports car platform on amicable terms.

At the time, there was speculation that this would put the French company's plans for a performance EV to an end, but now it appears that the Renault-owned brand will be developing its own electric architecture.

 

Speaking to media representatives during the public debut of the Renault Rafale in Paris yesterday, Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault Group, confirmed that Alpine will indeed be working on an electric platform internally.

"We had long discussions and finally decided to build our own platform," de Meo told Autocar during the Paris airshow where the Rafale was unveiled.

de Meo also confirmed that there will be more than one product to be based on this new EV architecture, which makes sense given the high cost of developing new foundations from the ground up and not sharing costs with other companies.

Alpine's original plan was to launch an electric sports car by 2026, but it is currently unclear whether this change in strategy will result in a delay in the launch.

As a reminder, Alpine and Lotus announced their partnership in 2021, which should focus on developing a joint electric sports car.

However, Lotus decided not to continue with the project, although future collaboration is still possible.

As for Alpine, it is slated to become an EV-only automaker by the end of the decade and will release five new models in the next five years.

In his interview with Autocar, de Meo confirmed that Alpine and Lotus parted ways without any hard feelings.

"There is no friction with this because everyone feels this is the best thing. It's not that we don't have the opportunity to work together again," the Renault Group told the publication, which also hinted at potential future cooperation between the two companies.

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Renault’s Alpine Sports Car

Car designed by Marcello Felipe Maggioni - student of the course Design of Mobility - Transportation Design, from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP - São Paulo, Brazil). With the primary objective of homage the car that inspired the study and pursue his career in car design, propose the stylization of Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo 1987.

Even adjusting the current and future lines of the Renault´s brand, maintained the consistency with the original characteristics of the vehicle, as its traditional and significant volume of sports car, with its central rear engine and the large front flashlights near the ground.

In this new proposal, the distributions of the xenon headlamps of the front flashlights remind the tradition of the Alpine´s brand, where in the 60´s, the “Alpines of Rally” had four headlamps, two originals and two assistants near the center of the car.

However, this project has brought new features, such as the front air introductions, above the headlights, and subtle and smooth rear air entry straight to the engine, located in Column C. It is also relevant the application of leds on front and rear flashlights, with three-dimensional leds, which aim to reflect the light in the rear of the vehicle, supported by carbon fiber rod.

Its engine is the R-27 of the Renault F1 team, but adapted to the streets. Its receptacle is treated as a jewel box, where the engine is apparent, being protected by carbon fibers pieces set. A great transparent glass and a large logo of Renault warn everyone that this car has the same DNA of Renault from race tracks.

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