A thorough explanation of the Alpine A110, a lightweight French sports car: performance, features, new and used car prices

ALPINE A110

What is the Alpine A110?

The current Alpine A110 is a two-seater coupe released in 2017 by Alpine, a sports brand under Renault. The previous A110 Berlinetta, which debuted in 1963, built a reputation in motorsports, including sweeping the podium at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1971. The current A110 inherits the spirit of the original while incorporating the latest technology.

It features an aluminum monocoque and rear midship layout. Its weight is kept to the 1,100 kg range, clearly demonstrating a design philosophy that emphasizes lightness and balance rather than horsepower. While its maximum output is modest at 185 kW (252 PS), 221 kW (300 PS), or 239 kW (329 PS), its agile handling and high response allow it to compete with the Porsche 718 Cayman and Lotus Emira while establishing its own unique position.

Alpine A110 exterior and interior

The exterior and interior of the Alpine A110 inherit the traditions of its predecessor, while also being refined as a modern sports car.

Appearance: A presence that inherits the image of the previous model

The Alpine A110’s exterior is characterized by a unique front end that combines traditional four-round headlights with a modern twist. The body’s flowing form, making the most of its curves, combines aerodynamic performance with the elegance of a French car. High-performance and limited edition models use aero parts such as carbon fiber and a fixed rear wing to further reduce weight and increase downforce. The A110’s exterior exudes a unique presence both on the street and on the circuit.

Interior: Simple and functional design

The Alpine A110’s interior is designed to be simple, functional, and driver-centric. The lightweight bucket seats, with suede-like upholstery, create a racing car-like atmosphere in some grades. The car is equipped with a modern infotainment system and digital meters, but its intuitive layout enhances operability. The minimalist cabin contributes to weight reduction, creating a space where you can fully immerse yourself in the driving experience.

Alpine A110 size

The Alpine A110’s compact size allows for a light and agile ride.

Body size: A sleek, compact body that combines lightweight and aerodynamic performance

The Alpine A110 base model’s body dimensions are 4205mm long, 1800mm wide, 1250mm high, and have a wheelbase of 2420mm, making it attractively compact and easy to handle for a modern sports car. The aluminum bodywork and chassis keep the car’s weight to the 1100kg range, making it significantly lighter than its rivals. The low ride height contributes to aerodynamic performance and a low center of gravity, improving cornering stability while also creating a sleek silhouette. The combination of short front and rear overhangs and a wide track delivers an agile and natural steering feel, making it easy to maneuver in urban areas and agile on the circuit.

Interior space: Simple and functional two-seater space

The Alpine A110 is a two-seater designed exclusively for the driver and passenger, prioritizing comfort. While it displays the compromises of a sports car, the seating position and operability have been optimized to provide an environment where you can concentrate on driving. The seats are positioned low, and the highly supportive bucket seats provide firm support even on long journeys. The interior texture varies depending on the grade, with models with leather finishes combining luxury and sportiness. Luggage space is 196 liters in total, with 96 liters in the front and 100 liters in the rear, providing ample space for weekend trips or track gear.

Alpine A110 driving performance and fuel economy

The lightweight and compact Alpine A110, combined with its highly efficient powertrain, delivers high levels of both driving performance and fuel economy.

Driving performance: Agility created by the balance of power, size and weight

The Alpine A110 is equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four turbo engine that produces 252 to 300 PS. The A110 R Ultim, which was produced in a limited run of 110 units, is equipped with an engine tuned to 325 PS, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Double wishbone suspension, a low center of gravity, and weight distribution of 44% front and 56% rear ensure extremely sharp steering response. By switching drive modes, you can enjoy settings that further enhance engine response and exhaust sound. The appeal of the A110 is that its lightweight body and high-rigidity chassis directly convey the joy of driving.

Fuel efficiency: Light weight brings out high fuel efficiency

The Alpine A110’s fuel economy is 14.7km/L under the WLTP standard, which is extremely good for a high-performance sports car. The 45L fuel tank makes it suitable for long-distance driving. The lightweight design not only improves driving performance but also fuel efficiency, making it easy to use in everyday driving. The fact that it is both high-performance and economical is a major strength of the Alpine A110.

Alpine A110 purchase price and maintenance costs

The Alpine A110 has many grades and special editions available in a wide range of prices. The 25-unit limited edition “ANNIVERSARY” model starts at 9.6 million yen (tax included), while the top-grade “R Ultim” model is priced at over 50 million yen, but both are limited production and only a small number are expected to be introduced to Japan.

Purchase price: The A110 offers a wide range of options depending on your preferences.

For the Japanese market, the Alpine A110 is available in the comfort-focused Grand Tourer-style “GT” model, priced at 11.5 million yen. The sporty “S” model, which uses suede-like seat upholstery and other features, is priced at 12.1 million yen. The “R Turini,” which incorporates technology from F1 and is designed for circuit driving, is priced at 16.1 million yen. The Japanese website also lists the 70th anniversary “R 70” (17.9 million yen), which uses carbon fiber for the wheels and body to further reduce weight, and the “GTS” (12 million yen), which acts as a bridge between the GT and S models, but both appear to be available in very limited quantities.

