Updated Alpine A110 unleashed
French performance brand introduces raft of updates and splits the range into three different modelsA freshened-up version of the Alpine A110 coupe has broken cover with a more comprehensive update than anticipated, with a power boost, chassis tweaks, more in-car tech and a new aero pack that raises the top speed to 275km/h.
As part of the facelift, Renault's standalone performance brand has also reconfigured the 2022 Alpine A110 line-up which includes dropping the Pure and Legende trim levels.
There's now a base model simply called the 'A110', a new A110 GT and the more extreme A110 S.
All three remain powered by the same turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that's combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that sends its power to the rear wheels.
As part of the upgrade, engineers have turned the wick up from 215kW to 221kW for both the A110 GT and A110 S, while torque has been boosted to 340Nm.
With weight kept down to a commendable 1109-1140kg (depending on model), Alpine claims both the A110 GT and A110 S can reach 100km/h from rest in just 4.2 seconds – 0.2sec quicker than before.
Top speed remains pegged at 250km/h for the A110 GT and 260km/h for the A110 S.
That said, top speed for the A110 S can be raised to 275km/h if you plump for the new S-specific Aero kit that adds a new carbon-fibre front splitter, larger rear spoiler and underfloor fairings for the diffuser.
The base A110, meanwhile, keeps the old Pure's 185kW/320Nm engine calibration which provides for a 4.5sec 0-100km/h time and a 250km/h top speed.
Improving performance on track, Alpine now offers a new exposed carbon-fibre roof that cuts 1.9kg from the kerb weight and lowers the centre of gravity.
There's also a more extreme Michelin Cup 2 tyre for track use.
Differentiating the A110 GT from the more hard-core A110 S, the GT has a softer, more supple chassis that is claimed to make it a more refined prospect for road use.
The A110 S, meanwhile, carries over the firmer set-up that includes 50 per cent stiffer springs and 100 per cent stiffer anti-roll bars. The A110 S also sits 4mm lower on the road.
Within the minimal A110 cabin there's a new 7.0-inch touch-screen that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can now be updated over-the-air.
Available in a wide range of exterior paint colours, for 2022 the A110 S comes with the added option of a Fire Orange body and black roof.
It's still not been explicitly confirmed if the Alpine A110 has been re-engineered to conform to Australian ADR 85 side-impact regulations.
If it hasn't, the A110 will be withdrawn from sale after a three-year stretch in which it sold just 83 cars.
On the upside, the brand is set to return in the coming years with a new line-up of pure-electric sports cars and SUVs.
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