Alpine A110 R Ultime: The Most Extreme Edition Yet

Alpine wasn't ready to call it a day. As the era of the A110 draws to a close, making way for an upcoming electric successor, the brand is sending off this lightweight marvel in spectacular fashion with the A110 R Ultime.

Limited to Just 110 Units

As its name suggests, the A110 R Ultime will be produced in a strictly limited run of 110 units. This final edition pushes the boundaries of the A110's already impressive performance, dialing up every aspect of this nimble sports car. We’ll dive into its design and pricing, but the real story is under the hood: the powertrain. For the first time, the A110 has been equipped to handle extra torque, a feat that required replacing the standard seven-speed DCT with a robust DW6 gearbox, a six-speed Renault dual-clutch unit.

Enhanced Performance Specs

The A110 R Ultime benefits from upgraded turbo components, including a new compressor and turbine, which boosts the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine to 350 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These figures represent an increase of 50 hp and 59 lb-ft over previous versions of the A110. Running on RON102 fuel, the Ultime promises thrilling performance with 192 hp per liter. Although the curb weight hasn’t been revealed yet, expect the usual lightweight ethos of the A110, allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.8 seconds.

More Than Just Extra Power

The A110 R Ultime is not just about added power. The car features Öhlins adjustable dampers, a bespoke braking system with new ducts, performance pads, and AP Racing discs. Aerodynamics have also been improved, with the Ultime generating an additional 160 kg of downforce compared to the A110 R Turini. It runs on forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tires, indicating that the standard carbon wheels may have been too cumbersome for everyday use. An Akrapovič exhaust system comes as standard, enhancing both the performance and sound.

Bespoke Personalization Options

What sets the A110 R Ultime apart from other editions is the extensive level of personalization available. Alpine offers two customization tiers: Atelier and Atelier Sur-Mesure. The Atelier level allows for a choice of 27 exterior paint colors, four Alcantara shades (grey, blue, red, orange), and matching stitching, dashboard, and floor mats. For those looking for something truly unique, the Sur-Mesure option adds nine additional Alcantara colors, 10 leather hues, as well as custom embroidery, embossing, and braiding. Exterior carbon fiber elements can also be colored to match, ensuring every Ultime can be tailored to the owner’s tastes.

The Exclusive 'La Bleue' Edition

Among the 110 units, Alpine will offer a special "La Bleue" edition, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Limited to just 15 cars, this version features a stunning blend of Alpine Vision Blue and Abysse Blue in a hand-finished gradient that extends to the interior. Priced at €330,000 (approximately £276,000), it represents the pinnacle of Alpine craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the remaining 95 units are priced at €265,000 (about £222,000), making them a relative bargain for collectors eager to own a piece of automotive history.

A Tribute to the A110 Legacy

The A110 R Ultime is more than just a final edition; it's a tribute to the legacy of the Alpine A110. As the brand prepares to transition to electric power, this model stands as a celebration of everything that made the A110 an iconic sports car lightweight, nimble, and designed for driving purists. With only 110 units available, the A110 R Ultime is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Alpine's celebrated past before the future arrives.