Maintenance costs: Relatively low for a high-performance sports car

Because the Alpine A110 is an imported car, insurance and maintenance costs are higher than for domestically produced cars. While you’ll need to consider how often you’ll need to replace high-performance parts like tires and brakes, its lightweight design means wear and tear tends to be relatively low. Before purchasing, we recommend checking the warranty coverage and period offered by authorized dealers and considering an after-sales support contract.

Alpine A110 model description

The Alpine A110 series is available in a variety of specifications to meet a wide range of needs. All grades share the same core values ​​of lightness and a sense of unity, which cannot be measured by power alone, but the appeal is that you can choose the perfect car for your purpose and preferences. Here we will introduce the three specifications that can be considered the main grades in Japan today.

A110 S: A pure sports car with the ultimate sharpness

The A110 S is a grade with a strong sporty orientation. Its 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine produces a maximum output of 300 PS, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.2 seconds. The suspension has been specially tuned, and the combination of a firm suspension and high-grip tires achieves sharp turn-in and high cornering speed. The exterior also has special aero parts and black accents, giving it an aggressive impression. While it is fully capable of everyday use, its true strengths are on winding roads and circuits, and it is positioned as a “pure sports car that prioritizes driving performance” within the series.

A110 GT: Comfortable and high-quality GT specification

The A110 GT is equipped with the same 300PS engine as the A110 S, but is a grand touring-oriented model that emphasizes comfort and high quality. The suspension is set more flexibly than the S, providing a comfortable ride that reduces fatigue even on long drives. The interior is finished with high-quality leather and comes with a full range of standard equipment. It is characterized by its combination of sportiness and luxury. The exterior design is elegant, emphasizing a refined impression rather than strength. This model is suitable for users who want everyday usability despite being a sports car, and is the model that is accepted by the widest range of people in the series.

A110 R Turini: the bridge between everyday life and the track

The A110 R Turini is a derivative model based on the circuit-oriented A110 R, with enhanced ease of handling and comfort for public roads. While the 300PS power unit remains the same, the suspension and tires have been reconfigured for road use, reducing the extreme nature of the track-specific design. While the exterior has a more subdued impression than the A110 R, its major appeal lies in the lightweight carbon fiber parts and the partial inheritance of the aerodynamic technology from the R. The A110 R Turini is positioned as a bridge between everyday life and the circuit, and is a grade aimed at enthusiasts who seek ultimate performance but do not want to compromise on everyday use.

Limited edition/special edition vehicles

The main grades in Japan, the A110 S, GT, and R Turini, are all catalog models that can be ordered from authorized dealers and are clearly differentiated by their balance of sportiness, comfort, and everyday use. The R Ultim and Anniversary are collector’s models with limited numbers worldwide, and are rare and can only be obtained through lottery sales or allocation. The GTS and R70 are also specifications that were introduced in specific markets and years.

Alpine A110 new and used car prices

The price of a new Alpine A110 varies widely depending on the specifications, from the upper 9 million yen range to over 50 million yen. Because it is a rare model, there are few of them on the used market, but early models can be found for around 6 million yen. If you have a budget of around 8 million to 10 million yen, there are likely to be some relatively good options.

Frequently asked questions about the Alpine A110

Below we answer some of the most common questions about the Alpine A110.

Q: What kind of car brand is Alpine?

Alpine is a French sports car brand founded in 1955 and currently under the umbrella of Renault. With a philosophy of lightweight construction and agile handling, the brand has a history of numerous rally victories. The centerpiece of its current lineup is the Pure Sports A110, positioned as a model that combines tradition with modern technology. Furthermore, in recent years, the brand has strengthened its brand image through motorsports activities, including participating in the F1 World Championship as a works team and focusing on driver development, as well as running prototype race cars in the WEC (World Endurance Championship).

Q: What kind of car was the previous model of the A110?

The first-generation A110 Berlinetta, which appeared in the 1960s, was a small sports car with a lightweight fiberglass body and a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (RR) layout. Powered by a Renault engine, its low weight and excellent traction allowed it to compete in numerous rallies. Its success in the 1973 World Rally Championship earned it worldwide recognition for its beautiful streamlined design and easy-to-handle size, making it a highly sought-after classic car.

Q: Doesn’t the Alpine A110 have a lot of breakdowns?

The Alpine A110 is manufactured based on Renault’s latest technology and quality standards, and is not a model prone to frequent fatal breakdowns. European ratings and owner reviews generally indicate good reliability, so there is little need for major concerns when driving daily. However, as an imported sports car, maintenance and parts supply costs are higher than domestically produced cars, and delivery times may be longer. Because it is equipped with electronic controls and a turbo engine, regular inspections and maintenance at an authorized dealer are essential for long-term peace of mind.

How to buy an Alpine A110

The Alpine A110 can be ordered in Japan through authorized Alpine dealers. The limited edition model is limited to only a few dozen units nationwide, with most sold by lottery. Used cars are also available, but due to their rarity, prices tend to remain high.

Related reading

Orders are now open for the ultimate Alpine A110, the A110 R Ultim, limited to just 110 units worldwide!

On June 12th, Alpine Japon began accepting orders for the A110 R Ultime, the most high-performance, top-of-the-line model in the history of the Alpine A110. The vehicle price, including tax, is 42 million yen for the A110 R Ultime and 52 million yen for the A110 R Ultime La Bleu. Purchase applications will be accepted at authorized Alpine dealers until Sunday, July 27th. Please note that purchase applications are subject to the completion of the necessary procedures within the specified deadline.