In a world increasingly dominated by oversized SUVs and hybrid hypercars packed with digital distractions, the Alpine A110 R arrives like a breath of fresh mountain air — appropriately enough, given the brand’s Alpine heritage. Stripped to the essentials and honed for the track, the A110 R is not just another variant of the beloved A110; it’s the most extreme, most focused version yet. But is it a real weapon, or just a carbon-fiber flex? Let’s dive in.
The Philosophy: Minimalism Meets Motorsport
The regular Alpine A110 already stood apart from the crowd. With its mid-engined layout, sub-1,100 kg weight, and lithe proportions, it was a throwback to what sports cars used to be — agile, engaging, and driver-first. The A110 R builds on that foundation with a laser focus on performance.
“R” stands for “Radicale” in Alpine speak, and the badge is well earned. This is not a car bloated with power to compensate for mass. Instead, Alpine has shed every unnecessary gram. Thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber — for the bonnet, roof, rear window surround, diffuser, and even the wheels — the A110 R tips the scales at just 1,082 kg. That’s lighter than a Mazda MX-5 and nearly 40 kg less than the already svelte A110 S.
Engine and Performance: Modest Numbers, Massive Thrill
At first glance, the numbers might not shock you. The A110 R uses the same 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the A110 S, producing 300 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque. That’s not exactly earth-shattering in an era of 500-hp hot hatches.
But that’s missing the point. The A110 R isn’t chasing supercar numbers. Instead, it leverages its featherweight body and focused tuning to achieve 0–100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 285 km/h. And crucially, it feels fast. Thanks to revised suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, and bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, it grips, turns, and responds like a proper track toy.
Aerodynamics and Handling: Form Follows Function
Alpine didn’t just throw carbon fiber at the A110 R for show. Every new component was designed with function in mind. The fixed carbon rear wing isn’t just dramatic — it adds downforce. The flat carbon undertray reduces drag and stabilizes airflow, while the reshaped front splitter increases front-end grip.
The result is a car that feels glued to the tarmac, whether you’re carving through an alpine pass or attacking apexes at the track. The A110 R is firm, yes, but not punishing. Alpine’s suspension tuning — aided by manually adjustable dampers and ride height — strikes a fine balance between feedback and usability.
Interior: Spartan but Special
Inside, the A110 R continues its weight-saving crusade. Gone are the standard seats, replaced by Sabelt carbon-fiber racing buckets that weigh just 5 kg each. There’s no infotainment screen, no glovebox, and minimal sound insulation. You’re not here for comfort. You’re here to drive.
That said, it doesn’t feel cheap. Alcantara covers most surfaces, and the quality of materials remains high. The red stitching, pull-strap door handles, and numbered build plate remind you that this is a special machine — a driver’s car, first and foremost.
Daily Usability: Surprisingly Livable
Despite its track-ready focus, the A110 R is surprisingly road-friendly. The mid-engine layout provides excellent visibility, the dual-clutch gearbox is smooth at low speeds, and its compact dimensions make it a joy in urban environments. There’s even a modest front and rear trunk, offering enough space for a weekend getaway — provided you pack light.
It’s worth noting, however, that ride comfort is firmer than the standard A110, and the Cup 2 tires are not ideal in wet conditions or cold weather. This isn’t your all-season daily — it’s a sunny Sunday specialist.
Verdict: A Rare Breed
The Alpine A110 R isn’t trying to compete with big-name rivals from Porsche or Lotus in terms of brute force. It doesn’t need to. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: purity. This is a car built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts — a machine that strips away the excess and reconnects you with the joy of driving.
With only a limited number being produced, it’s a future classic in the making. Lightweight, balanced, and beautifully engineered, the Alpine A110 R stands as a reminder that less truly can be more.
In Summary:
- Power: 300 hp, 340 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: 3.9 sec
- Weight: 1,082 kg
- Top Speed: 285 km/h
- Price: Starting around €105,000 (varies by market)
Hello, my name is Himanshu Kumar and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 4 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
