It is over a year since Alpine teased the 2016 Vision show car (photos below), but now the manufacturer has finally revealed its new lightweight mid-engined production car the Alpine A110. The production model is also heavily based on the 2015 Celebration Concept (Photos below). While the overall shape remained true to the concept, the stylish wheels, the slender side mirrors, the flashy livery, and the orange covers hiding the headlamps are gone.
The lightweight mid-engined two-seater sports coupe's styling is a nod to the A110 ‘Berlinette’ (Photos below) which was produced from 1961 to 1977. The two-door "Berlinette" was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and used a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Among being Alpine’s most iconic model, the A110 was also a successful race car, winning the manufacturer’s title at the end of 1973 World Rally Championship.
Besides actual headlamps and fog lamps with LED technology, the Alpine’s production front also features a revised bumper with minor differences. In spite of that, the Alpine kept its sporty stance and classic A110 cues, including the hood, the nose, and the Porsche-style vents just under the rear glass. Around back, the X-shaped LED taillights with dynamic turn indicators give the car a highly modern look, while the sloping, wrap-around rear screen reminds me of Alpine’s past models.
Powering the A110 is a new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The engine produces 252 bhp and 320Nm of torque, which seems low, but because of its low weight if can still go from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds.
Production kicks off with the Premier Edition, which adds a few extra features on the outside. For instance, color choices are limited to Alpine Alpine Blue, Noir Profond (black), and Blanc Solaire (white), while the 18-inch forged aluminum wheels in matte black finish are exclusive to this versions. In the UK, the first cars are priced at £50,000 or $60,000. Unfortunately the car won't be available for the US. market. (express.co.uk, topspeed.com, autoblog.com)
In Alpine Blue
Blanc Solaire (white)
2016 Alpine Vision Concept
Renault Alpine A110 (1961-1977)
Above (L) Alpine A110 (2017) , (R) Alpine A110 (1961-77)
(Photos from ultimatecarpage.com, autoblog.com)