The Alpine A110 R Ultime is making waves in the automotive world, proving itself as a groundbreaking swan song for the legendary lightweight sports car. Described by Alpine CEO Philippe Kreif as a “supercar with the weight of an Alpine,” the Ultime combines cutting-edge engineering with exclusivity, redefining what a lightweight sports car can achieve.
Building on the legacy of the A110, the R Ultime pushes the boundaries of performance. Despite a modest power bump to 350 horsepower, the car is 20 seconds faster around the Nürburgring than the already impressive A110 R. With Nordschleife insiders reporting lap times under 7:20, this achievement positions the Ultime alongside heavyweight rivals like the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which saw similar time gains with a much larger power boost.
Alpine has spared no effort in fine-tuning the Ultime. Test driver Laurent Hurgon, known for setting records with Renault’s Trophy-R cars, has ensured that upgrades such as Öhlins dampers, AP Racing brakes, and wider Michelin tires harmonize to create a perfectly balanced package. The car’s aerodynamic improvements, including enhanced downforce, add to its cornering prowess and overall speed.
Design-wise, the A110 R Ultime is as bespoke as it is bold. Limited to just 110 units, no two cars will be alike. Stephanie Petit, Alpine’s head of design, has introduced new collaborations and customization options, including unique carbon fiber bonnets, exclusive paint schemes, and striking interior finishes like brown leather seats. The minimalist Alpine ethos remains intact while exuding an air of supercar luxury.
With customer deliveries expected soon and an electric A110 on the horizon, the A110 R Ultime represents a fitting finale for Alpine’s combustion-powered era. This lightweight marvel is a testament to what happens when meticulous engineering meets an uncompromising vision for speed and exclusivity.