The compelling new A110S model looks a bit meaner and has extra power and a stiffer suspension.
Alpine's enticing mid-engined sports car, the A110, is getting a new higher-performance variant called the A110S. With extra power, an upgraded chassis setup, and a few visual tweaks, the A110S makes us even more sad that this joyful thing will never reach U.S. shores—especially now that FCA and Renault's potential tie-up is apparently on the rocks.
There's an extra 39 horsepower in store for the Alpine's turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-four, which now makes 288 hp thanks to a bit of extra boost from the turbocharger. Torque stays the same at 236 lb-ft but is available throughout a broader part of the rev range. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic remains the only transmission option. It remains quite lightweight, with Alpine claiming a curb weight of 2456 pounds, or nearly 700 lbs less than a Porsche 718 Cayman S.
Chassis tuning changes for the A110S include stiffer springs and anti-roll bars and an 0.2-inch-lower ride height. Slightly wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and different wheels are included, too. The A110S will offer an optional carbon-fiber roof, which reduces the overall weight by four pounds.
You'll be able to spot an A110S based on its orange brake calipers, different badges, and exclusive colors including an optional matte gray. A110S-exclusive wheels are standard, and there's also an option for lightweight Fuchs wheels. Orange stitching inside replaces the blue found on lesser A110 models.
The price is steep, with Alpine charging nearly $75,000 for the A110S, an upcharge of about $12,000 over the base A110 at today's exchange rates. But since we Americans are only ogling at the A110S from afar anyway, does price even matter?
Source by caranddriver.com
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