In the thrilling world of high-performance sports cars, Alpine has just thrown down the gauntlet. Recent, albeit unofficial, stopwatch times suggest that their under-wraps A110 RS has outpaced the Porsche Cayman GT4 during a rigorous Nurburgring test. The times, however, didn't quite topple the blistering Cayman GT4 RS, maintaining the heated competition alive and sizzling.
June 16, 2024, at 07:55
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- A prototype A110 RS clocked an impressive 7:18.77, putting it ahead of the Cayman GT4 yet behind the GT4 RS.
- The new RS is expected to be feather-light, weighing under 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), and packing more power than the standard A110’s 300 hp.
- Expect the Alpine's price to surpass the current A110 R, positioning it firmly in the elite echelon.
Update 6/16: Fresh spy photos reveal continued aerodynamic testing on what is believed to be the new A110 RS. Currently, there's a focus on optimizing aero elements at the rear corners.
Photos Baldauf
Alpine’s R&D team has been caught testing their elusive A110 at the gruelling Nurburgring track. Enlisting the expertise of F1 driver Esteban Ocon, alongside Renault/Alpine’s veteran test driver Laurent Hugron, Alpine’s intention is clear: to dominate the 'Ring.
The team spent extensive time fine-tuning a track-focused prototype, with our spy photographer not just snapping pictures but also timing the amazing run. Ocon's lap showed 7:18.77, placing it ahead of the Porsche Cayman GT4 but still shy of the GT4 RS's blistering time.
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The GT4 RS's benchmark stands at 7:09.3, and with Manthey Racing’s fine-tuned touches, it clocked an astonishing 7:03.12 this summer. Alpine’s RS, or possibly Trophy-R, as it might be duly named, will have to shatter these records to etch its name in the 'Ring's history books.
The battle on the scales sees the current A110 R at a mere 1,082 kg (2,385 lbs), with the upcoming RS potentially dipping below 1,000 kg. This would make it considerably lighter than the hefty 1,415 kg (3,120 lb) Cayman GT4 RS.
But Porsche’s 493 hp (500 PS) GT4 RS propels its weight with its formidable 4.0-liter flat-six. For Alpine’s ingeniously lighter machine to stay competitive, it would need a power boost from its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, potentially delivering 350 hp (355 PS) or more.
To date, Alpine has eked out 296 hp (300 PS) from this engine, equipping models such as the A110 S, GT, and R, where the focus has skewed towards weight reduction and enhanced suspension and aerodynamic tweaks.
Related: Alpine A110 Prototype Spied With More Aggressive Aero
This new apex Alpine model promises to refine every aspect of its predecessor. Observation reveals this prototype flaunting a tweak in rear spoilers and brake calipers compared to previous sightings.
While Alpine remains tight-lipped about its release, the sports car community buzzes in anticipation. Market circuits, however, suggest a heftier price tag, surpassing the already premium £89,990 ($110,000) A110 R. The RS could indeed be Alpine’s magnum opus.