ALPINE A 110: EVERYDAY ATHLETE

In its recent history The French Renault has been trying to become an exclusive car brand. Futuristic design in  cars such as the Renault Avantime and the Vel Satis found a cold reception with customers and Renault eventually returned  to more understandable design forms.

 Renault Avantime 2001. and Renault Vel Satis 2002.

But, with meteoric growth in sales of its sub-brand Renault has compensated for the consequences of the economic-financial crisis from the last decade. 'Life always finds the way' as Dr. Malcolm pointed out in 'Jurassic Park'. The crisis is now a thing of the past and after more than 20 years  Renault started to rebuild the true sports car under the iconic name Alpine A110.

 the new and the old Alpine A 110 

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Renault has reinvented the legendary Alpine A110, a small sports car which was a rally star in the 60s and 70s. 418 cm long the new A110 is by today's standards also small sports car and direct rival to  the Porsche Cayman. The Alpine A110 is 20 cm shorter and over 200 kg lighter than the Cayman. Interestingly, the A110 with a price of 55-60 000 euros is somewhat more expensive than the basic version of the Cayman which costs  around 53 000 euros.

The Alpine A110 engine and drivetrain are located in the rear. The body and chassis are made of aluminum so the entire car weighs only 1103 kilograms. Renault 1.8 turbo engine with 249 hp catapults the A110 from 0 to 100 in 4.5 seconds. The maximum speed is about 250 km / h. The gearbox with double clutch and has seven speeds that change with wheel mounted paddles. Thanks to its low center of gravity, the A110 is well balanced on the road. Relatively soft suspension will be welcomed by the customers who will drive this athlete on a daily basis. The A110 does not incorporate too much technology and gadgets so that Renault has put  an emphasis on driving pleasure.

The retro design theme is inspired by the original a 110 from 1961. I would dare to say that the Alpine A110, with the Fiat 500 and the Dodge Challenger, is one of the finest modern design interpretations of the retro original. The modern instrument panel and the passenger cabin has been successfully integrated with soft and dynamic retro lines of the exterior.

On the basis of Renault Sport's expertise and experience, Renault's designers and engineers have  successfully combined all the aesthetic and technical ingredients in construction of this elegant car. It should not be forgotten that Renault is one of the pioneers of modern turbo engines. The initial market interest for this sexy French car is big. With the new Alpina A110 Renault has successfully hit the target with this somewhat exotic, yet practical sports car.

We should not doubt that the Alpine A110 with its thrummy turbo sound and elegant appearance will be a common sight on the european roads. In addition to the old continent, the sales of the Alpine A110 will begin- in Japan and Australia.