Alpine A110S (2020)

Chassis

From suspension setup to stability control calibration, and from wheel geometry to tyre construction and compound, the A110S's chassis has been honed to deliver an intense driving experience.

At its core the Alpine A110S uses the same very lightweight and compact aluminium body structure as in any A110, but the unique configuration of the chassis has given the new version a distinct dynamic character. The new coil springs are stiffer by 50 per cent and the dampers have been tuned accordingly. The anti-roll bars - hollow to minimise weight - are firmer by 100 per cent.

The lowered ride height, reduced by 4mm, optimises the car's centre of gravity and lends the Alpine A110S excellent high-speed stability and instantaneous steering response. The bump stops have been tuned for ultimate body control. Overall, the focused chassis setup results in a high level of handling precision and dynamic efficiency.

New wheels and tyres (215mm on the front axle and 245mm at the rear) and a specific construction and compound for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres give the A110S great mechanical grip. The new tyres and the various chassis revisions ensure the A110S has a dynamic character of its own, both in theoretical terms and also in the way the car feels from behind the steering wheel.

Accordingly, the electronic stability control programme has been configured, particularly in Track mode, for ultimate precision and stability. The ESC system can still be fully disengaged.

Fitted as standard are the powerful Brembo brake calipers and 320mm bi-material discs that are optionally available on other versions of the A110.

Jean-Pascal Dauce, Alpine chief engineer, comments: 'Earlier versions of the A110 were pitched very much in line with the original 1970s A110 - just like that classic model they're playful and fun to drive. The A110S has a very different character. Its bespoke chassis setup makes it a very focused sports car. High-speed stability and handling precision are two of its defining characteristics. Although lap times are never a priority for our road cars, the new A110S is nonetheless faster than the A110 's other versions. However, what's important is that it is a comfortable and usable everyday car. The A110S wouldn't be a true Alpine if it was very firm or too hard-riding to be driven day-to-day. Nor does it demand a very high level of ability on the part of its driver to be fun and rewarding - just like our other models, the A110S can be enjoyed by drivers with any level of experience.'

Powertrain

With engine power increased by 40PS over existing versions of the A110, the Alpine A110S is the fastest and most powerful version in the range. The characterful 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine remains, but turbocharger boost pressure is increased by 0.4bar to deliver greater performance.

The peak power output of 292PS arrives at 6400rpm, some 400rpm higher up the rev range than the other versions 'maximum power output. Torque is rated at 320Nm and is available from 2000rpm to 6400rpm which is 1400rmp higher than on the 252PS engine. Consequently, the A110S's engine is not only more powerful, but also more thrilling in its delivery. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission. A brake-based e-differential system, meanwhile, ensures the A110S delivers very sharp and immediate drive away from a corner with minimal wheelspin.

The new horsepower figure means the Alpine A110S has a power-to-weight ratio of 3.8kg/PS, which compares favourably to the other versions' 4.3kg/PS. It sprints to 100kph from standstill in 4.4 seconds.

Jean-Pascal Dauce comments: 'The objective was to intensify the engine's character and power delivery. The A110S is characterised by high-speed stability and handling precision, and it was important to mirror those distinctive dynamic traits with the car's powertrain as well. Between 5000 and 7000rpm the engine is especially energetic. It continues to push forward even at those very high engine speeds, which really encourages you to stretch every gear all the way out.'

Alpine A110S - Technical Data

• Fuel type: Petrol
• Engine type: 1.8L 4cyl 16v turbocharged
• Maximum power: 292PS @ 6400rpm
• Maximum torque: 320Nm from 2000rpm to 6400rpm
• Architecture: mid-engined, rear-wheel drive
• Gearbox type: 7-speed DCT, wet clutch
• Unladen weight (DIN): 1114kg
• Power to weight ratio: 3.8kg/PS (262PS/tonne)
• Dimensions
  • Length: 4180mm
  • Width: 1798mm
  • Height: 1248mm
  • Wheelbase: 2419mm
• Track width
  • front: 1556mm
  • rear: 1553mm
• Chassis: double wishbones front and rear
• Brakes
  • front: 4 piston fixed caliper, 320mm discs
  • rear: single piston floating caliper, 320mm discs
• Drag coefficient: Cd: 0.32
• Drag area Cd*A: 0.621 (A 1.94m2)
• Fuel tank: 45 litres
• Boot capacity
  • front: 96 litres
  • rear: 100 litres
• Wheels and tyres
  • front: 215/40R18
  • rear: 245/40R18
• Top speed: 260kph
• Acceleration 0-100kph (62mph): 4.4 seconds