Alpine A110 R Review: Does It Work on a B-Road?

When it comes to performance cars, it’s common to see track-focused versions of popular models, such as the Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3 CS. These cars are designed with more aero, carbon fiber panels, and sticky tires to chase lap times. However, the Alpine A110 R is not your typical track car. With its soft suspension, compact dimensions, light weight, and modest power output, the A110 R is designed for fun on the road. But can it still perform on the track?

Design and Features

The Alpine A110 R is a makeover of the A110 S, with visible additions such as carbon fiber bits that include a bonnet, diffuser, various skirts, winglets, and a swan-neck rear spoiler. The wheels are also made of carbon fiber, and the car features a rear windscreen that is made of the same material. This means that drivers cannot see out of the back of the car.

Despite the added weight from the carbon fiber components, the A110 R has an extra 29kg of downforce at top speed. The car also features surprisingly comfortable carbon fiber-shell Sabelt seats inside, which help to reduce the weight by 34kg over the A110 S. However, some may find it odd that the car comes with a Focal hi-fi system, complete with a subwoofer behind the seats.

Performance

The A110 R has no more power than the A110 S, with 296bhp. However, it has several dynamic alterations that make it more serious on the track. These include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, unique anti-roll bars that are 10% stiffer in the front and 25% stiffer in the rear, and a set of unique coilovers by ZF. The ride height is lowered by 10mm, with a further 10mm reduction possible, and the coilovers are adjustable for compression and rebound over 20 clicks.

While the A110 R has more grip and more seriousness than the A110 S, it may not appeal to everyone. If you love the unique dynamic character of the standard A110, you may feel that some of the delicate sweetness has been traded for grip. However, if you want more precision, endurance, and cornering speed on the track, the A110 R will be a compelling choice.

Driving Experience

The A110 R offers massive track-day speed and giant-killing intent, according to Matt Saunders, who drove it on the track earlier this year. However, the real story is that it maintains 80% of its sweetness while massively increasing its on-track ability. It’s stiffer but better damped than before, and it still has the hyper-agile, almost rear-engined feel of the standard A110.

Even on the road, the A110 R is enthralling to drive. With its light weight and incredible grip, traction in the dry is unassailable. The car feels as if it’s capable of changing direction by 90 degrees instantly, with no inertia. Push harder in longer bends, and the weightier steering will eventually signal that some understeer is coming.

However, as a road car, the A110 R is still compromised in other ways. The lack of a rear windscreen is plain annoying, particularly as there is no digital rear-view mirror. The harnesses are also a faff, despite having only two buckles to do up. The car is fine for a Sunday blast or driving to a track day, but not much more.

Conclusion

The Alpine A110 R is a different kind of A110. It isn’t the obvious choice, and some may say it strays from what made it great. At £94,990, it may also be too expensive for what is now an even more niche proposition. However, the basic formula adapts to this more serious role remarkably well. With the Lotus Exige gone and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS winding down, a dual-purpose, one-tonne, mid-engined sports car is something to celebrate.